No Bake Cookie Bars
Simple, chewy, chocolatey No Bake Cookie Bars made with just a few pantry staples. They’re oven-free, quick to make, and endlessly adaptable, perfect for hot days, snacks, or dessert trays.
Equipment
- saucepan
- spatula
- measuring cups and spoons
- 8x8-inch baking pan
- parchment paper
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 cups rolled oats
- 1/4 tsp salt (optional)
- Optional: mini chocolate chips, shredded coconut, chopped nuts
Instructions
- Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine butter, sugar, milk, and cocoa powder.
- Stir constantly and bring to a rolling boil. Boil for exactly 60 seconds.
- Remove from heat and stir in peanut butter, vanilla, and salt until smooth.
- Add rolled oats and mix until fully combined.
- Fold in optional mix-ins like coconut, chocolate chips, or nuts.
- Press the mixture evenly into the prepared pan using a spatula.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until fully set.
- Slice into bars and store chilled.
Notes
Be sure to boil the mixture for 60 full seconds to ensure the bars set properly. For softer bars, use quick oats. These freeze well, wrap individual squares and thaw as needed. Try adding mix-ins like coconut or nuts to customize your bars.
Nutrition
Calories: 210kcalCarbohydrates: 27gProtein: 3gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 90mgPotassium: 90mgFiber: 2gSugar: 20gVitamin A: 120IUCalcium: 15mgIron: 0.8mg