Easy, Peasy, Holiday Treats!

When I was a little girl we used to go to Bible School every summer and every summer I couldn't wait for the day that our class would make No Bake Cookies for the snack. These cookies are unbelievably easy AND delicious! Since you don't have to bake them and can literally make them in 5 minutes they are a family favorite....with one exception....my husband. He is seriously one of the "choosiest" (I can't say picky or he'd get irked) people I've ever met. Texture is a big thing to him and he doesn't care for oats so these cookies are out. However, that being said, if you switch out the oats for crushed pretzels or maybe Rice Chex cereal you're golden! My daughter LOVES these and once she sees this blog post I promise you she'll be over here for a to-go bag LOL.

No Bake Cookies

1/2 cup butter 
2 cups sugar
1/2 cup milk
4 tablespoons cocoa
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter ( or chunky but is seems to make a more crumbly dry cookie)
2 teaspoons vanilla
3 -3 1/2 cups dry quick-cooking oats

Add the first four ingredients into a 4-quart sauce pan.

Bring to a rolling boil and boil for at least one minute. 

Remove from heat. 

Add peanut butter into the hot mixture and stir until melted. Add in vanilla. (almond extract is good also, but I only use 1/2 teaspoon almond and 1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla). Mix in the oats and drop by tablespoons onto wax paper. (Start with 3 cups and if still too gooey add an additional 1/2 cup.) I use a small scoop and let them cool a minute or two before using my clean fingers to pat them down. Be careful because they will still be hot! Let cool completely until set. Store in an airtight container

**I use an off brand peanut butter on purpose. For some reason they taste much better than they would with a premium peanut butter like Jif or Peter Pan.