# No Bake Cookies

> Quick stovetop chocolate-peanut butter cookies with oats. No oven needed - just mix, boil, cool, and drop onto wax paper for a classic treat.

**Prep time:** 5 minutes
**Cook time:** 5 minutes
**Cooling time:** 30 minutes
**Servings:** 24 cookies
**Storage:** Room temperature 3-5 days (airtight container)

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## Ingredients

- 2 cups sugar
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 stick (1/2 cup) butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup chunky or creamy peanut butter
- 3 cups quick cooking oatmeal

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## Shopping List

### 🥛 Dairy
- [ ] 1 stick (1/2 cup) butter
- [ ] 1/2 cup milk

### 🥜 Pantry & Baking
- [ ] 2 cups sugar
- [ ] 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- [ ] 1 tsp vanilla extract
- [ ] 1/2 cup chunky or creamy peanut butter
- [ ] 3 cups quick cooking oatmeal
- [ ] Salt (need a pinch)

### 📦 Supplies
- [ ] Wax paper or parchment paper

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## Instructions

1. **Mix in pan.** In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, cocoa powder, milk, and butter.

2. **Boil and cool.** Place pan on medium heat and bring mixture to a boil, stirring constantly. Once boiling, remove from heat and let cool for 1 minute.

3. **Add remaining ingredients.** Stir in vanilla extract, salt, peanut butter, and quick cooking oatmeal. Mix well until fully combined.

4. **Drop and cool.** Drop by teaspoon-sized portions onto wax paper or parchment paper. Let cookies cool and set at room temperature for about 30 minutes.

5. **Serve or store.** Once completely cooled and set, cookies are ready to eat. Store in an airtight container at room temperature.

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## Tips & Variations

- Work quickly after adding the oatmeal - the mixture begins to set as it cools
- For smoother cookies, use creamy peanut butter; for texture, use chunky
- Can substitute almond butter or sunflower seed butter for peanut allergies
- Add 1/2 cup shredded coconut or chopped nuts for extra texture
- For firmer cookies, refrigerate for 15 minutes instead of room temperature cooling

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## Notes

These classic no-bake cookies are perfect for hot days when you don't want to turn on the oven. The combination of chocolate, peanut butter, and oats creates a chewy, satisfying treat that sets up without baking. Make sure to work quickly when dropping the cookies as the mixture will begin to harden as it cools.