No-Bake Chocolate Cookies

I was first given this recipe when I was babysitting for a family in college. It's so easy and really, really yummy. (Granted, they may not look super appealing, but believe me, the yumminess definitely makes up for what they lack in appearance.) The other day, my youngest and I had some free time, so we whipped up a quick batch. There were none left by the next morning. 

Here's what you need:

• 1/2 cup butter
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup milk 
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder (Note: not hot chocolate powder, but the unsweetened cocoa powder)
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 cups quick-cooking oats

Here's what to do:

1.  Put butter, sugar, milk and cocoa powder in a large sauce pan.  Bring ingredients to a rolling boil while stirring continuously.  Boil for one minute and remove from heat.

 When my daughter saw the whole stick of butter and 2 cups of sugar

being added in this step she commented, "This isn't really a healthy recipe is it, Mom?"

(No, sweetheart, but sometimes mommies 

like a yummy chocolate-y treat to make it through a rough day!)

2.  Stir in peanut butter and vanilla and mix until blended.  Add quick oats and stir until combined.

3. Line a baking sheet with wax paper.  Drop mixture by tablespoon-full onto the waxed paper.  The cookies will harden as they cool.  (I often pop them into the fridge for a bit to speed up this process)

We used a 1/4 cup measure instead of tablespoon for big cookies!

 That's it!  These are almost too easy, especially considering how deliciously, fudge-y they turn out.  Just try to ignore my 6 year-olds comments on the how all that butter and sugar aren't healthy.  They're a yummy special treat (and that oatmeal is good for your fiber intake, right?)

Sharing these easy, yummy treats at:

Happy Hour Projects 
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