Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
- 3 cups quick-cooking oats
Instructions
- Step 1: Combine the granulated sugar, milk, butter, and cocoa powder in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir frequently until the butter is melted and the mixture comes to a full rolling boil.
- Step 2: Once boiling, continue to boil for exactly 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent scorching. Remove the saucepan from the heat immediately.
- Step 3: Quickly stir in the creamy peanut butter and alcohol-free vanilla extract until completely melted and smooth, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Step 4: Add the quick-cooking oats to the mixture and stir thoroughly until all the oats are evenly coated with the chocolate peanut butter mixture.
- Step 5: Using a spoon or a small cookie scoop, drop rounded tablespoons of the mixture onto sheets of wax paper or parchment paper.
- Step 6: Allow the cookies to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then transfer them to the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or until fully set.
Notes
- To keep your delicious no-bake cookies at their best, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator; they'll stay perfectly firm and fresh for up to a week.
- While these aren't meant to be "reheated," you can let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving if you prefer a slightly softer, chewier texture straight from the fridge.
- These rich, fudgy bites are absolutely delightful served with a cold glass of milk, alongside your morning coffee, or even crumbled over a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
- The precise 1-minute full rolling boil in Step 2 is crucial for your cookies to set properly; ensure you stir constantly during this time to prevent scorching, then quickly mix in the peanut butter, vanilla, and oats before the mixture cools too much.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square (approx. 2"x2")
- Calories: 240
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Protein: 26g