Description
Delicious and easy no-bake cookies without peanut butter, perfect for a quick treat. These classic cookies combine cocoa, oats, and a buttery sweet mixture that sets without any baking required, making them an ideal dessert for busy days or when you want a simple homemade sweet.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups white sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 5 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3 cups quick oats
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 tablespoons hot water (optional, to help form cookies if mixture is crumbly)
Instructions
- Prepare the cookie sheet: Place wax paper on a large cookie sheet and spray it lightly with baking spray to prevent sticking.
- Combine ingredients: In a large saucepan, add white sugar, salt, butter, and milk. Combine these over medium heat.
- Bring to boil: Heat the mixture until it reaches a gentle boil, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Boil for 2 minutes: Once boiling, set a timer and maintain a gentle boil for exactly two minutes while carefully watching to avoid boil overs.
- Add remaining ingredients: Remove the pan from heat immediately after two minutes, then stir in unsweetened cocoa powder, quick oats, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Cool slightly: Allow the mixture to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes to thicken slightly, which helps in shaping the cookies.
- Shape cookies: Using a wooden spoon, scoop spoonfuls of the mixture and drop them onto the prepared cookie sheet.
- Flatten cookies: Press down lightly on each mound with the back of the spoon to flatten them to your desired thickness.
- Optional shaping: For neater looking edges, gently nudge the sides of each cookie to form a more rounded shape, or leave as is for a rustic look.
Notes
- Using quick oats helps the cookies bind better and results in a tender texture.
- If the mixture is too dry or crumbly to shape, stir in the optional hot water one tablespoon at a time until the consistency improves.
- Ensure not to overboil the sugar mixture as it can cause the cookies to become too hard.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature; they last up to one week.
- Wax paper can be substituted with parchment paper if preferred.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
