These Classic No-Bake Oatmeal Cookies are a nostalgic favorite, bringing together the comforting flavors of chocolate and peanut butter without the need for an oven. They are perfect for a quick treat that satisfies your sweet tooth with minimal effort.
The granulated sugar is the sweet foundation of these cookies, helping to bind everything together. Unsalted butter adds a rich, creamy texture, while whole milk provides moisture. The unsweetened cocoa powder gives these cookies their deep chocolate flavor. Creamy peanut butter adds a smooth, nutty element that pairs beautifully with the chocolate. A dash of vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile, while quick-cooking oats offer a chewy texture and heartiness. Finally, a pinch of salt balances all the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
These cookies are delightful on their own, but try crumbling them over vanilla ice cream for an extra treat. They also pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of tea.
Start by grabbing a medium saucepan and place it over medium heat. Add in the granulated sugar, unsalted butter, whole milk, and unsweetened cocoa powder. Stir everything together frequently. You want all these ingredients to meld into a smooth mixture.
Keep stirring until the mixture comes to a boil. This process ensures that the sugar is completely dissolved and everything is well combined. Once it starts boiling, set a timer for one minute and keep stirring as it boils. This short boiling time is crucial for the cookies to set properly later.
After the minute is up, remove the saucepan from the heat. Quickly add in the creamy peanut butter and vanilla extract. Stir them into the hot mixture until they're fully incorporated. The residual heat will help melt the peanut butter, making it easier to mix in.
Now it's time to add the dry ingredients. Stir in the quick-cooking oats and salt until the oats are evenly coated with the chocolatey mixture. At this point, the mixture should be thick but manageable.
Using a spoon or a cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto trays lined with wax paper or parchment paper. The cookies won't expand, so you can place them fairly close together. Let them cool and set for at least 30 minutes before serving. This cooling time allows the cookies to firm up properly.