3 Ingredient No Bake Cookies (Vegan) – Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies!

The EASIEST recipe for 3 ingredient no bake peanut butter cookies!

Just a few minutes of prep for chewy ‘n satisfying vegan no bake cookies packed with rolled oats and creamy peanut butter. The best 3 ingredient no bake cookies!

How are you today? Hungry, tired, and perhaps ready for the easiest snack ever? What great timing… I’ve just revved up my easy no bake cookies engine and am about to share…

The best 3 ingredient no bake cookies! Nay, the best 3 ingredient no bake peanut butter cookies! Er… the best healthy no bake peanut butter oatmeal cookies. Oh, boy.

Okay, fine… I may have had one or three too many no bake cookies while testing recipes, but it’s all for the greater (yummier) good, ya know?

So are you ready for the best vegan no bake cookies ever? All you need are 3 ingredients, a few minutes of prep, and an appetite for something healthy and delicious! Let’s no bake these cookies!

3 ingredient no bake cookies in a stack on a cooling rack

What are no bake cookies?

No bake cookies are, quite simply, cookies that are made without any baking involved. Specifically, no bake cookies are made without the use of an oven.

Traditionally, no bake cookies [1] are made with stovetop heating. In traditional no bake cookies, you’d heat sugar, milk, butter and cocoa to create a sticky mixture for your cookies. Here’s one example of classic no bake cookies.

Then, you’d add oats, vanilla and peanut butter into that sticky mixture, thereby creating a cookie dough. You’d let them set, voila, no bake cookies! Here’s another example of no bake cookies.

Today, we’re making an easier, healthy & vegan version of no bake cookies. Today’s no bake cookies don’t require butter or cocoa powder. They’re peanut butter focused and made with just 3 simple ingredients. Check it out below.

Photo of Ingredients to Make Vegan Healthy No Bake Cookies

3 ingredients for no bake peanut butter cookies

These 3 ingredient no bake peanut butter cookies are made with just 3 simple ingredients. Check it out:

  • Peanut butter
  • Rolled oats
  • Maple syrup

how to make 3 ingredient no bake peanut butter oatmeal cookies

Today, we’re gonna learn how to make no bake cookies without milk, no banana and dairy free. These 3 ingredient peanut butter oatmeal cookies are so easy!

Remember, the photo tutorial below is just an overview. You’ll want to scroll to the bottom of the post to see exact instructions and ingredients in the recipe card.

First, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or wax paper. You can even use a plate!

Second, whisk together peanut butter and maple syrup in a large bowl.

Two photos showing How to Make 3 Ingredient No Bake Cookies – stirring peanut butter and maple syrup

You want to make sure the peanut butter and maple syrup are thoroughly whisked together, creating a cohesive mixture that’s like soft frosting. ⬇️

closeup of sweetened peanut butter mixture

Third, heat this sweetened peanut butter mixture until warm, fragrant, and just a bit dried out.

Check out the teeny, tiny bubbles that appear when the mixture is ready.

Two photos showing How to Make 3 Ingredient No Bake Cookies – heated peanut butter mixture with bubbles

Fourth, add rolled oats to that same bowl. Then, stir and fold until well-mixed.

Two photos showing How to Make 3 Ingredient No Bake Cookies – stirring oats into peanut butter

Fifth, scoop and drop balls of peanut butter oatmeal cookie dough onto a prepared baking sheet.

Then, grab a fork and flatten no bake cookies to desired thickness. Make a crisscross pattern.

Two photos showing how to make No Bake Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies – scooping cookie dough

Lastly, chill peanut butter oatmeal cookies until firm. Then, enjoy the best vegan no bake cookies!

