Its hot. Like really hot. And humid. But I am not complaining. Nope. I remember the winter, that was hell. I promised myself then not to complain about the heat now. So this is me not complaining. Just soaking in the warmth. I just ask one favor…please don’t judge me when I sweat because I am breathing and blinking. Who knew blinking was so vigorous an activity.
Even though we are having a heat wave…the fun does not stop in the kitchen. My appetite may be decreased, but my want to flit around the kitchen has not. Call me crazy. Actually don’t…My need to be in the kitchen is normal, right? It is. It totally is. It might be a tad bit crazy on a 98° day, whatever.
On my stroll through the kitchen today, I made cookies. I love these cookies. I have eaten 5 of them already. Maybe 6. OK so maybe my appetite hasn’t dwindled. These are good. Probably one of my favorite. These cookies are great because I didn’t have to turn on the oven. Hint the title ‘ No Bake Cookies’, right? You probably knew that already.
These cookies took me maybe 10 minutes from start to finish. They contain ingredients that most already have in their pantry/fridge, which means that when the urge strikes you are ready! Quick, tasty, and satisfying. Oh so satisfying. Plus, NO oven! Ahh…Sweet sweet heaven.
Let’s roll…
Mix together milk, sugar, butter, and cocoa in medium to large pot. I wonder what Bailey’s Irish Cream would taste like in place of the milk. Hmm…I have this urge lately to incorporate alcohol into my dishes.
Place over medium-high heat and bring to a boil. Let boil for one minute. While it is coming to a boil prepare your other ingredients…
Peanut Butter…I licked that spoon after this shot was taken. I love peanut butter. I put the jar on the top shelf so I can’t reach it, otherwise I would have a spoon in it at all times. I am glad I shared that with you.
And some vanilla and quick – oats (in the background 🙂 Fun fact…did you know you can make your own vanilla extract with just a vanilla bean, vodka, and time. Maybe I will share that with you sometime.
Add the oats, pb, and vanilla … and stir until it looks like…
Well it looks like chocolate oatmeal. I am down with that.
Scoop them out…they do not look very attractive do they? They remind you of a cow pie? Me too!!!
Enjoy! I scarfed mine down with some nice iced coffee…I recommend you do the same!
No Bake Cookies
2 dozen
Ingredients
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1 stick butter
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1/2 Cup Milk
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1 + 1/2 Cups Sugar
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1/2 Cup Cocoa Powder- I used Hershey Special Dark
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3/4 Cup Peanut Butter
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3 Cups Quick Oats
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1 +1/2 teaspoon Vanilla extract
Directions
Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper, or just put parchment paper right on the counter top. Tin foil works well too.
In a large pot, combine butter, milk, sugar, and cocoa powder and place over medium-high heat. Bring this to a boil and let boil for 1 minute.
After 1 minute, remove from heat and stir in the oats, peanut butter, and vanilla. Stir to combine.
With two spoons or a cookie scoop, scoop out cookies onto lined cookie sheets/lined counter top. Let them cool and set completely before digging in.
If you want to be all wild and crazy, these are very good if you were to scoop them right into a coffee mug – all warm and gooey – and were to pour a little cold milk over the top and eat them with a spoon. It might even be considered breakfast…a chocolate oatmeal of sorts.
Side notes: Try putting 1 cup of sweetened coconut into these or using chunky peanut butter. My next batch will definitely include one or both.
These can be poured into a lightly greased 9×13 pan and cooled and then cut into squares.
The Special Dark cocoa powder makes these very dark and intensely chocolate – use whatever cocoa you like.
I cut back on the sugar in these…go ahead and increase to 2 cups if you want.
This recipe is adapted from a home-ec project from 1997. It has remained in my archives since then, survived several moves, many apartments, several kitchens…and it remains unscathed. So, if you went to Bath Schools, then you have enjoyed these or if you attended a slumber party at the Staley’s (where I learned to put them in a coffee mug w/ milk trick) then you too have indulged 🙂 High five to childhood!
Fork Vs Spoon 