Easy No Bake Christmas Cookies Recipe for Holiday Cheer

Let me tell you, the smell of chocolate, peanut butter, and a hint of holiday spices swirling together on a chilly December evening is pure magic. The first time I made these Easy No Bake Christmas Cookies, I was sitting in my kitchen surrounded by festive chaos—wrapping paper everywhere, Christmas lights twinkling, and my kids eagerly watching me like I was about to perform some kind of culinary miracle. Spoiler alert: I did! These cookies were an instant hit. They’re the kind of treat that makes you feel like a holiday hero without the stress of turning on the oven.

Honestly, these cookies have become a family tradition. My kids love helping me roll the dough into little balls, sneaking bites of the mixture along the way (don’t we all?). They’re perfect for those moments when you’re short on time but still want to whip up something festive and delicious. Whether it’s for a Christmas party, a cozy evening with loved ones, or a thoughtful homemade gift, these cookies deliver holiday magic in every bite.

So, grab a mixing bowl, some holiday spirit, and let’s make something special together. Trust me, you’re going to want to bookmark this recipe—it’s dangerously easy and seriously scrumptious!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: No oven, no fuss—just mix, chill, and enjoy! Perfect for those hectic holiday schedules.
• Simple Ingredients: You probably already have everything you need in your pantry. No fancy grocery trips required.
• Perfect for the Holidays: Whether it’s a Christmas party or a cozy night at home, these cookies fit right into the festive vibe.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves them—from kids to grandparents. They’re a surefire hit!
• Unbelievably Delicious: The combination of chocolate, peanut butter, and holiday spices is pure comfort food bliss.

What makes this recipe extra special is its versatility. You can get creative with the toppings, make them gluten-free, or even add a touch of your favorite holiday flavors. These cookies are not just another no-bake recipe—they’re your new go-to for festive cheer!

What Ingredients You Will Need

This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients to create a holiday favorite that everyone will love. Most of them are probably already in your pantry!

• Butter: 1/2 cup, unsalted and softened (for richness and binding).
• Granulated sugar: 1 cup (adds sweetness and structure).
• Milk: 1/4 cup (use dairy-free milk if needed).
• Unsweetened cocoa powder: 1/4 cup (for that rich chocolatey base).
• Peanut butter: 1/2 cup, creamy or crunchy (your choice!)
• Old-fashioned oats: 3 cups (for texture and heartiness).
• Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon (adds a warm, sweet flavor).
• Holiday sprinkles: Optional but highly recommended for festive flair!

Feel free to make substitutions—almond butter works great instead of peanut butter, and you can use gluten-free oats to keep things celiac-friendly. In the spirit of the holidays, you can even add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a seasonal twist.

Equipment Needed

You don’t need much to make these cookies, which is part of what makes them so easy! Here’s what you’ll need:

• Mixing bowls: One for wet ingredients and another for dry ingredients.
• Medium saucepan: For melting the butter and sugar mixture.
• Wooden spoon: Ideal for mixing everything together.
• Cookie scoop or tablespoon: To form evenly sized cookies.
• Parchment paper: For easy cleanup and non-stick assembly.

If you don’t have a cookie scoop, don’t worry—a regular spoon will do the trick. And if you’re short on parchment paper, wax paper works as a backup.

Preparation Method

1. Prepare your workspace: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or wax paper. This is where your cookies will cool and set.
2. Combine the wet ingredients: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the sugar, milk, and cocoa powder until smooth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil and let it bubble for 1 minute, stirring constantly to avoid sticking or burning.
3. Add peanut butter and vanilla: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the peanut butter and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
4. Mix in the oats: Gradually add the oats to the saucepan, stirring until well combined. The mixture should be thick but not overly dry.
5. Form the cookies: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Shape them into neat rounds if needed.
6. Add sprinkles: If desired, decorate the tops of the cookies with holiday sprinkles before they cool completely.
7. Let them set: Allow the cookies to cool at room temperature for at least an hour, or place them in the fridge for faster setting.

Once the cookies are firm, they’re ready to eat! Store extras in an airtight container for up to a week—or freeze them for longer shelf life.

Cooking Tips & Techniques

• Timing is key: When boiling the butter and sugar mixture, make sure to time it for exactly one minute. This ensures the cookies set properly without becoming too hard.
• Don’t skip the parchment paper: It’s essential for preventing the cookies from sticking. If you don’t have parchment paper, use wax paper or a silicone baking mat.
• Texture matters: If the mixture seems too runny, add a bit more oats. If it’s too dry, a splash of milk can help.
• Chill for consistency: If your kitchen is particularly warm, pop the cookies in the fridge to help them set faster.
• Get creative: Customize your cookies with chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or mini chocolate chips for added texture and flavor.

Variations & Adaptations

These cookies are incredibly versatile! Here are a few ways you can switch things up:

• Gluten-Free: Use certified gluten-free oats for a celiac-friendly treat.
• Nut-Free: Swap peanut butter for sunflower seed butter or cookie butter for a nut-free option.
• Seasonal Twist: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even crushed candy canes for extra holiday magic.
• Chocolate Lovers: Stir in mini chocolate chips or drizzle melted chocolate over the cookies for an extra indulgent touch.

I once added crushed pretzels to the mix for a sweet-and-salty combo—it was a huge hit with my family!

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These cookies are best served chilled or at room temperature. Arrange them on a festive platter with some fresh greenery or ornaments for a holiday-ready presentation.

If you have leftovers (unlikely, but possible!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer and then transfer to a freezer bag—they’ll keep for up to a month. To thaw, simply leave them at room temperature for about 10 minutes.

The flavors deepen slightly after a day, making them even more irresistible!

Nutritional Information & Benefits

These cookies are a sweet indulgence with a touch of wholesomeness. Here’s a rough breakdown per cookie (based on 24 cookies):

• Calories: 120
• Fat: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Protein: 3g

With heart-healthy oats and protein-packed peanut butter, they’re a treat that offers a little balance amidst the holiday indulgence. However, they do contain nuts and dairy, so keep that in mind if you’re serving guests with allergies.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a stress-free way to bring a little extra cheer into your holiday season, these Easy No Bake Christmas Cookies are the answer. They’re simple to make, endlessly customizable, and packed with the kind of flavors that make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside.

<pi a="" ahead—make="" and="" brings="" busy="" family="" forever.="" friends,="" go="" holiday="" how="" in="" into="" joy!

Let me know how your cookies turn out in the comments below, or share your own festive twists. Happy holidays, and happy baking!

FAQs

Can I make these cookies without peanut butter?

Yes! You can substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter, almond butter, or even cookie butter for a nut-free option.

How long do these cookies take to set?

At room temperature, they’ll typically set in about an hour. If you’re short on time, pop them in the fridge for 20-30 minutes.

Can I freeze these cookies?

Absolutely. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep for up to a month.

Can I add other ingredients?

Of course! Try adding shredded coconut, crushed candy canes, mini chocolate chips, or chopped nuts for extra flavor and texture.

What type of oats should I use?

Old-fashioned oats work best for texture, but you can use quick oats for a softer cookie. Steel-cut oats are not recommended for this recipe.

Print