When I was little, oh so many moons ago, my mother would make these cookies that had chocolate, peanut butter, and oats in them. I can remember thinking they were chocolate oatmeal cookies and that we were so special because none of my friends knew what I was talking about. I would tell my friends that my mom made homemade chocolate oatmeal cookies, and they would say I was making it up until I produced the cookie, then they were dumbfounded.
Fast forward many more moons to my adulthood. I craved those cookies from my youth many times and could never find a recipe that was exactly like the ones my mom made. Of course, nothing ever turns out as good as moms, but darn it, I was determined to get it as close as I could. I scoured cookbooks, the internet, even asked friends if they had ever heard of such a recipe, no luck.
Because I am the only daughter, when my mother passed away in 1997, I inherited many of her possessions. One of the items that I cherish to this day is her cookie tin of recipes. This tin has to be at least 40 years old and has recipes that I can remember watching her write down on note cards in her perfect lettering.
As I was digging through the tin, having flashback memories of my younger years and my mother preparing many of the dishes on the cards, there it was – the cookie recipe. I sat and held that card with its stains and years of fingerprints and burst into tears. I know it sounds a little corny, but when it comes to my mother, I cherish every memory and hold on to them as long as I can. When I come across something that I can remember so vividly, it brings me to tears.
Now, most recipes I have seen that are similar to this are called chocolate no-bake cookies, and that is what they are. With eight simple pantry staples and a little time, you can make a yummy, chocolatey cookie that is chock full of oats and goodness. There are only three 3 steps to this recipe, so it goes quick, it’s waiting for them to chill, and set that’s enough to test your patience.
The key to this cookie being a success is to make sure the sugar completely dissolves before moving on to the second step. I have learned over the years, and lots of trial and error, that if the sugar doesn’t dissolve completely, the cookies are grainy and don’t set correctly.
Of course, I am not the most patient person on the planet, and neither is my husband when it comes to sweets, so waiting for the cookies to set in the fridge is akin to a child waiting to open Christmas gifts, but well worth the wait. Oh yea, and since they contain rolled oats, they are good for you, right? Enjoy!
The Easiest Chocolate Cookies
Ingredients
- 2 Cup Granulated Sugar
- 1 Stick Unsalted Butter
- 1/4 Tsp Salt
- 1/2 Cup Whole Milk
- 1/4 Cup Unsweetened Cocoa
- 1/2 Cup Peanut Butter Either type will work
- 3 1/2 Cup Rolled Oats I don't recommend instant
- 1 Tsp Vanilla
Instructions
- In large pan over medium heat, stir first 5 ingredients until sugar dissolves, Boil for 1 minute and remove from heat.
- Stir in Peanut Butter, Oats, and Vanilla and mix thoroughly.Drop by teaspoon onto wax paper.Chill for 1 hour or until set.
