These simple no-bake cookies are a family favorite! Rich and chocolatey with a chewy texture from the oats, they’re perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth with minimal effort. Whether you’re looking for a treat to make for the holidays, a casual gathering, or just a sweet indulgence, these cookies hit the mark every time. They come together quickly and easily and require no baking—just a few simple stovetop steps.

Ingredients:

• 1 stick unsalted butter (8 tablespoons)
• 1/2 cup milk (whole or 2% for creamier texture)
• 4 tablespoons cocoa powder (unsweetened)
• 2 cups sugar (packed light brown sugar works too, if you prefer a richer flavor)
• 2 cups rolled oats (quick oats will work as well, but rolled oats give a better chewy texture)
• Dash of salt (to balance the sweetness)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (pure vanilla gives the best flavor)

Optional Peanut Butter Variation:

• Instead of 1/3 cup of sugar, add 2/3 cup peanut butter to the mixture when combining the oats, salt, and vanilla. This creates a peanut butter-chocolate hybrid, which is absolutely delicious!

Instructions:

Step 1: Combine Butter, Milk, Cocoa, and Sugar

• In a saucepan, add the butter, milk, cocoa powder, and sugar.
• Stir to combine the ingredients well. Place the pan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Stir occasionally to make sure it doesn’t burn. Once it starts boiling, continue to boil for 1 minute, keeping an eye on the time to ensure you don’t go over.

Step 2: Remove from Heat and Add Oats and Flavorings

• After the boiling time is up, remove the saucepan from the heat.
• Immediately stir in the oats, salt, and vanilla extract. If you’re adding peanut butter, stir it in now, too.
• Mix everything together well so the oats are fully coated with the chocolate mixture. The warm chocolate will soften the oats, creating that delightful chewy texture.

Step 3: Beat the Mixture

• Use a wooden spoon to stir vigorously for 2 minutes. This helps to incorporate air into the mixture and allows it to begin to thicken. You’ll notice the mixture start to lose its gloss and become more matte as it cools.
• Tip: Be cautious not to wait too long! If the mixture sets too much in the pan, it will become too firm to drop into cookie shapes.

Step 4: Drop onto Parchment Paper

• Lay down some parchment paper or wax paper on a flat surface (a baking sheet works great).
• Using a spoon or a cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of the chocolate mixture onto the paper, forming cookie-sized clusters. Space them out a little bit, as they will spread slightly while they set.
• These cookies set quickly, but make sure they stay slightly warm when you drop them to maintain the texture.

Step 5: Let Them Cool and Set

• Leave the cookies on the parchment paper to cool at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes. The chocolate mixture will firm up, creating a soft yet chewy texture that’s perfect for these no-bake cookies.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

• Once set, the cookies are ready to be enjoyed! Store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh for up to a week.
• You can also refrigerate them if you want them to firm up even more.

Why These No-Bake Cookies Are So Great:

• Quick and Easy: With just a few minutes of cooking, and no need to turn on the oven, these cookies are as easy as they are delicious.
• No Baking Required: A great option when you’re short on time or want a no-fuss dessert.
• Customizable: If you love peanut butter, adding a spoonful (or more) transforms the recipe into a peanut butter-chocolate combination that is irresistible.
• Chewy and Delicious: The oats give these cookies a chewy, hearty texture that pairs perfectly with the smooth, chocolatey goodness.
• Perfect for Holidays or Potlucks: These cookies are great for family gatherings, parties, or holiday celebrations because they make a lot and everyone loves them!

Pro Tips:

• Don’t Overboil: Be sure to boil for exactly 1 minute. Too much time can cause the cookies to be too dry and crumbly.
• Add More Flavor: You can experiment by adding mix-ins like chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or even marshmallows for extra flavor and texture.
• Cooling Tip: If you’re in a hurry, you can place the parchment paper with the cookies in the fridge to speed up the setting process. Just keep an eye on them!

These No-Peanut-Butter Chocolate No-Bake Cookies are perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings, whether it’s a holiday treat or a quick snack. Make a batch, share with friends and family, and enjoy the sweet, chocolatey indulgence!