Just because it’s too hot to turn on the oven in the summertime doesn’t mean I’m giving up on delicious cookies!
I usually whip up a batch of no bake cookies when the kids are craving something sweet (and me too, let’s be fair).
I’ve tried a few different kinds over the years and now I have a handful of favorites I always go to.
I love how the fridge does all the work because in the middle of summer just the sight of my stove makes me sweat!
So if you’re looking for a way to satisfy your sweet tooth without turning your kitchen into a sauna, here are my faves I swear by:
Delicious No-Bake Cookies for Summer
These are the kind of sweet little fixes that come together with no oven and no complicated steps!
They’re perfect for when you want something homemade but can’t be bothered to break a sweat.
1. Lemon Oatmeal No Bake Cookies
Start by melting butter, sugar, and a splash of milk in a saucepan over medium heat until it gently bubbles.
Stir in a big scoop of lemon zest and a splash of vanilla (this gives it that bright, sunny flavor!).
Once it’s all smooth, take it off the heat and mix in quick oats until everything’s coated and sticky.
I usually use a cookie scoop to drop them onto parchment paper and flatten them slightly.
Stick them in the fridge and let them chill until firm enough to peel off easily.
2. Cookie Dough Frozen Yogurt Bites
Mix together some plain Greek yogurt, a splash of vanilla, a pinch of salt, and a bit of maple syrup or honey to sweeten it up.
Stir in a bunch of mini chocolate chips and small chunks of edible cookie dough (store-bought or homemade).
Spoon the mix into a silicone mold or mini muffin liners.
Freeze until solid, then pop out and keep them in a freezer-safe container for quick grab-and-go treats.
These are perfect when you want something cold and sweet without going full ice cream!
3. No Bake Haystacks
Melt butterscotch chips and peanut butter together until smooth, either in the microwave or a saucepan.
Toss in some crispy chow mein noodles and give them a good mix so everything’s coated.
Drop spoonfuls onto wax paper and let them set at room temp or pop them into the fridge if it’s warm out.
The texture is weird in the best way and somehow always hits the spot!
4. Fiddle Diddles
Sometimes I make these just because I love the name!
Bring sugar, butter, and milk to a boil for one full minute while stirring constantly.
Remove from heat and quickly stir in cocoa powder, vanilla, and a big scoop of peanut butter.
Fold in rolled oats until the mixture thickens and holds its shape.
Drop spoonfuls onto wax paper and leave them to cool and harden.
The trick is not walking away during that minute of boiling or they won’t set right.
5. Healthy No-Bake Coconut Cookies
Mix unsweetened shredded coconut with almond flour, a spoonful of honey or maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and a splash of vanilla.
Stir until it forms a sticky mixture that holds its shape when pressed.
Roll into small balls or flatten slightly into cookie shapes and chill in the fridge until firm enough to pick up without crumbling.
Add a handful of mini chocolate chips or dried fruit if you want to add something extra.
6. Avalanche Cookies
Melt white chocolate chips and peanut butter together until smooth and glossy.
Stir in crispy rice cereal and mini marshmallows but wait a minute before adding the marshmallows so they stay whole.
Gently fold everything together and drop heaping spoonfuls onto parchment paper.
Let them set up at room temp or stick them in the fridge for faster results.
You can also throw in a handful of mini chocolate chips once it cools a bit.
7. No Bake Cornflake Cookies
Melt butter, sugar, and corn syrup in a saucepan until bubbling and combined.
Remove from heat and stir in peanut butter and vanilla until smooth.
Pour over a big bowl of cornflakes and mix carefully so the flakes don’t get crushed.
Drop spoonfuls onto wax paper and let them cool until set.
Sometimes I shape them into little nests and top them with chocolate chips or sprinkles.
8. Quick and Easy No Bake Cookie Bars
Melt butter and peanut butter together with a bit of honey or brown sugar.
Stir in oats, a pinch of salt, and mini chocolate chips once it cools down slightly so they don’t melt too fast.
Press the mixture into a lined square pan and flatten with the back of a spoon.
Chill for a couple of hours, then cut into bars.
Keep them in the fridge for a firm, chewy texture.
9. Chocolate-Peanut Butter No Bake Cookies
Boil sugar, butter, milk, and cocoa powder for one full minute while stirring.
Take it off the heat and mix in peanut butter, vanilla, and quick oats until smooth and thick.
Drop spoonfuls onto parchment paper and let them cool at room temp.
These set up beautifully if you get that boil time right!
Try sprinkling sea salt on top before they harden for a sweet-salty twist.
10. No Bake Cookie Dough Bites
Stir together almond flour, peanut butter, maple syrup, and vanilla until it forms a thick dough.
Fold in mini chocolate chips and a pinch of salt for that cookie dough vibe.
Roll into small bite-sized balls and place them on a lined tray.
Pop them in the fridge or freezer until they firm up to your liking.
Store in an airtight container for easy snacks during those mid-afternoon “I need something now” moments.
11. Vanilla No Bake Cookies
In a saucepan, heat butter, sugar, and milk until it reaches a gentle boil and stir the whole time so nothing sticks.
Once smooth, remove from heat and stir in a splash of vanilla and a little salt.
Add quick oats and mix until well combined and glossy.
Drop spoonfuls onto wax paper and let them cool completely.
These are simple but surprisingly addictive with a warm, buttery flavor.
12. S’mores No Bake Clusters
Melt chocolate chips and peanut butter together until smooth, then stir in crushed graham crackers and mini marshmallows.
Mix gently so the marshmallows stay puffy and whole.
Scoop onto a baking sheet lined with parchment and flatten slightly if you want more of a cookie shape.
Chill until firm, then try not to eat three in a row.
Use milk or dark chocolate depending on your s’mores mood.
13. No Bake Banana Bread Bites
Mash a ripe banana and mix with oats, peanut butter, cinnamon, and a drizzle of honey.
Stir until it forms a thick, sticky dough that holds together when pressed.
Roll into balls and coat with crushed nuts, shredded coconut, or a cinnamon-oat blend.
Let them set in the fridge for an hour or so.
These also work well frozen if you like a firmer texture.
14. Peanut Butter Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats
Melt peanut butter and honey together in a saucepan until smooth and glossy.
Stir in cocoa powder and a splash of vanilla, then add the crispy rice cereal and fold everything together gently.
Press into a lined pan and smooth out the top with the back of a spoon.
Chill in the fridge before cutting into squares.
I like to add a drizzle of melted chocolate across the top once they’ve set if you’re feeling extra.
15. Mint Chocolate No Bake Oreo Bites
Crush Oreos into fine crumbs and mix with softened cream cheese and a splash of peppermint extract.
Stir until smooth and thick enough to roll into small balls.
Chill the balls for about 30 minutes, then dip them in melted chocolate and place them on a parchment-lined tray.
Store in the fridge so they stay firm and fudgy.
16. No Bake Almond Joy Cookies
Combine shredded coconut, chopped almonds, and mini chocolate chips in a big bowl.
In a saucepan, heat honey and almond butter until just bubbly, then pour over the dry mix and stir until everything’s coated.
Drop spoonfuls onto parchment paper and gently flatten each one.
Let them chill in the fridge until firm.
You can press a whole almond on top of each one before chilling for the full effect.
Keep Cool and Cookie On
Summer baking doesn’t have to involve actual baking.
These no-fuss treats hit the spot when it’s too hot to think straight, let alone preheat an oven.
Pick one, stash it in the fridge, and let the weather do its thing while your dessert sets!
