Need a Chocolate Fix?

These are seriously the easiest cookies to make...ever...you've probably seen them before...but if not here you go (I will post a picture a little later...I plan on making some today)...

Chocolate No-Bakes....Two Ways

#1 WITH peanut butter

In a large sauce pan combine:

2 c. sugar

4 T. cocoa powder

1/2 c. milk

1/2 c. margarine

Bring to a boil. Boil for 1 minute, remove from heat and stir in:

1/2 c. peanut butter

3 c. quick oats

1 tsp. vanilla

Working quickly drop spoonfuls of mixture onto waxed paper...allow to cool completely (they set as they cool).

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#2 WITHOUT peanut butter

Combine in a large sauce pan:

2 c. sugar

1/2 c. milk

1/2 c. butter

6 T. cocoa powder

Bring to a boil, cook until mixture reaches the soft ball stage (using a candy thermometer @ 240 degrees...don't have a thermometer? Look below for a tip). Remove from heat and add:

a pinch of salt

1 tsp. vanilla extract

3 cups oatmeal

Stir quickly & drop onto waxed paper. Cookies will harden as they cool.

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A couple tips:

You can use any type of oatmeal...I like quick oats because the cookies turn out less chewy (since the oats aren't technically getting cooked).

Try crunchy peanut butter...yum :)

To determine if your cocoa mixture is at soft ball stage without a thermometer- get a clear glass of cold water...drip a few drops of the hot cocoa mixture into the water...when it forms into a soft ball at the bottom of the glass it's ready...remove it from the water, it should be soft & flatten out slightly as you hold it. It takes a little practice...but no extra tools required. For more info look here.

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Enjoy! & let me know which you like best :)