3 Ingredient No Bake Cookies – The Best Easy Dessert You Can Make

3 ingredient no bake cookies changed the way I thought about dessert. No oven, no complicated steps—just three pantry staples, a bowl, and five minutes. These aren’t just cookies; they’re a little slice of what inspired me to start baking in the first place.

Before I became the face behind My Bake Recipes, I was a self-taught home baker working out of a small kitchen with hardly any tools—only passion. I didn’t have fancy mixers or high-end ingredients. What I had was a craving for real, wholesome treats that felt like home. Recipes that anyone—yes, anyone—could pull off without stress or skill.

That’s why this cookie recipe holds such a special place in my heart. I remember standing barefoot in my kitchen on a rainy Saturday morning, craving something sweet but determined to stay healthy. So I grabbed some oats, peanut butter, and a splash of maple syrup. What happened next? A batch of chewy, golden cookies I didn’t even have to bake.

I built My Bake Recipes on that same idea: simple baking that brings joy, comfort, and health to your kitchen. You don’t need to be a pro to make magic happen. And this recipe? It proves just that.

Forget long ingredient lists or complicated instructions. These cookies are all about simplicity, speed, and satisfaction. You only need oats, peanut butter, and a natural sweetener—usually maple syrup. That’s it. You don’t bake them, which means no risk of burning, overbaking, or waiting for your oven to preheat.

What makes this even better? The recipe is naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and can be made 100% vegan depending on your sweetener. It’s flexible, forgiving, and packed with flavor and nutrients—no eggs, no flour, no problem.

They’re the perfect treat when cravings hit, but you want to skip the guilt. You get something that feels indulgent, but fuels your body with real ingredients.

3 Ingredient No Bake Cookies

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

These no-bake oatmeal cookies are the easiest, healthiest dessert you’ll ever make! With just three ingredients and ready in under five minutes, they’re completely free of butter, milk, and refined sugar.

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups rolled oats Can use quick oats
• ▢1 cup peanut butter * See notes
• ▢1/3 cup maple syrup
• ▢1/4 cup chocolate chips of choice optional

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

• Line a large plate with parpchment paper and set aside.
• In a large mixing bowl, add all your ingredients and mix well, until combined. Fold through your mix-ins of choice.
• Using your hands, form into 12 small balls and place on the lined plate. Press each ball into a cookie shape.
• Refrigerate for at least 20 minutes, before enjoying.

Notes

 Can substitute this for smooth almond butter, cashew butter, sunflower seed butter or tahini.

 

TO STORE: Leftover no bake cookies should be stored in the refrigerator, covered. They will keep well for up to two weeks. 

 

TO FREEZE: Either wrap cookies individually in parchment paper and place in a ziplock bag, or place them all together in one ziplock bag (no parchment paper needed). They will keep well frozen for up to 6 months. 

 

 

 

Keep it vegan. While the original recipe is naturally vegan, if you opt to use honey as the sweetener, some consider that not to be vegan-friendly.

 

Keep it gluten-free. I used certified gluten-free oats. If you use other brands or makes of it, this is often not the case.

 

Swap out the peanut butter. If you have a peanut allergy or don’t like the taste of peanut butter, you can use almond butter, sunflower seed butter, or tahini.

 

Add protein. Add a scoop of your favorite protein powder to make these cookies even more satisfying (just like in classic protein cookies).

• Author: Clara Parker

These cookies come together in five minutes flat—no baking, no cleanup, no drama. That makes them ideal for busy moms, fitness lovers, or anyone who’s ever said “I can’t bake.” You can even mix everything in one bowl and use your hands to shape them into chewy, energy-packed bites.

Because the recipe is so basic, it’s perfect for little hands too. Whether you’re teaching your child their first recipe or prepping lunchbox snacks, this one’s a winner.

Want to build more confidence in the kitchen?

