Classic No-Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 6 min
🍽 Serves: 24
★★★★★
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If you’re looking for a quick, crowd-pleasing treat that doesn’t require turning on the oven, these Classic No-Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies are your answer. They’re rich, chocolatey, and have a delightful chewy texture that’s hard to resist.

Ingredients for Classic No-Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies

Sugar: This is what sweetens the cookies and helps them set. Granulated sugar works best here.

Butter: Unsalted butter adds richness and helps bind the ingredients together. It also gives the cookies a smooth texture.

Milk: Whole milk provides creaminess and helps dissolve the sugar for a smooth mixture.

Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder gives the cookies their deep chocolate flavor. Make sure to sift it if it’s clumpy.

Vanilla Extract: This enhances the flavor, adding a warm undertone to the cookies.

Peanut Butter: Creamy peanut butter adds flavor and richness. It also helps the cookies hold together.

Oats: Quick-cooking oats are key for the chewy texture. They absorb the liquid but don’t require cooking.

Salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and enhance all the flavors.

Tips & Tricks

  • Timing the boil is crucial. Too short, and the cookies might not set; too long, and they can turn dry.
  • Use a cookie scoop for uniform sizes and easier handling.
  • If you have allergies, substitute almond butter or sunflower seed butter for peanut butter.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies are delightful with a glass of cold milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. For a special twist, consider crumbling them over a bowl of yogurt or using them as a topping for a bowl of warm oatmeal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use old-fashioned oats instead of quick-cooking oats?
Yes, but the texture will be chewier and less cohesive.
How do I store these cookies?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Can I freeze them?
Absolutely! Freeze in a single layer and then transfer to a zip-lock bag. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Classic No-Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies Recipe Walkthrough

Start by combining the sugar, butter, milk, and cocoa powder in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly to ensure everything melts and combines smoothly.

As you stir, watch for the mixture to reach a rolling boil. Once it's bubbling steadily, continue to boil for exactly one minute. This timing is crucial for the cookies to set properly.

Remove the pan from heat and immediately stir in the vanilla extract and peanut butter. Mix until the peanut butter is fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth.

Now, add the oats and salt. Stir until everything is well combined. The mixture will start to thicken as the oats absorb the liquid.

Using a spoon, drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto a sheet of wax paper. Let them cool and set; this usually takes about 30 minutes, but it can vary with room temperature.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Ready in just 15 minutes.
  • No baking required — perfect for hot days.
  • Family-friendly and easy enough for kids to help out.
  • Uses pantry staples you probably already have.

Ingredients

2 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/2 cup whole milk
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
3 cups quick-cooking oats
1/4 teaspoon salt

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar, butter, milk, and cocoa powder.
2. Stir constantly until the mixture reaches a rolling boil and continue to boil for 1 minute.
3. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and peanut butter until smooth.
4. Add oats and salt, stirring until well combined.
5. Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto wax paper and let cool until set.

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