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    Home » Desserts » No-Bake

    21 Best No-Bake Cookies and Cookie Bars

    By Jill Baird · Published January 14, 2023 · Updated March 16, 2023 · 2 Comments

    best no bake cookies and no bake cookie bars recipes, easy cookies to make.

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    We’ve compiled 21 of our Best No-Bake Cookies, No-Bake Bars and No-Bake Energy Balls that are simple, delicious and can be made without turning on the oven.  This collection of nostalgic no-bake treats has a little something for everyone including healthy energy balls, ooey-gooey s’mores cereal bars and classic peanut butter no-bake cookies.

    Jump to:
    • Our Best No-Bake Cookies and Bars
    • Best No-Bake Cookies
    • Best No-Bar Bars
    • Best No-Bake Energy Balls
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Even More No-Bake Dessert Recipes

    Our Best No-Bake Cookies and Bars

    When life calls for something easy, you can count on this collection of our 21 Best No-Bake Cookies and Bars to have your back.  Whether you are looking for a quick cookie for a last-minute party or a simple after-school snack, you’ll find it all here.  

    We’ve pulled together this list of our absolute favorite no-bake cookies, no-bake bars and no-bake energy balls making sure we’ve got options for peanut butter-lovers, chocoholics and even health nuts.  Try something new and let us know what you think!

    Best No-Bake Cookies

    No-Bake Cookies are made by boiling a mixture of butter and sugar, then mixing in your favorite nut butters, cereals, oats and more.  As they cool, the sugar mixture helps hold them together so you never have to turn on the oven or heat up the kitchen. 

    The classic no-bake cookies on this list include family-favorites such as Nutella, peanut butter, coconut and more.

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    1. Peanut Butter No-Bake Cookies

    Made with peanut butter, marshmallows and oats, these are simple, classic and a total knockout.

    Chocolate no-bake cookies stacked on top of each other with little squares of parchment paper between them. best no bake cookies.

    2. Chocolate No-Bake Cookies 

    These quick and easy Chocolate No-Bake Cookies are made without peanut butter for a fudgie, nut-free take on the classic.

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    3. No-Bake Peanut Butter Cornflake Cookies

    These no-bake Peanut Butter Cornflake Cookies are salty sweet, ooey-gooey and so easy to make.  Filled with simple ingredients like peanut butter, marshmallows and crunchy Cornflakes cereal, it’s impossible to stop at just one!

    Nutella No-Bake cookies stacked on top of each other.

    4. Nutella No-Bake Cookies

    Made with Nutella, old-fashioned oats and mini marshmallows, this is a perfectly simple no-bake cookie recipe that everyone in your family will love.

    Nutella Cornflake Cookies on a sheet tray. easy no bake cookies. best no bake cookies, no bake cookies.

    5. Nutella Cornflake Cookies

    This is a delicious variation on our Peanut Butter Cornflake Cookies made for all of the Nutella-lovers out there.

    A hand breaking apart a Coconut Peanut Butter no-bake cookie. easy no bake cookies. easy no bake cookies.

    6. Coconut Peanut Butter No-Bake Cookies

    Loaded with shredded coconut, these no-bakes also have plenty of that irresistible peanut butter we all love.

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    7. Edible Cookie Dough

    These three versions of Edible Cookie Dough are deliciously worry-free and couldn’t be more simple.  Each recipe is egg-free and uses heat-treated flour so you can safely indulge in this favorite treat whether you put it in your ice cream or eat it by the spoonful.

    Best No-Bar Bars

    The no-bake bars you are probably most familiar with are everyone’s childhood favorite - Rice Krispies Treats.  We've got those, along with a few holiday versions to try. Also included on this list are peanut butter bars, Scotcheroos and other fun twists on the classics.

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    8. Soft and Chewy Scotcharoos

    Scotcheroos are like a soft and chewy peanut butter Rice Krispies Treat with an extra thick and rich butterscotch chocolate topping.

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    9. Peanut Butter Bars

    Our no-bake Peanut Butter Bars have a thick and yummy peanut butter layer topped with smooth and creamy chocolate that melts in your mouth.

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    10. Reese’s Peanut Butter Cereal Bars

    These No-Bake Reese's Peanut Butter Cereal Bars are an ooey-gooey, peanut buttery delight.  Topped with Reese's Peanut Butter Cups and a white chocolate drizzle, these cereal bars are bound to become a new favorite!

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    11. No-Bake Peanut Butter S’Mores Bars

    These no-bake bars combine peanut butter, marshmallows, Golden Grahams cereal and chocolate chips for a fun twist on the classic.

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    12. Fruity Pebble Rice Krispies Bars

    They're not just for kids. No one can resist the fun flavors and colors of Fruity Pebbles cereal in no-bake bar form.

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    13. Red, White and Blue Rice Krispies Treats

    These Red, White and Blue Rice Krispies Treats are the perfect dessert to bring along to any Fourth of July festivity. This colorful variation is a fun and patriotic way to make these nostalgic no-bake treats.

