These No Bake Cookie Bars are easy to make and irresistible to eat. Made with oats, chocolate, and peanut butter (or Nutella), they’re a favorite for parties, gifts, or a quick family treat.

One of my fondest childhood memories is making no bake cookies with my mother and sister. We always looked forward to those moments, and now I enjoy making a similar batch with my own family. Over time I’ve given the classic recipe a small twist — turning the cookies into these chewy, chocolatey no bake cookie bars. They keep the familiar comforting flavor but present it in an easy-to-slice bar that’s ideal for sharing.
These bars are always a hit. Guests rave, plates are emptied quickly, and the recipe becomes the one people ask for again and again. If you want a simple, crowd-pleasing dessert that travels well to parties or can be wrapped as a homemade gift, these cookie bars are a perfect choice.
The method starts much like classic no bake cookies: sugar, butter, milk, and cocoa cooked together, then stirred with a creamy spread and oats. I add a touch of coconut and use Nutella or creamy peanut butter for a richer, slightly different flavor. If you prefer the original family recipe, you can follow that as well and simply press it into a pan to make bars. Or try both versions so you have the classic and the twist — everyone wins.
More No Bake Desserts
No Bake Cookies
No Bake Lemon Pie
No Bake Chocolate Wafer Cheesecake
Below is the recipe for No Bake Cookie Bars. It’s straightforward, quick, and reliably delicious.

No Bake Cookie Bars Recipe
Ingredients
- 1¾ cups (347 g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (114 g) milk
- 8 tablespoons (113 g) butter, cut into large pieces
- 3 tablespoons (16 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup (135 g) Nutella or creamy peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon (5 g) vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon (1 g) kosher salt
- 2 3/4 cups (245 g) quick cooking oats
- 1/2 cup (30 g) unsweetened coconut flakes
Instructions
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Spray an 8×8-inch pan with nonstick cooking spray or lightly coat it with coconut oil.
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In a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the sugar, milk, butter, and unsweetened cocoa powder. Bring the mixture to a boil and continue to cook for about 3 minutes while stirring. Remove from heat.
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Stir in the Nutella or peanut butter, vanilla extract, and kosher salt until smooth. Mix in the quick-cooking oats and coconut flakes until everything is well combined.
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Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Let it sit at room temperature for about 15–20 minutes, or until firm to the touch.
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Slice into 16 bars and serve. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for several days or refrigerate for longer keeping.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.
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Enjoy!
Robyn xo
