Are you craving a delicious, no-bake treat that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further than these incredible Trash Can Cookies! This recipe is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings quickly and easily. Forget complicated baking techniques – these cookies are all about simple mixing and chilling, resulting in a delightful, chewy, and utterly addictive dessert. Get ready to dive into a world of sweet and salty goodness with this amazing homemade cooking recipe!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 4 cups pretzels, coarsely crushed
- 4 cups chocolate sandwich cookies, coarsely crushed
- 2 cups peanut butter cups, coarsely chopped
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup butterscotch chips
- 1 cup sprinkles (optional)
Instructions:
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Melt the Butter: In a large saucepan over low heat, melt the butter completely. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. This is a crucial step for a smooth and creamy base.
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Combine Wet Ingredients: Once the butter is melted, remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract until well combined. This mixture will be the delicious binder holding all the goodies together.
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Add the Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the Rice Krispies cereal, crushed pretzels, crushed chocolate sandwich cookies, and chopped peanut butter cups to the wet ingredient mixture. Stir gently but thoroughly to ensure everything is evenly coated. Don't overmix; a few stray pieces of cereal are perfectly fine!
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Mix in the Chocolate & Butterscotch Chips: Add the chocolate chips and butterscotch chips. Gently fold them into the cookie mixture. If using sprinkles, add them now as well.
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Chill and Serve: Press the cookie mixture firmly into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until firm. This chilling time allows the cookies to set properly and develop a perfect texture.
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Cut and Enjoy: Once chilled, cut the cookie mixture into squares and serve. These cookies are best served cold, but they're still delicious at room temperature.
Tips for the Best Trash Can Cookies:
- Use good quality butter: The flavor of the butter will shine through in these cookies, so use a brand you enjoy.
- Don't overmix: Overmixing can make the cookies tough. Gentle folding is key.
- Customize your mix-ins: Feel free to add or substitute your favorite candies, nuts, or cereals. M&Ms, other types of chocolate, or even popcorn would be delightful additions!
- Grease the pan well: This prevents the cookies from sticking.
Variations:
- Peanut Butter Lover's Trash Can Cookies: Add extra peanut butter cups and a swirl of peanut butter into the mixture.
- Chocolate Overload Trash Can Cookies: Increase the amount of chocolate chips and add some mini chocolate bars.
- Fruity Trash Can Cookies: Add some dried cranberries or chopped cherries for a touch of tartness.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific ingredients used. A general estimate for a 1/16th of the recipe would be approximately 300-350 calories, high in fat and sugar. This is a treat best enjoyed in moderation.
This recipe is perfect for quick dinner ideas, especially when you’re craving a satisfying and delicious dessert. The ease of this recipe makes it an ideal choice for beginners looking for simple and easy recipes, while the customizable options cater to experienced cooks who want to explore their culinary creativity. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for seconds (and thirds!). Enjoy!