Overhead view of vegan no bake cookies on a black background

q&a for healthy no bake peanut butter oatmeal cookies

  • How do I store these 3 ingredient peanut butter oatmeal cookies?
  • Store your no bake cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 month in the fridge or at room temperature.
  • Can I freeze these 3 ingredient no bake peanut butter cookies?
  • Yes! Store your vegan no bake cookies in a freezer-friendly container for up to 2 months. Just make sure to thaw cookies before enjoying.
  • Are there stovetop directions for these healthy no bake peanut butter oatmeal cookies?
  • Yes! Check out the Notes section of the recipe for directions.
  • Why are these no bake cookies made without milk?
  • Because I can! Lol. J/K! I wanted to reduce the amount of ingredients in these 3 ingredient no bake cookies to as little as possible. Milk is just not needed in this recipe.
  • Can I reduce the amount of maple syrup in these no bake cookies?
  • Yes, you can reduce the maple syrup a bit. Just make sure to balance that out by reducing the oats as well—play around with it! You can also use my Easy Peanut Butter No Bake Cookies, which is made with less sweetener. 🙂
  • What can I do to reduce the amount of sugar in these no bake peanut butter cookies?
  • Try substituting some or all of the maple syrup in this recipe with this low-carb, low sugar liquid monkfruit sweetener. I’ve used it in a number of keto recipes and had wonderful results.
  • Can I use quick oats in these no bake vegan cookies?
  • I wouldn’t recommend it. Some readers have tried using quick oats with varied success. Stick to old-fashion oats for the best results.
  • Can I use other types of nut or seed butter in these no bake cookies?
  • Yes! If you’re nut-free, use sunflower seed butter. If you’d like to use another nut butter, try almond butter, cashew butter or even pecan butter! 

The best 3 ingredient no bake cookies: delicious no bake peanut butter cookies packed with oatmeal, made with healthy vegan ingredients.

3 ingredient no bake cookies in a stack of 3

📸 Did you make this 3 ingredient no bake cookies recipe? Take a pic and share it on Instagram with the hashtag #beamingbaker & tag @beamingbaker. I’d love to see it! 📸

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3 ingredient No Bake Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies: super easy recipe for healthy no bake cookies without milk—the best gluten free vegan peanut butter cookies! #PeanutButter #NoBake #Oatmeal #Vegan #GlutenFree | Recipe at BeamingBaker.com

3 Ingredient No Bake Cookies (Vegan) – Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies!


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5 from 66 reviews

  • Author: Demeter | Beaming Baker
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 1622 cookies (mine made 19.5 cookies) 1x
  • Diet: Vegan

Description

The EASIEST recipe for 3 ingredient no bake peanut butter cookies! Just a few minutes of prep for chewy ‘n satisfying vegan no bake cookies packed with rolled oats and creamy peanut butter. The best 3 ingredient no bake cookies!


Ingredients

Scale

Instructions

  1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or wax paper. Set aside.
  2. In a large, microwave-safe bowl, add peanut butter and maple syrup. Whisk together until well mixed. *Stovetop instructions in Notes.
  3. Heat in 20-second increments in the microwave until warm and fragrant, and the mixture begins to dry out (about 4-7 rounds). Whisk in between heating increments.
  4. Add oats to the peanut butter mixture. Stir and fold until thoroughly combined.
  5. Using a medium cookie scoop, scoop and drop balls of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, evenly spaced apart. Using a fork, flatten cookies to desired thickness.
  6. Chill in the freezer for 15-25 mins, until firm. Enjoy! Storing instructions below.

Looking for a lower sugar version? Try this –> Easy Peanut Butter No Bake Cookies

3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Recipes!

 

Notes

*Stovetop Instructions: In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, add peanut butter and maple syrup. Whisk until well incorporated. Stir occasionally, heating until this mixture begins to bubble. Remove from heat and carefully pour over the dry mixture.

Where to Buy Ingredients: Organic Peanut Butter | Gluten Free Rolled Oats | Pure Maple Syrup

Storing Instructions: Store in an airtight container, such as these reusable zip bags, in the refrigerator or at room temperature for up to 1 month. After the first day, you can store them at room temperature—they’ll be more firm.

Freezing Instructions: Store no bake cookies in freezer-friendly container or bag for 1-2 months. These reusable storage bags are freezer-friendly. Allow to thaw at room temperature for 5-15 minutes before enjoying.

Recommended ToolsMedium Cookie ScoopUnbleached Parchment PaperBaking Sheet

Nutrition Information: is an estimate based on the best-selling, most common brands per ingredient. Also, it’s estimated based on 22 servings per recipe.

  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 25 mins
  • Category: Dessert, Snacks
  • Method: No Bake
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cookie
  • Calories: 115
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 0mg
  • Fat: 6g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Alright, so I may have lost control of the introduction to today’s no bake cookies recipe… forgive me. 😉 Wanna make some cookies? 🙂 I can’t wait to hear what you think of today’s vegan no bake cookies! Thanks for stopping by…

Sending you all my love and maybe even a dove, xo Demeter ❤️

This post may contain affiliate links, which allow me to make a small commission for my referral, at no additional cost to you.

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228 Comments

  1. Can I use regular pb on these in case that I can’t find any natural pb in the grocery? Thank you.

    1. Hi Maria, funny you should ask, I’ve recently received this question. Here’s what I said: I think it could work–but perhaps with a bit more maple syrup? I’m not completely sure since regular peanut butter is much thicker than liquidy natural. Maybe try making a smaller batch to see how they turn out, and adjust as need be. Hope this helps! Let me know how they turn out. 🙂

    2. I added a heaping teaspoon of coconut oil to regular peanut and the recipe turned out great.Will definitely make these again.

