Are you craving a sweet treat but don't have time to heat up the oven? These no-bake cookies are the perfect solution! Quick, easy, and incredibly delicious, this recipe is a family favorite and a fantastic way to enjoy homemade cooking without any fuss. Best of all, they're completely peanut-free, making them a safe and delightful option for those with allergies or preferences. Get ready for a delicious and satisfying snack or dessert that requires no baking skills whatsoever!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups quick-cooking oats (rolled oats work well too)
- 1 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet, milk chocolate, or dark chocolate – your choice!)
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts, or almonds for added crunch)
Instructions:
-
Combine the dry ingredients: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the sugar, cocoa powder, and salt until well combined. This ensures there are no lumps in your delicious no-bake cookies.
-
Melt the butter and milk: Add the milk and butter to the saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the butter is completely melted and the mixture is smooth.
-
Simmer and thicken: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, continuing to stir constantly. This helps prevent burning and ensures even cooking. Simmer for one minute, allowing the mixture to slightly thicken.
-
Remove from heat and stir in flavorings: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. This step enhances the overall flavor profile of your no-bake cookies.
-
Add the oats and chocolate chips: Add the quick-cooking oats and chocolate chips to the saucepan. Stir until the oats are evenly coated and the chocolate chips are well distributed. If using nuts, add them now and stir to combine.
-
Drop onto parchment paper: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Drop rounded tablespoons of the cookie mixture onto the parchment paper, leaving some space between each cookie.
-
Cool and enjoy: Let the cookies cool and set completely at room temperature. This usually takes about 30 minutes. Once firm, they're ready to eat! Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature.
Tips for the Best No-Bake Cookies:
- Use quick-cooking oats: Quick-cooking oats absorb the liquid more readily, resulting in a better texture for the cookies.
- Don't overcook the mixture: Overcooking can lead to hard cookies. One minute of simmering is usually sufficient.
- Let them cool completely: Allowing the cookies to cool completely ensures they set properly and prevents them from being sticky.
Variations:
- Add different mix-ins: Get creative with your add-ins! Try dried fruit, sprinkles, coconut flakes, or butterscotch chips. The possibilities are endless!
- Make them festive: Add red and green candies for Christmas cookies, or use pastel-colored sprinkles for Easter.
- Experiment with flavors: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or espresso powder for a different flavor profile.
Nutritional Information (per cookie – approximate, may vary based on ingredients used):
- Calories: Approximately 100-120 calories
- Fat: Approximately 5-7 grams
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 15-18 grams
- Sugar: Approximately 8-10 grams
Enjoy these simple, delicious, and peanut-free no-bake cookies! They're perfect for a quick snack, a delightful dessert, or a fun activity for the whole family. This easy recipe makes for a perfect addition to your list of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals. These homemade cooking delights are sure to impress. These are easily among the best recipes you’ll find for a no-bake treat!