No-Bake Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies: A Simple and Delicious Recipe

Ingredients and Preparation

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons of butter
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 pinch of salt
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla bean paste
• 1 tablespoon peanut butter
• 1 1/2 cups uncooked oatmeal

Instructions

1. Prepare Ingredients: Measure out all your ingredients and have a mixing bowl ready.
2. Melt Butter: Place the butter in a microwave-safe bowl and heat for about 30 seconds until melted. Stir to ensure even melting.
3. Mix Cocoa: Add the cocoa powder to the melted butter and stir until well combined.
4. Combine Wet Ingredients: Add the sugar, milk, and salt to the cocoa-butter mixture. Stir until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
5. Add Flavorings: Mix in the vanilla bean paste and peanut butter until smooth.
6. Incorporate Oatmeal: Gradually add the uncooked oatmeal, stirring until the mixture is well combined.
7. Form Cookies: Using a tablespoon, scoop out portions of the mixture and shape them into cookies with your hands.
8. Set Cookies: Place the formed cookies onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Allow them to set at room temperature until firm, which should take about 30 minutes.

Yield

This recipe makes approximately 12 cookies. If you're planning for a larger gathering, simply double or triple the ingredients accordingly.

Why Choose No-Bake Cookies?

Convenience

No-bake cookies are incredibly convenient, especially when you don't want to heat up your kitchen. They are perfect for hot summer days or when you're short on time.

Nutritional Benefits

Oatmeal is a great source of fiber and can help lower cholesterol levels. Peanut butter adds protein and healthy fats, making these cookies a more nutritious option compared to traditional baked cookies.

Fun for Kids

This recipe is a fantastic activity to do with children. It’s simple enough for them to help with, and they’ll love shaping the cookies and, of course, eating them!

Interesting Stats

• Oatmeal Consumption: According to the USDA, the average American consumes about 2.4 pounds of oatmeal per year. Incorporating oatmeal into recipes like these cookies can help increase your intake of this nutritious grain.
• Peanut Butter Popularity: The National Peanut Board states that Americans consume around 7 pounds of peanuts and peanut products per person annually. Peanut butter is a staple in many households, making it a familiar and beloved ingredient in these cookies.

Additional Tips

• Add-Ins: For a more nutritious and energy-boosting snack, consider adding dried fruits, nuts, or seeds to the mixture.
• Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator.

Conclusion

This no-bake peanut butter oatmeal cookie recipe is a quick, easy, and delicious way to satisfy your sweet tooth. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up a batch in no time. Whether you're looking for a fun activity with your kids or a nutritious snack, these cookies are a perfect choice.

For more information on the benefits of oatmeal, check out Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. To learn more about the nutritional benefits of peanut butter, visit the National Peanut Board.

Enjoy your no-bake peanut butter oatmeal cookies!

Chef Shelley Pogue, a Cum Laude graduate of Le Cordon Bleu and Executive Research and Development Chef for Vertical Sales and Marketing, San Ramon, CA, is also the desserts editor for Bella Online.