    Rice Krispies treat decorated to look like a birds nest, with three chocolate eggs on top. best easter no bake dessert.

    14. Rice Krispies Birds Nests

    These adorable little Rice Krispies Birds Nests are an easy and delicious springtime and Easter treat!

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    15. Classic Rice Krispies Treats

    Our version of Rice Krispies Treats is as gooey, buttery and delicious as the original with a few small tweaks.  A little extra salted butter and a hint of pure vanilla extract turns this already amazing sweet treat into something truly special.

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    16. Lucky Charms No Bake Cookies

    These Lucky Charms No-Bake Cookie Bars are a fun and delicious twist on the classic marshmallow cereal bars. They are a quick and easy no-bake dessert that’s perfect for St Patrick’s Day.

    17. Chocolate Rice Krispies Treats

    These Chocolate Rice Krispies Treats are just as quick and easy as the original recipe but with a yummy cocoa twist.

    Best No-Bake Energy Balls

    Energy balls are my favorite way to pack healthy fats, proteins, vitamins and minerals into tasty little morsels.  They travel well so are a great snack to bring along for car rides to soccer games or to tuck into kiddo’s lunch boxes.

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    18. Chia Oatmeal Energy Balls

    We mix plenty of healthy ingredients, like chia seeds, flax and oats, along with fun ones like M&Ms and Rice Krispies to please even your littlest eaters.

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    19. Triple Chocolate Energy Balls

    These no-bake energy balls combine yummy sweets with a healthy treat.  They are packed with oats, Rice Krispies, flax, peanut butter, protein powder, chocolate chips, cacao nibs and sweetened with honey and maple syrup.

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    20. Coconut Peanut Butter Power Balls

    These simple no-bake Coconut Peanut Butter Energy Balls make the perfect afternoon snack, breakfast on the go, or even dessert! They're packed with healthy fat and protein and can easily be customized.

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    21. Nutella Balls

    Inspired by peanut butter Buckeye candies, this Nutella version makes the perfect gift for neighbors, teachers or to eat all by yourself.

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    22. Peanut Butter Balls

    Sometimes called Buckeye Balls, these are a sweet no-bake treat, loaded with peanut butter, a little crunch and covered in smooth milk chocolate.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Why did my no-bake cookies turn out gooey?

    Most issues with no-bake cookies are the result of either cooking the sugar mixture too long or not long enough.  If you cook it for too long, your cookies can become grainy and crumbly.  If you don’t cook it long enough, they won’t set properly and will turn out gooey.  

    The best way to be sure is to use a candy thermometer and cook until the sugar mixture reaches about 235-240 degrees F.

    What are the best oats to use for no-bake cookies recipes?

    We recommend sticking to old-fashioned rolled oats for most no-bake oatmeal cookies.  The main difference between old-fashioned rolled oats and quick cooking oats is how thinly they have been rolled, which affects the texture and how much liquid they can absorb.  

    If you only have quick oats in your pantry, don't despair - just add about ½ cup more for each of these recipes.

    How should I store no-bake bars and cookies?

    You can store your no-bake cookies, bars or energy balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week, or at room temperature for up to 5 days.

    If you would rather freeze your no-bake cookies, store them in the freezer in an airtight container with parchment paper between each layer for up to 3 months.

    Even More No-Bake Dessert Recipes

    Craving even more easy no-bakes desserts? Here are more of our favorite no-bake cheesecakes, dips and parfaits.

    • No-Bake Mini Cheesecakes
    • Chocolate Oreo Parfaits
    • No-Bake Chocolate Cheesecake Dip
    • Buckeye Dip
    • No-Bake Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake
    • No-Bake Chocolate Cheesecake
    • Easy No-Bake Cheesecake
    • No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake
    • No Bake Cheesecake Bars
    • No Bake Chocolate Cheesecake Bars
    • More No Bake Desserts
    • More Best Dessert Recipes

    If you’ve tried this recipe, please rate it and leave a comment on this post. I love hearing feedback from you. It helps me and other readers too! If you love Pinterest,  feel free to leave a comment and photo there too.  Also, if you like to share, use the hashtag #thecarefreekitchen on Instagram and tag me @thecarefreekitchen so I can find you and give your post some love. You can also find me on Facebook at The Carefree Kitchen. Thank you!!

    Pinterest pin for no bake cookies collection. best no bake cookies, easy no bake cookies, no bake dessert recipes.
    No Bake Cookies Collection

    This roundup of our favorite No-Bake Cookies and treats has a little something for everyone - from healthy energy balls to ooey-gooey peanut butter and marshmallow cornflake cookies. Whether you are looking for a quick and easy cookie for a last-minute party, or a simple after-school snack, you’ll find it here.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Natalie

      August 09, 2021 at 11:10 am

      That's one amazing collection. Everything looks delicious! School starts soon so I'll be needing these no-bake treats for my kids for lunchbox. Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
    2. Gina

      August 09, 2021 at 10:53 am

      This is the ULTIMATE easy dessert list! Can't wait to make my way through all these for some easy treats!

      Reply

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    Hi! I'm Jill.

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