No-Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies

Make these delicious no-bake oatmeal cookies in under 30 minutes! A perfect treat for any day of the week with simple ingredients and no oven required. These cookies are a great option for a quick snack or a homemade gift!

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
• 3 cups quick-cooking oats
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt (optional)
• 1/2 cup shredded coconut (optional, for extra texture)
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional, for added crunch)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the tray: Line a baking sheet with wax paper or parchment paper. This will help prevent the cookies from sticking. You can also use a silicone baking mat if you have one.
2. Combine ingredients: In a medium saucepan, add the butter, sugar, milk, and cocoa powder. Stir the mixture constantly over medium heat until the butter is melted and everything is combined. Continue to stir as the mixture comes to a gentle boil.
3. Boil: Once the mixture begins to boil, allow it to cook for about 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to overcook it. You’re looking for a bubbly, thick texture, but don't let it boil for too long as it can affect the final texture of the cookies.
4. Stir in peanut butter and oats: Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the peanut butter and vanilla extract until fully combined. Then, fold in the oats. If you're adding shredded coconut or chopped nuts, mix them in at this point for extra flavor and texture.
5. Scoop onto tray: Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. The cookies don't need to be perfectly shaped, but try to keep them uniform in size for even cooling. If you want rounder cookies, you can lightly shape them with your hands.
6. Cool: Allow the cookies to cool completely at room temperature for about 30 minutes. If you want to speed up the process, you can place them in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes, but keep an eye on them so they don’t freeze solid.
7. Store: Once cooled, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, or in the refrigerator for longer shelf life (up to 2 weeks). If you want them to last even longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months—just make sure to place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.

Tips & Variations:

• If you like your cookies a little less sweet, reduce the sugar to 1 3/4 cups. You can also experiment with different nut butters like almond butter or cashew butter if you prefer.
• For a dairy-free version, you can substitute the butter with coconut oil and use a plant-based milk such as almond milk.
• If you love a chewy texture, try using old-fashioned rolled oats instead of quick oats, though this may require a slightly longer cooling time.
• For a festive touch, sprinkle the cookies with mini chocolate chips or drizzle with melted chocolate after they’ve cooled slightly.

Serving Suggestions:

These no-bake cookies are delicious on their own, but you can also serve them alongside a glass of milk or a cup of coffee for a quick snack. They also pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a fun dessert!