Key Role of Oats, Peanut Butter, and Maple Syrup

Every great cookie starts with a solid base, and these 3 ingredient no bake cookies are no exception. Let’s break down what each ingredient brings to the table:

Rolled Oats – These are the heart of the recipe. They provide the chewy texture and a dose of fiber that keeps you satisfied. While quick oats work in a pinch, rolled oats hold their shape better and give the cookies that classic bite.

Peanut Butter – Acting as both binder and flavor booster, peanut butter adds richness, creaminess, and healthy fats. It’s what gives the cookie structure without needing butter or eggs. You can use creamy or crunchy, depending on the texture you love.

Maple Syrup – This natural sweetener holds everything together and gives just the right amount of sweetness. Unlike refined sugar, maple syrup also adds depth and a warm, caramel-like note.

When combined, these three simple ingredients create a perfectly balanced, no-bake treat with no need for flour, eggs, or dairy. And because the recipe doesn’t require baking, you retain all the nutrients—especially from the oats and nut butter.

Don’t miss our complete guide to flourless cookie baking here → No relevant internal links were identified in the provided sitemap.

Substitutes and Allergy-Friendly Alternatives

One of the best things about 3 ingredient no bake cookies is how customizable they are. Whether you have allergies, dietary needs, or just want to change it up, here are some perfect swaps:

Mixing and Shaping for the Perfect Texture

Making these 3 ingredient no bake cookies couldn’t be easier. You don’t need a mixer, oven, or even much time. Here’s how to do it, step by step:

1. Line Your Tray
   Start by lining a large plate or baking sheet with parchment paper. This keeps the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
2. Mix Your Base Ingredients
   In a large mixing bowl, combine:

• 2 cups of rolled oats
• 1 cup of peanut butter
• 1/3 cup of maple syrup

Stir everything together until fully combined. The mixture should be thick and sticky, but not runny. If it feels too dry, add an extra tablespoon of maple syrup. If it’s too wet, add a small handful of oats.

3. Add Optional Mix-Ins
   Fold in your favorite extras if desired. A few ideas:

• ¼ cup chocolate chips
• A handful of chopped nuts
• Dried cranberries or coconut flakes

These mix-ins elevate your cookies and give them more personality and texture.

4. Form the Cookies
   Scoop out small amounts of dough and roll them into 12 small balls using your hands. Place them on the lined plate, then press each one gently into a cookie shape.

Pro Tip: If the dough sticks to your hands, lightly oil your palms or chill the dough for 10 minutes first.

Unlike traditional cookies, these need chilling instead of baking. Place the shaped cookies in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes to firm up. If you’re in a rush, you can pop them into the freezer for 10 minutes instead.

Once chilled, the cookies become perfectly chewy and hold their shape—ready to enjoy straight from the fridge!

Quick Hacks:

• For protein-packed cookies, mix in 1 scoop of vanilla or chocolate protein powder.
• For breakfast cookies, add a spoonful of chia seeds and raisins.
• For crunchy texture, use chunky peanut butter and press crushed almonds on top.

These cookies are so forgiving that you can easily make them your own with whatever ingredients you have on hand.

Add-ins: Chocolate Chips, Protein Powder, Dried Fruit

The beauty of 3 ingredient no bake cookies is that the base recipe is simple—but the possibilities for customization are endless. You can create your own flavor combinations with just a few mix-ins:

• Chocolate Chips: A fan favorite. Stir in ¼ cup of dark, semi-sweet, or even white chocolate chips. Mini chips distribute better throughout the dough.
• Protein Powder: Add 1 scoop of your favorite protein powder to boost nutrition. Vanilla or chocolate flavors pair well with peanut butter.
• Dried Fruit: Chopped dates, raisins, dried cranberries, or apricots add chewiness and natural sweetness.
• Coconut Flakes: For a tropical vibe, add 2 tablespoons of unsweetened shredded coconut.
• Chopped Nuts or Seeds: Almonds, walnuts, sunflower seeds, or chia seeds add texture and healthy fats.

You can mix and match based on what you have in your pantry. The key is not to overload the base dough. Keep mix-ins under ½ cup total to maintain the right consistency.

Making Them Gluten-Free or Nut-Free

Need to tailor your cookies for dietary restrictions? No problem.