  2. Easy quick and yummie. Love that. Next time I will toast the oats in a frying pan. Thinking it will give even more flavour. Will definitely make again.

    1. Hi Jan, it’s so wonderful to hear that you enjoyed these cookies! 🙂 It’s a great idea to toast the oats–I haven’t done that in ages and now I’m wondering why. Haha. Can’t wait to hear how you like them with toasted oats. Enjoy!

  3. Made these since we ran out of granola bars! I used crunchy PB (added about 2T – 4T extra per your instructions from other comments) and had some mini chocolate chips (about 1/4 C). They were really yummy! I did keep them in the fridge since they sort of fell apart when soft. Maybe I needed even more PB? My sister came over and loved them! She asked me to make some to bring on our family vacation this year! Thanks for the recipe!






    1. Hi Brianna! So glad you enjoyed them. 🙂 Did you swap 1/4 cup of oats out for the chocolate chips, or did you just add those in on top of the oats? That might be the reason why they fell apart–too much dry. Let me know so we can figure it out together. 🙂 Isn’t it the best when your family loves the recipe too? Thank you for reporting back. Happy no baking! 🙂

      1. Ah. No, I didn’t reduce the oats by 1/4 cup! Will try that next time. Thanks!

      2. Okay, that’ll do it! Too much dry and the cookies will fall apart. Also, melting chocolate would mess up the wet ingredients too. Enjoy! 🙂

  4. I hate to be “that girl” haha, but do you think this would fly with regular kraft peanut butter?

    1. Lol. No worries! Hmm… I think it could work–but perhaps with a bit more maple syrup? I’m not completely sure since regular peanut butter is much thicker than liquidy natural. Maybe try making a smaller batch to see how they turn out, and adjust as need be. Good luck, Elisha! 🙂

    1. Hi Marie! A few readers have told me that they do actually freeze well. I think you’d just have to thaw them before enjoying–unless you like your cookies very firm. 🙂 Enjoy!

  5. I just made the no bake peanut butter oats cookie and I love them. Thanks for sharing the recipe.

    1. Hi Angel Love, I’m so happy to hear that! Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts on this recipe. Can’t wait to see what you try next! 🙂

  6. I see a lot of positive feedback here. What nut butter would you recommend substituting for those of us with peanut allergies? I love cashew, but that would be expensive. Almond has a different flavor all together. Maybe a combination of a few?

    1. Hi Desirae! As for a more affordable nut butter option, you might try sunbutter. Okay, it’s actually a seed butter (hehe). It’s a bit more expensive than peanut butter, but cheaper than almond butter. Side note, I think these actually taste great with almond butter, so you can give that a try as well. Can’t wait to hear what you think! 🙂

  7. How long did you microwave the peanut butter/ syrup for? I did it forever but never got bubbles.

    Thanks 🙂

    1. Hi Casie! I did 2-4 heatings in the microwave. 🙂 You should see the PB maple syrup mixture aerate a bit–not with large bubbles, but lots of tiny ones. Does that make sense? Hehe. Basically, it should get drier and fluff up a bit. As long as you were able to make the cookies, chill them, then enjoy a tasty, chewy texture, you did it right! 🙂

  8. I made these with 1/2 creamy, 1/2 crunchy PB, because that is what I had. They were very good but next time I will add a little maple extract because I couldn’t taste the maple syrup and I like maple and PB together.






      1. All comments go through moderation before they go on the blog. 🙂 I get quite a few comments, and like to respond to them in order. Thanks for commenting! 🙂

    1. Such a tasty idea to use 1/2 crunchy, 1/2 creamy! Maple and PB really do go well together. Thanks for reporting back! 🙂

  9. YES!!Very good and easy. Will be making again and again! Thank you for a simple recipe that really works!






    1. Woohooo!!! The best snacks are the ones that can be made quickly, in my opinion! Haha. Thank you for taking the time to leave your feedback. I truly appreciate it, Tina. 🙂

    1. Hi Barb, it might work, but you’d have to add in more peanut butter to increase the liquid a bit. Maybe add an extra 2 tablespoons to 1/4 cup of chunky peanut butter, and see how you like the texture. You might have to experiment to get your preferred consistency. Can’t wait to hear how it turns out! 🙂

