No Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies
This post was originally published in 2009, but it’s back by popular demand! The nostalgic no bake cookies recipe you’ll find below has since become a fan favorite with my grandkids. I’ve made a few tweaks to the original recipe over the years, and now I’m excited to share this updated version with all of you.
I love vanilla, not just for its scent in lotions and candles, but for its delicious flavor in my pancakes, coffee, hot chocolate, and other treats. Tonight, while making No-Bake Cookies, I put in a teaspoon of vanilla and, on a whim, decided to take a taste. Immediately, my mind was flooded with a memory, one that my mom might remember a little differently.
For as long as I can remember, up until I moved out of my parents’ house at 21, I made these cookies for my family and friends. I’d put a cap full of vanilla in the batter, and then one in my mouth. I thought it was quite tasty with a slight burn and a little sweetness; the creamy smell was music to my nose. One day, my mom came into the kitchen and caught me in the act. I can picture her now, in full “Samantha Victoria Hobbs” mode, her voice gaining a screech as she put her hands on her hips, elbows akimbo.
“WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!”
I was a bit surprised and confused about getting the full-name treatment, but I simply responded that I was making cookies. She then told me to never sip on vanilla flavoring again, explaining that it was mainly alcohol. I thought she meant rubbing alcohol, which meant I was killing myself, so I reluctantly quit, even though the temptation returned every single time.
Back to tonight. After sipping that vanilla and feeling the burn all the way down, I now know exactly what my mom was talking about, and that it definitely wasn’t rubbing alcohol. The taste isn’t quite what I remembered, but the cookies? They were as good as ever.
A Nostalgic No Bake Cookies Recipe That Tastes Like Childhood
Course: Notebook RamblesDifficulty: Easy24
servings5
minutes5
minutes120
kcal10
minutesRediscover this nostalgic no bake cookies recipe—an easy, chocolatey childhood favorite made with oats, cocoa, and peanut butter. No oven required, just pure comfort!
Ingredients
2 cups sugar
1/2 cup butter (1 stick)
1/2 cup Pet milk
Substitute: whole or 2% milk (for a lighter version, but not as rich)1 teaspoon vanilla (or a little more for extra goodness)
2 1/2 heaping tablespoons cocoa
1/2 cup peanut butter (optional: use crunchy for extra texture)
3 cups oats (quick or old-fashioned, your choice)
Directions
- In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, butter, Pet milk, vanilla, and cocoa.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly.
- Bring the mixture to a boil and let boil for 1 minute, still stirring.
- Remove from heat.
- Stir in peanut butter until fully melted and blended.
- Add oats and stir until completely combined.
- Quickly spoon out the mixture onto wax paper or aluminum foil, making cookie mounds.
- Optional but recommended: Wash your cast iron skillet while it’s still warm—it’ll clean up like a breeze!
- Quickly spoon (drop) the mixture onto wax paper or aluminum foil, making cookie mounds.
- Allow cookies to cool and harden as they set.
- Take a taste test, but beware—it will burn your tongue if you sneak one too soon!
Notes
- Cheating Tip: Do NOT dilute the Pet or evaporated milk. For a lower-fat version, 2% milk works, but the cookies won’t be as rich.
- Pro Tip: Cast iron gives the best results and easiest cleanup—just wash while warm!
- Bonus tip: These cookies make great Christmas gifts—just pack in a festive tin or bag!
- Personal Note: If you run out of oats, do not substitute instant flavored oatmeal packets (trust me, it’s not worth it).
A Little About Oats
The star of this recipe is, of course, oats! While no-bake cookies are a classic, oats are incredibly versatile and can be added to countless other dishes. If you’re interested in learning more about the history of this kitchen staple, you can check out the Quaker Oats Story.
Share Your Story or a photo of your NOSTALGIC No Bake Cookies
Do you have a food memory that takes you back to your childhood? 🍪 Share your story in the comments below! If you make these cookies, be sure to drop a photo in the comments as well! If you enjoyed this post, feel free to share it with a friend who might enjoy it, too. And for another dose of comfort food, be sure to check out my recipe for Easy Homemade Vegetable Soup.
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