My Favorite No-Bake Cookie Recipe

I'm making good on a promise today. A few readers requested I share my no-bake cookie recipe on the blog sometime. Which, of course, gives me an opportunity to make and eat more cookies, so I promised I would.

I really can't claim this is entirely MY recipe. It's really my mom's. She makes the best no-bake cookies, as it was a childhood staple because we would not turn on the oven during the hot summer months. But we still needed cookies (needed? Okay, maybe just really wanted), so no-bake cookies it was.

There have been a couple times this summer I've made a batch of these and posted a photo on Instagram. I loved seeing all the comments because it turns out these cookies go by all sorts of names. Some people call them "cow patty cookies." Which, growing up visiting my grandfather's cattle farm often, I can see what they are saying. :)

And on that appetizing thought, let's make cookies!

No-Bake Cookies, makes about one dozen.

1/4 cup butter
1 cup sugar
2 tablespoons cocoa
1/8 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
1/4 cup milk
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups old fashioned oats
1 tablespoon coarse grain sea salt (optional)

I like to already have my peanut butter and oats measured out in separate bowls or containers. It's good to have them ready to go because once it's time for them, you better have them ready.

In a medium pot, begin melting the butter over medium heat. Just before it's all melted, add in the milk, sugar, cocoa, and cinnamon if using. Stir this together so it's well combined. Now turn up the heat. As soon as the mixture comes to a boil, begin a timer (I used my phone). Allow the mixture to cook a full minute; don't get impatient here as it needs to boil for the full minute.

Turn off the heat and stir in the vanilla and peanut butter. Once the peanut butter is mixed in, stir in the oats. Quickly plop the mixture into small mounds on wax paper, topping with a little sea salt if using.

If your batter seems too runny, before plopping the cookies onto the wax paper, add another handful (or two) of oats and stir those in. It's better for the mixture to be a little too runny than too dry, but once you've made these once or twice you'll get the hang of it. They are so easy, fast, and addictive. Enjoy! xo. Emma

P.S. To change up the flavor, you can add a handful of chopped coconut flakes or nuts. (Can you tell I've made these a lot?)

Credits // Author and Photography: Emma Chapman. Photos edited with A Beautiful Mess actions.