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Forkin
DessertSnack

No-Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies

A classic and quick recipe for chewy chocolate and peanut butter oatmeal cookies that require no oven time. A simple boiled syrup is mixed with oats and peanut butter, then left to set into perfectly fudgy treats.

An original recipe by Forkin

Total time
43 min
Serves
6
Difficulty
Easy

Allergen information: may contain milk, nuts, and peanuts. Always check ingredient packaging if you have an allergy.

No-Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies

Mise en place

Ingredients

  • 1.5 cupgranulated sugar
  • 0.5 cupwhole milk
  • 0.5 cupunsalted butter, cut into cubes
  • 0.25 cupunsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 pinchsalt
  • 2.5 cupquick-cooking oat, use certified gluten-free if needed
  • 0.25 cupcreamy peanut butter
  • 1 tspvanilla extract

Equipment

saucepan · timer · measuring cups · measuring spoons · spatula · baking sheet · parchment paper

The method

Step by step

  1. 1

    Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or wax paper.

    About 1 min

  2. 2

    In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, whole milk, unsalted butter, unsweetened cocoa powder, and salt.

    About 2 min

    Cook’s note: Combining the dry and wet ingredients off the heat prevents the cocoa powder from clumping.

  3. 3

    Place the saucepan over medium heat, stirring frequently until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves completely.

    About 3 min

  4. 4

    Bring the mixture to a full, rolling boil that cannot be stirred down.

    About 1 min

  5. 5

    Once boiling, cook for exactly one minute without stirring. Set a timer for this step.

    About 1 min

    Cook’s note: Boiling for precisely one minute is key. Too little time and the cookies won't set; too much and they will be dry and crumbly.

  6. 6

    Immediately remove the saucepan from the heat.

  7. 7

    Stir in the creamy peanut butter and vanilla extract until the peanut butter is fully melted and the mixture is smooth.

    About 1 min

  8. 8

    Add the quick-cooking oats all at once and stir quickly to combine until every oat is coated.

    About 1 min

    Cook’s note: Work fast, as the mixture will begin to set as it cools.

  9. 9

    Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each cookie.

    About 4 min

  10. 10

    Let the cookies cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or until they are firm and set.

    About 30 min

    Cook’s note: You can speed up the setting process by placing the baking sheet in the refrigerator for 15 minutes.

Keep it good

Storage

Store in a single layer in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator.

Reheating

Enjoy at room temperature or chilled directly from the refrigerator.