Easy and Delicious No-Bake Cookies

Cookies have always been one of the world's favorite snacks. Whether chewy, chocolaty, or nutty, these treats can be enjoyed any time of the day. Even Santa Claus can't resist their sweet goodness and always eats his fill before he leaves each house. Prepackaged cookies of all varieties are readily available in snack bars and grocery stores, but nothing can ever compare to homemade cookies. Not only do you control the freshness and quality of the ingredients used to make them, you can customize recipes with add-ins that you want. Cookies go well with any time of the day, like breakfast and snack or TV time, and are perfect as adorable packages of edible giveaways for any special occasion. Making cookies at home can be lots of fun, especially when you make them with kids or that special someone. Don't forget to mix in what they call the "secret ingredient," which is really no secret at all.

But for those who are in a hurry and want to make delicious cookies without the wait or risk of having trouble baking them - we're all too familiar with that acrid burning smell wafting from the oven, aren't we? - there are no-bake cookie options that result in just as yummy, though much easier to prepare, decadence. When you bake cookies, the heat enables the flour and other ingredients to cook. It can make the cookies crunchy, crumbly, soft, or chewy. But no-bake cookies also offer a great texture without nearly as much effort. Here are some sure-fire no-bake cookie recipes that will be a hit with everyone.

Cookie Bake

Combine dry ingredients in a saucepan: two cups of sugar and a third cup of cocoa. Next, slowly pour in a half-cup of milk, followed by one-fourth cup of butter. Place the mixture over medium heat and stir occasionally until butter melts and mixture starts to boil. When you notice that the ingredients have dissolved and the mixture is combined thoroughly (usually about 2 minutes), remove the pan from heat.

Immediately add half a teaspoon of vanilla extract and half a cup of peanut butter to the mixture (make sure to do this while it is still hot). Next, add two and a half cups of oats and stir to mix thoroughly. Allow the "dough" to cool enough to handle but so long that is sets, then spoon your desired size serving onto wax paper. The average serving for one hearty cookie is about two spoonfuls per cookie. Allow cookies to set for about one hour, or until the cookies reach a chewy but solid consistency.

If you're game, you can also add or substitute other ingredients for a variety of tasty confections. For instance, use brown sugar instead of white for extra sweetness and crunch, dried fruits such as strawberries or cranberries for healthier treats, or toasted coconut or chopped nuts for a bite full of surprise and goodness. It is very easy to modify, personalize, and create your own cookie recipe with homemade no-bake cookies. Experiment and have fun!

If you're in a super hurry, most grocery stores offer the option of prepackaged no-bake cookies. Simply remove them from the packaging, follow the instructions on the box - most require that you just add water and butter - chill them in the fridge for a few minutes, and enjoy!

Easy and Delicious No-Bake Cookies

Criss White is a professional article writer for lifestyle, weddings, and various other topics. To view some ideas on wedding cookies or to get more planning tips and wedding ideas, visit Bridal and Wedding Favors. Note: This article may be reprinted in your ezine, blog, or Web site as long as the credits remain intact and hyperlinks remain active.

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