Chocolate No-Bake Cookies

In 1991, my Aunt Carole worked as a waitress at a restaurant in Lakeport, Michigan. Her manager made these No-Bake Cookies for a work Christmas party one year, and everyone loved them. My aunt told me that, “There are a million and one recipes for No-Bakes and I’ve tried about half of them… and these were perfect. How they set, the flavor, everything.” She brought some home to share with family and everyone agreed they were the best.  

My aunt asked for the recipe, and we’ve made them every year for Christmas for as long as I can remember. My mom, my aunt, my grandma and I made it a tradition. Now that I don’t live in Michigan anymore and my grandma is almost 90 years old, I make them every year because they’re my favorite and I love the memories that go along with making them from when I was little. 

—Carole-Lynn Shirkey (Bolton Dining Commons) 

Chocolate No-Bake Cookies

2 cups cane sugar
4 Tablespoons unsweetened cocoa
1 cup unsalted butter
1/2 cup milk
3/4 cup smooth peanut butter
1 teaspoon vanilla
3 cups oats

  1. Combine sugar, cocoa powder, butter, and milk in a pot.
  2. Bring to a boil and boil for 2-3 minutes.
  3. Remove from heat and stir in peanut butter, oats, and vanilla.
  4. Quickly shape into 2-inch cookies and set on wax paper.
  5. Cool completely to set.