Description
These classic Southern no-bake cookies combine rich cocoa, creamy peanut butter, and hearty oats into a fudge-like treat. Perfect for warm days when you want a quick, stovetop dessert that requires zero oven time and only a few pantry staples.
Ingredients
- 2 cups white sugar
- 1/2 cup salted butter or margarine
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3 cups quick-cooking oats
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 pinch salt
Instructions
- Measure all ingredients and line a large baking sheet with parchment or waxed paper before starting.
- In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the sugar, butter, milk, cocoa powder, and salt over medium-high heat, stirring until smooth.
- Bring the mixture to a full rolling boil and maintain the boil for exactly two minutes while stirring gently.
- Remove the pan from the heat immediately and stir in the quick-cooking oats, peanut butter, and vanilla until the mixture is thick and well-coated.
- Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, drop rounded mounds of the dough onto the prepared paper and let sit at room temperature until firm.
Notes
To ensure your cookies set perfectly, start your timer only once the mixture has reached a vigorous boil that cannot be stirred down. If your kitchen is particularly humid, adding an extra 30 seconds to the boil time can help prevent the cookies from staying too soft or sticky.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 5 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern