These are my go to cookies. When I need to bring something sweet to a potluck, a bake sale, or to make my cousin Shannon smile, this is the dessert I think of first. Why this recipe? The truth is they are about the cheapest, easiest, but still yummy cookies that you could make. As a grad student that means I have been making them a lot.
I would not have thought to even share these cookies because frankly the recipe is so easy and they certainly are not winning the award for cute as a button dessert, but every time I show up with them I am asked for a copy of the recipe.
So let’s celebrate the simple for a moment. A cookie that you could easily make vegan or gluten free (or both!) depending on your taste testers. A dessert you can make without having to go to the grocery store. And one of my favorite parts, a sweet treat you can pretend is a little bit healthy.
Ingredients:
2 cups sugar
4 tablespoons cocoa
1 stick butter
1/2 cup milk
1 cup peanut butter
1 tablespoon vanilla
3 cups oatmeal
Waxed paper
Directions:
1) Bring to a boil, the sugar, cocoa, butter and milk. Let boil for 1 minute. Pull off burner.
2) Mix in peanut butter, vanilla and oatmeal.
3) On a sheet of waxed paper, drop mixture by the teaspoonfuls. Allow to cool and hardened.
Note: I have never tried to make a vegan version of these cookies, but I imagine it would be worth experimenting with by replacing the butter and milk with vegan options. As for a gluten free version, simply buy all these ingredients ensuring they are of the gluten free variety.
April 23, 2013 2:49 pm
I’m pretty sure we made this in middle school home ec, where they became a favorite recipe of mine! I used to make these all the time, thanks for reminding me! Also, I promise I won’t comment on everything that you post. 🙂
April 23, 2013 2:51 pm
Laura, I agree they are some how the kind of cookie you love to eat, but kind of forget how great they are all at the same time. Oh and I love your comments!
April 24, 2013 12:21 am
This is perfect for those stinkin’ hot Florida summer days when I want to “bake” but without the heat of an oven. Love me a sweet treat that is also healthy! Thanks for sharing, gals.
April 24, 2013 9:17 am
Lauren, The cookies are kind of genius for those hot summer days, right!?!? Now that I live in a hotter climate I think I will love these cookies even more.
June 11, 2013 2:05 pm
Hi I found your blog via interest and think these cookies look great and I would love to make them. My only problem is that I don’t know how much a stick of butter is! I live in the UK and we have ounces or grammes. Please could you tell me how much butter a stick is.
June 12, 2013 6:58 pm
Hi Kath,
Good question. I’m not really sure about the answer, so I did a bit of internet research and thought this table might be helpful:
http://www.browneyedbaker.com/2010/09/10/how-to-measure-butter/
Looks like the answer is 4 oz.
I hope this helps! I’m excited you took the time to figure this out. Hope the cookies end up being worth your time.
~Jess
June 12, 2013 10:42 am
These cookies were a hit with my two toddlers. Thanks for the awesome recipe. I admit that I enjoyed taking a few nibbles.
June 12, 2013 7:00 pm
Tania,
You seriously just made my day! I love hearing that a recipe I shared worked out for you. Thanks for taking the time to let me know.
~Jess
June 13, 2013 3:09 pm
Thanks for your response its a great help. I’ll let you know how the cookies turn out.