Cookie Rescue: How To Fix No Bake Cookies That Don’t Set Up

There are tons of no bake cookies to try that are fitting for every family, flavor preference, and diet type. But when these no bake cookies don’t set up, they create frustration for those making them.

If your no bake cookies recipe doesn’t set up, you might have to add some extra dry ingredients, switch up the items you use, or boil the liquid ingredients a little longer.

While no bake cookies might seem pretty simple to make, and they are, it can also take a little bit of experience to get the recipes just right. 

What Are No Bake Cookies?

No bake cookies are exactly like they sound: cookies that you don’t have to bake in the oven. These are fantastic recipes for families with young kids interested in helping in the kitchen because it is a safer way to prepare sweet treats.

Even though many no bake cookie recipes require no heat at all, some popular ones need a few items cooked on top of the stove.

Unlike your typical cookie recipes, no bake ones only have a handful of ingredients, making the directions reasonably simple to follow. 

The most popular recipes use a variation of these ingredients:

• Sugar
• Milk
• Chocolate chips
• Butter or margarine
• Cocoa powder
• Peanut butter
• Marshmallows
• Vanilla extract 
• Oatmeal
• Raisins
• Crispy rice cereal
• Peanuts

These ingredients are safe to eat raw and do not require heat to activate.

How to Fix No Bake Cookies That Don’t Set Up

If you have ever made no bake cookies, you might already know that getting some recipes to set up can be tricky, creating sticky, gooey, and undesirable outcomes.

So, why don’t no bake cookies set up a lot of the time? The main reason no bake cookies won’t set up is related to the number of wet ingredients you add to your dough. If your cookie recipe calls for milk, water, oil, or butter, you might have difficulty getting them to firm.

Although this can be a little frustrating, the solutions are fairly simple and can get your next batch of cookies to set without any issues.

Add Extra Dry Ingredients

A simple solution to solve your no bake cookie problem is adding extra dry ingredients to help soak up some of the liquid.

A little extra oatmeal, crispy rice cereal, flour, or cocoa can aid in firming the cookie dough, allowing it to keep its shape. This tactic might take some experimenting to get the ratios just right. 

Boil the Ingredients Longer

To help cookies set up, you have to boil some ingredients in a pan over the stove. Things like sugar, milk, chocolate, and butter must boil for a specific amount of time before it reaches the right temperature and the contents come to a rolling boil for anywhere between two and four minutes.

If you make a batch of no bake cookies that won’t set but know you measured everything right, you might want to boil the sugar mixture for the next batch a little bit longer or use a candy thermometer to make sure you’re getting the right temperature.

Put the Cookies in the Fridge

A quick solution to no bake cookies not setting is to place them in the refrigerator for a while. Cooling the ingredients can help them harden and stop the wet sugar mixture from spreading. 

Replace Problematic Ingredients

Some ingredients in no bake cookies can cause more trouble than they are worth. If you find your recipe with peanut butter won’t harden, try replacing it with crunchy peanut butter, another nut butter, or peanuts. Instead of melting chocolate in the pan with the other ingredients, add chocolaty cereal or cocoa powder to the cookie mixture afterward. 

The Best No Bake Cookies You Have to Try

With no bake cookies being such a popular way to whip up a quick and delicious batch of treats, there are many recipes you can choose from. The possibilities are endless, from those with only a few simple ingredients to specialty options.

Three Ingredient No Bake Cookies

Three ingredient no bake cookies are a fan favorite. These recipes can be tossed together within minutes and taste amazing.

Cookies with only a few different ingredients are often made by thoroughly combining everything without needing any heat.

The most popular ingredients to use when making these cookies include

• Chocolate chips
• Oatmeal (old fashioned oats or quick oats)
• Creamy peanut butter
• Maple syrup
• Fruit puree

• No Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Cookie – All you need to make these delicious no bake cookies is oatmeal, peanut butter, and maple syrup (plus chocolate chips to mix in!).
• Banana Oatmeal Cookies – To whip up these no bake cookies, you need banana puree, old fashioned oats, and peanut butter.

Protein No Bake Cookies

No bake cookies are a great way to get in your daily protein while enjoying a quick, healthy snack. 

While most no bake cookie recipes are packed with granulated sugar and carbs, these options offer something different and great for a pick-me-up after the gym.

• No Bake Chocolate Protein Cookies – If you are craving something sweet, these no bake protein cookies are a fabulous option and can be ready in just 15 minutes.
• No Bake Protein Balls – With just four ingredients and seven grams of protein per ball, these are a great no bake cookie option.

Vegan No Bake Cookies

When you are vegan, finding a delicious cookie recipe can be almost impossible, making you spend a fortune on pre-packaged options from the store. 

Well, we have news for you. There is a no bake cookie recipe out there that will make your mouth water.

• Peanut Butter Oatmeal Vegan Cookies – These vegan no bake peanut butter oatmeal cookies only require three ingredients: peanut butter, rolled oats, and maple syrup.
• Vegan No Bake Cookie Dough Bars -Vegan no bake cookie dough bars are easy to make and perfect for life on the go.

Kid-Friendly No Bake Cookies

Kids can be extremely picky eaters, so finding the perfect no bake cookie recipe for little ones can be complicated.

Here are a few great ideas for some no bake cookies even the most hard-to-please child will love.

• Peanut Butter Cocoa – After making these fabulous peanut butter cocoa cookies, let your kids top them with their favorite candies.
• Chocolate Hazelnut Spread – Hazelnut spread is a kid favorite, so these no bake cookies will be a popular dessert in any home. 

Final Thoughts

If you have trouble getting your no bake cookies set up, try one of the professional tips above and master the art of easy baking.