If you’re looking for a fun, festive, and utterly delicious treat to celebrate the season, these easter no bake cookies are your new best friend. They combine the creamy richness of peanut butter and melting chocolate with the satisfying chew of rolled oats and the colorful crunch of Easter-themed candies. Best of all, they come together in no time and require zero oven babysitting, making them perfect for a quick holiday dessert, a sweet snack, or a delightful addition to any springtime gathering. Trust me, once you try these cookies, they’ll become a cherished staple in your Easter celebrations.

easter no bake cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Though these easter no bake cookies may sound decadent, their ingredient list is refreshingly straightforward. Each component plays a crucial role: the rolled oats provide hearty texture, the peanut butter adds creamy depth, honey or maple syrup sweetens naturally, chocolate chips bring in luscious richness, and the Easter candies add a pop of playful color and crunch.

Rolled oats: The base of the cookies, lending chewiness and whole-grain goodness.
Creamy peanut butter: Provides a smooth, nutty foundation that binds everything beautifully; try almond or sunflower seed butter for a nut-free twist.
Honey or maple syrup: Natural sweeteners that enhance flavor without overwhelming sweetness.
Milk chocolate chips: Melt into the mixture to add a velvety chocolate perfection every bite deserves.
Easter-themed candies: Think colorful M&M’s or cute little chocolate eggs for festive flair and texture contrast.
Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth, rounding out the flavors.
Pinch of salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall taste.

How to Make easter no bake cookies

Step 1: Melt and Combine the Sweet and Nutty Base

Start by warming the peanut butter, honey or maple syrup, and a pinch of salt in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously until the mixture becomes smooth and smoothly melded, about 2 to 3 minutes. This step ensures that your cookies will have that luscious, evenly sweetened base that holds everything together.

Step 2: Add Vanilla and Melt the Chocolate Chips

Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract for that lovely aromatic touch. Immediately add the milk chocolate chips and mix them in until they melt fully and create a shiny, velvety coating. This chocolatey goodness is what makes these easter no bake cookies irresistible.

Step 3: Mix in the Rolled Oats

Transfer the chocolate and peanut butter mixture to a mixing bowl and fold in the rolled oats evenly. The oats soak up the chocolate-peanut butter blend, giving the cookies a deliciously chewy texture, so make sure they are coated thoroughly and consistently.

Step 4: Fold in Easter Candies

Now for the fun, festive touch: gently fold in your Easter-themed candies. These add delightful bursts of sweetness and vibrant color that immediately signal springtime joy in every bite. Be gentle so the candies don’t break apart too much.

Step 5: Shape and Chill

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Using a spoon, drop generous spoonfuls of the cookie mixture onto the sheet, giving them cookie-like shapes. Pop the tray in the fridge for about 30 minutes to let everything firm up beautifully.

Step 6: Enjoy or Store

Once the cookies have set, they’re ready to devour! Serve them right away or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. These cookies make a quick snack or an adorable addition to your Easter dessert table.

How to Serve easter no bake cookies

Garnishes

Elevate these easter no bake cookies with simple yet eye-catching garnishes. A light dusting of powdered sugar can mimic a touch of spring frost, or sprinkle some extra mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts on top for added texture and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a scoop of fresh strawberries or a side of creamy vanilla yogurt. For something cozy, a warm cup of chai tea or milk complements the richness of the chocolate and peanut butter perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive display, arrange these cookies on a pastel-colored platter with fresh flowers or greenery. You can also serve them in cute Easter-themed cupcake liners or wrap them individually in cellophane tied with a ribbon for sweet party favors everyone will adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (which might be hard to believe), store your easter no bake cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This keeps them fresh and firm for up to a week, making them easy to grab for a quick snack or unexpected guests.

Freezing

To enjoy these cookies later, you can freeze them. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep well for up to three months and thaw quickly in the fridge when ready to eat.

Reheating

These cookies are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature to preserve their chewy texture. If you prefer a softer bite, let them sit for a few minutes at room temperature after removing from the fridge. Avoid microwaving as it may melt your Easter candies and affect texture.

FAQs

Can I make these cookies nut-free?

Absolutely! Swap the peanut butter for sunflower seed butter or a seed-based alternative to keep the cookies deliciously nut-free without compromising texture or flavor.

What if I don’t have honey or maple syrup?

You can use light corn syrup or agave nectar as a substitute. Just keep in mind the flavor may be slightly different, but the cookies will still be sweet and tasty.

Will these cookies soften over time?

They might get a bit softer in the fridge, but thanks to the oats and chocolate, they’ll hold together nicely. Storing them properly helps maintain the perfect texture.

Can I use dark or white chocolate instead of milk chocolate?

Definitely! Dark chocolate gives a richer, slightly bitter depth, while white chocolate offers a sweeter, creamier twist. Either way, your easter no bake cookies will be fantastic.

Is it okay to add nuts or dried fruit?

Yes! Chopped nuts or dried fruit like cranberries can add lovely crunch and chew. Just fold them in gently along with the candies to keep the mixture balanced.

Final Thoughts

These easter no bake cookies are truly a joy to make and even more delightful to share. With their vibrant colors, perfect balance of flavors, and simple preparation, they’re sure to brighten your Easter celebrations and bring smiles all around. I can’t wait for you to give this recipe a try and create sweet memories with every bite!

easter no bake cookies Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 31 reviews

Author: Jack
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 12 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Delightfully festive and easy to prepare, these Easter No Bake Cookies combine creamy peanut butter, sweet honey, and rich milk chocolate chips with crunchy rolled oats and colorful Easter-themed candies for a fun, kid-friendly treat that requires no oven time.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

1 cup rolled oats
½ cup creamy peanut butter (substitute almond or sunflower seed butter for nut-free options)
½ cup honey or maple syrup
1 cup milk chocolate chips
½ cup Easter-themed candies (such as M&M’s or chocolate eggs)
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

Instructions

Heat peanut butter mixture: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the peanut butter, honey (or maple syrup), and salt. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and well combined, about 2-3 minutes.
Melt chocolate: Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the vanilla extract and milk chocolate chips until the chocolate chips are fully melted and the mixture is uniform.
Combine with oats: Transfer the rolled oats to a mixing bowl, then pour the chocolate-peanut butter mixture over the oats. Mix thoroughly until all oat flakes are evenly coated.
Add Easter candies: Gently fold in the Easter-themed candies to distribute them throughout the cookie mixture without breaking them.
Form cookies: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a spoon, drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the prepared sheet, shaping them into cookie rounds.
Chill to set: Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator and chill the cookies for about 30 minutes until they firm up.
Serve or store: Once set, serve immediately or store the cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week to maintain freshness.

Notes

For nut-free versions, substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or a nut-free butter alternative.
Maple syrup can replace honey for a vegan-friendly option.
Ensure the candies added are suitable for your dietary needs or allergies.
Store cookies in an airtight container refrigerated to keep them fresh longer.
Chilling time may vary depending on refrigerator temperature; ensure cookies are firm before serving.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Category: Dessert, Snack
Method: No Bake
Cuisine: American