    1. Aw yeah!! Anything with peanut butter is a winner! 🙂 I can’t wait to share them! Thanks so much, Marsha! xo

  10. NO WAY. This CAN’T be your first no bake cookie! I am almost inclined to search your blog for no bake cookies, because you are the no bake queen!! And HOW can you NOT have another no bake cookie on dis blog?! Perplexing! BUT I’m SOOOOO glad you are bringing cookies the no bake love now!! AND they are peanut butter oatmeal cookies!!! YAAAAAAAHHHHSS! It’s like you made these just for me!! You know I’m going to no bake these bad boys up and go to town like nobodies buisness! ALL DA NO BAKE COOKIES FOR MEEE! Nom Nom Nom Nom! Pinned. Obviously! Love ya bestie! XOXOXO
    P.S. You already KNOW I’ve eaten all the raw cookie dough straight from the bowl before.. and with my fingers no less. 😉






    1. Yes way!!! 😉 I know, it took me THIS long?? Who knows why or how. Haha. I’m gonna make some soon, I promise! Lol. How’d you know that I made these just for you?? Bestie connection? 🙂 Love ya more! P.S. with your fingers: totally makes it taste better. .

  11. Math-free parades are my favorite kind of parades and easy cookies are my favorite kinda cookies, so I will happily join you for both! Before we discuss how ridiculously easy these little cookie cuties are can we gawk at the delicious chewy oat-abundant texture for a moment because that might be drawing me in even more than the simplicity here. Somehow seeing all those oats poking through makes these feel more breakfast acceptable, don’t you think.? It’s true, there are so many ways to do the no-bake cookie thing (most of mine are basically just larabars shaped into cookies ha.) but I think the granola bar inspired method was a wonderful choice! And I’m sure there will be plenty more no-bake-ortunities (??) around here to try out ALL the ways.

    1. Haha. How’d I guess?? 😉 Oh yeah for the chewy oat-abundant texture. <--- Btw, can that be a thing now? Because that sounds AMAZING. These are totally breakfast acceptable! Looking forward to shocking and awe-ing you in the best way possible with future no-bake-ortunities. (Okay, that was hard to type haha). xoxo

  12. Demeter – I heard trumpets for real!!! Congrats – you rocked the socks off your first no-bake cookie recipe, girl! These look so “meaty” in the best way possible!
    Btw, have you tried Cadbury chocolate bars? well, one of my favorite flavors is the fruit and nut Cadbury bar – and if you are wondering why the heck is Shashi telling me this – well, I am telling you this cos I guess I would love to see a fruit and nut no bake cookie on here – maybe?
    I hope your week is off to a wonderful start, my friend! xoxo

    1. Aw, thanks Shashi! You’re always the sweetest! 😉 Meaty? Lol!! Thank you, I think! 😉 Oh gosh, I used to have those bars when I was a kid. I was actually thinking of making a v+gf version for the blog! Also, I was totally thinking about making a fruit and nut version of this! Must be the friend connection. Wishing you an awesome week ahead, Shashi! xoxoxo

  13. This is your first no-bake cookie? Woohoo! Aren’t they the best? I’m loving your super simple version, Demeter! I’ve never had a cookie with just three ingredients before, so this is blowing my mind. Peanut butter and oatmeal were made to be together. What a delicious cookie for Monday! Pinning these beauties! Wishing you happy Monday thoughts!

    1. Yep!!! The first of many to come! 🙂 Especially with the heat coming our way this summer. Glad to be blowing your mind, G! Hope you get to try and just love these. Thank you for pinning! Happy Monday, my friend. xo

      1. Do these cookies need 1/2 cup of maple syrup? Have you made them with with less maple syrup or none? Thank you!

      2. Hi Mary, I haven’t made them with less maple syrup, but I know that a few readers have. Maybe you can leave out a few tablespoons and play around with the amount of dry ingredients? Once you get the texture that you like, you’re all set! Good luck. 🙂

      3. Thanks! I’m going to make them without maple syrup. I’ll adjust the oats and see what happens. .

    2. I didn’t heat up the first two ingredients. I didn’t finish reading. I just mixed all together and froze them. Does that make a difference?

      1. No but if you want to use honey you can they also have a sweeter tast and its more healthy if you want

      2. I was only skeptical because I only have powdered PB by Lakanto. I used a little bit of boiled water and syrup to mix it to a creamy PB. I read that the addition of cinnamon powder or cardamom is good so I tried both but liked the taste of cinnamon powder better. I started flattening them to a cookie then I decided to just leave them as energy bites! So yummy! BTW everything was measured as per recipe! Thanks again for your genius, Demeter! ❤️