These 35-minute No Bake Christmas Cookies are the perfect holiday treat and the best part is, you don't even have to turn on the oven! A combination of creamy peanut butter, rich cocoa powder, and festive M&Ms that will leave everyone reaching for seconds.
Growing up, my family always made it a priority whip up delicious holiday desserts, even during the busiest season. Whether it was making easy cake mix cookies or assembling no-bake treats like these, the kitchen was always filled with Christmas cheer and the irresistible aroma of Christmas desserts. These no-bake cookies have easily become one of my go-to recipes because they bring that same holiday joy without tons of preparation.
I love making these cookies as part of a holiday dessert spread or in a holiday cookie box. They go tandem with other Christmas favorites like Christmas popcorn, white chocolate Christmas crack, and copy cat York peppermint patties. The festive red and green M&Ms and sprinkles make them stand out, while the classic chocolate-peanut butter combo ensures they’ll be a crowd favorite.
Why these no bake cookies are the best
- No oven needed: These quick and easy cookies come together in no time and with no oven. Just like my Christmas wreath cookies.
- Festive look: With red and green M&Ms alongside red and green sprinkles, these cookies give off a cheerful holiday vibe.
- Customizable: Swap in or out different holiday candies to fit any holiday theme.
- Perfect for gifting: Package these up alongside some Christmas Oreo Truffles for the ultimate homemade gift.
No bake cookie ingredients
- Butter, sugar, vanilla: Classics in any baking recipe
- Milk: Whatever kind of milk you have on hand will work just fine.
- Cocoa powder: I like to use especially dark cocoa powder for a deeper chocolate flavor, but regular cocoa powder will do.
- Peanut Butter: Creamy peanut butter is best for a smooth, nutty base.
- Oats: Quick cooking oats add a chewy texture.
- Add-ins: Sprinkles, M&Ms, and anything else your heart desires.
Can I use a different nut butter?
Yes, if you're catering to a peanut allergy or simply don't like peanuts, you can use sunflower butter, almond butter, or another type of nut butter.
Can I use regular oats instead of quick-cooking oats?
Yes, but the texture will be chewier and less uniform. Quick-cooking oats blend in more easier, creating a softer consistency. If all you have is regular oats on hand, you can pulse them in a food processor for a few seconds to get a similar result.
How to make No Bake Christmas Cookies
Cook the base: In a large saucepan, add butter, sugar, milk, and cocoa powder over medium heat. Stir until the butter melts, then bring the mixture to a boil for one minute.
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Add the peanut butter and vanilla: Remove the pan from heat and stir in peanut butter and vanilla extract until smooth
Mix in oats: Stir in oats until fully combined.
Form the cookies: Using an ice cream scoop, drop spoonfuls of the batter onto a silicone mat or parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Press a few M&Ms into each cookie and sprinkle with Christmas sprinkles.
Set: Allow the cookies to set at room temperature or in the fridge for at least 25 minutes.
What if my cookies don't set properly
If your no bake Christmas cookies don’t set properly, it’s probably because the mixture didn’t boil for long enough. Make sure it reaches a full rolling boil for one minute. This is important for the sugar to dissolve and for the cookies to firm up as they cool.
Storing and freezing
Storing: Keep these cookies in an airtight container or ziplock baggie at room temperature for up to one week, or in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Freezing: You can freeze chocolate peanut butter no bake cookies for up to three months. Place them in a freezer safe container or plastic bag. Separate each layer of cookies with parchment paper.
More christmas recipes you'll love
- Christmas charcuterie board
- Red hots cookie recipe
- Creamy velveta fudge
- Christmas tree cheeseball
- Easy Grinch popcorn
- Cranberry mocktail
- Christmas cut out cookies with sugar cookie frosting
35-Minute No Bake Christmas Cookies
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter
- 2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 3 cups quick cooking oats
- 10 ounce bag of red and green M&M's
- 1 tablespoon Christmas sprinkles
Instructions
- Add the butter, sugar, milk, and cocoa powder in a large saucepan and cook over medium heat until butter is melted, making sure to stir often. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil for 1 minute.
- Remove from the heat, and stir in the peanut butter and vanilla extract until fully combined.
- Stir in the oats and mix until completely coated.
- Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto silicone mat or parchment paper lined baking sheets and press in a couple M&M's and sprinkle with Christmas sprinkles.
- Allow to cool for at least 25 minutes then enjoy.
Chandice Probst says
we love how easy these no bake cookies are to make, and they are so festive!