Confession: I have failed batch after batch of of No Bakes. Are they suppose to be easy since they don’t go in the oven?
During the summer, I have an unannounced No Oven Policy – unless there are desperate cravings. Thus, we gave No Bakes another try and finally achieved success.
INGREDIENTS
- 2 cups white sugar
- 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup margarine
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 pinch salt
- 3 cups quick cooking oats
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
DIRECTIONS
- In a saucepan bring sugar, cocoa, margarine, milk, and salt to a rapid boil for 1 minute. THIS IS THE KEY STEP: You must wait until the mixture comes to a good boil (not just a couple of bubbles), then boil for one minute.
- Add quick cooking oats, peanut butter, and vanilla; mix well.
- Working quickly, drop by teaspoonfuls onto waxed paper, and let cool.
This made me laugh because my first tries at no bake cookies were epic fails! The instructions said to boil for 1 min 30 sec. If I went over or under that time by even a couple seconds they were ruined. They are yummy…but seriously fickle.
Your blog almost always makes me hungry. =) I think I might have to whip up a batch of no-bakes tonight!
Our friends here in just returned from 5 years teaching China. I am guessing the no oven in the summer rule is due to the lack of constant a/c? They tell us stories about sweating all summer and freezing all winter. They did push-ups to keep warm.
I actually tried to make No Bakes about 2 weeks ago and totally failed! I will have to give your recipe a try.
The secret is to get them to a full boil before you start the one minute clock. Hope you’re No Bakes are delicious. Hope you’re having fun in NY! I loved your post today about all you were doing US Open, MTV awards, etc. You guys are so well connected! ha ha.
Update: I finally broke down and made these cookies at 7:30 am while I was getting ready for work. Your secret worked like a charm – I am munching on a no-bake treat right now (and hoping the rest of our staff partakes so I don’t end up eating 10 more!?). =) Thanks for sharing!