Gluten-Free

While oats are naturally gluten-free, they can be cross-contaminated during processing. Always look for certified gluten-free oats on the label. Most grocery stores carry them in the health food section.

Nut-Free

If you’re allergic to peanuts or packing school-friendly snacks, swap out peanut butter for:

• Sunflower seed butter
• Soy nut butter
• Tahini (sesame paste)

These options create the same creamy texture and binding power, with their own unique flavor.

Here’s a quick cheat sheet for customization:

You can also divide your dough in half and flavor each batch differently—one with cocoa powder and chocolate chips, another with dried cherries and coconut.

Best Practices for Short- and Long-Term Storage

Once you’ve whipped up a batch of these chewy, satisfying 3 ingredient no bake cookies, you’ll want to keep them fresh and ready to enjoy. The good news? They’re just as easy to store as they are to make.

How to Store in the Fridge

For short-term snacking, place your cookies in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and firm for up to 2 weeks.

To prevent them from sticking together, layer them with parchment paper.

Pro Tip: Use a glass container with a tight lid to help preserve flavor and texture longer.

Pantry Storage

If your kitchen stays cool and dry, you can store the cookies at room temperature for up to 3 days. However, refrigeration is best for structure and freshness—especially in warmer climates or during summer.

How to Prep Them for the Freezer

One of the most convenient things about 3 ingredient no bake cookies is that they freeze beautifully. You can make a double or triple batch, freeze them, and pull a few out whenever a craving hits.

Here’s how to do it right:

1. Cool Them First
   Let the cookies firm up in the fridge for at least 20 minutes before freezing.
2. Individually Wrap or Stack
   You have two options:

• Wrap each cookie in parchment paper and place them in a zip-top freezer bag
• Stack cookies in a container, separating layers with parchment paper

3. Label and Date
   Write the date on the bag or container. Cookies will stay fresh for up to 6 months in the freezer.
4. To Eat
   Just grab and go! Or let them sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes to soften slightly.

Quick Storage Reference Table:

Despite tasting indulgent, 3 ingredient no bake cookies offer a surprisingly balanced nutritional profile. Here’s what you’re really getting in each cookie:

Per Cookie (Based on 12-cookie batch):

Note: Values may vary depending on the brand of peanut butter or sweetener used. Add-ins like protein powder or chocolate chips will slightly alter the nutrition facts.

• Oats contribute complex carbs and fiber, supporting digestion and satiety.
• Peanut butter brings in healthy fats and plant-based protein.
• Maple syrup provides natural sweetness without refined sugar spikes.

• Gluten-free? Use certified GF oats.
• Vegan? Opt for maple syrup or agave (avoid honey).
• Nut-free? Use sunflower seed butter or soy nut butter instead.

Comparing With Traditional Baked Cookies:

Traditional cookies often include flour, butter, sugar, and eggs—resulting in higher saturated fat, more refined sugar, and fewer nutrients. Let’s break it down:

Let’s take a second to remember why 3 ingredient no bake cookies are a must-have in your recipe arsenal:

• Minimal ingredients: You only need oats, peanut butter, and maple syrup.
• No baking required: Skip the oven and get dessert in under 5 minutes.
• Fully customizable: Add chocolate chips, protein powder, or dried fruit.
• Healthy and flexible: Make it vegan, gluten-free, or nut-free with simple swaps.
• Perfect for any level: Whether you’re a kitchen newbie or a seasoned baker, this recipe fits right in.

They’re quick to make, easy to store, and delicious enough to impress kids and adults alike.

Want to master this recipe in under 5 minutes? Watch me make it in my own kitchen:

• “I use almond butter and drizzle dark chocolate on top—amazing!”
• “I add a pinch of sea salt to the top after chilling. Game changer!”
• “I make a big batch on Sunday and freeze them. Perfect for post-workout snacks.”

For more Recipes follow me in facebook and Pinterest

Have your own twist on the recipe? Drop it in the comments or tag us on Instagram with #mybakerecipes.