No Bake Cookies

One of my favorite "go-to" recipes of all time just happens to be a dessert. :) I love to make no-bakes because they tend to be one of those recipes that I always have everything they require on-hand... and they are amazing. The only downside to this recipe and to making these cookies - for "no baking" required, they are FICKLE. You need to boil them for just the right amount of time, or they will either not set up and be a plate of mush (which still tastes great, let's be honest) OR they'll overcook, not taste so awesome and be crumbly. You need to hit that perfect sweet spot of boiling time. I usually cut this recipe in half when I make them, but have greater success in getting them to set up when the whole recipe is made.

So to make these, you'll need the following:
• 1 3/4 cups white sugar (I have not had success with a sugar substitute)
• 1/2 milk
• 1/2 butter
• 4 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa (hint: make them heaping tablespoons for an even better taste)
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 3 cups quick-cooking oats
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

In a medium-large saucepan, combine the sugar, milk, butter, and cocoa powder. Bring to a boil, and cook for 1 1/2 minutes. You need to time the 1 1/2 minutes from the point you get to a rolling boil, not to where you see one or two bubbles, otherwise they'll be TOO soupy!

While the mixutre is boiling, I usually get my peanut butter ready and oats ready, at least the first cup of oats, as this is a time sensitive recipe.

Once 1 1/2 minutes is up, remove from heat and stir in the peanut butter, oats, and vanilla.

Drop into cookie sized portions onto wax paper. I usually use the same spoon I used to mix everything in the beginning. Let them cool until hardened - which can take a little bit, especially if your kitchen is warm, or if you've undercooked them a little. If you are impatient, you can stick them into the freezer for a little bit!

Thanks for following along!