Classic No-Bake Cookies

I'm pretty sure that everyone has had these at least once in their lives. I grew up on these babies and loved making them all the time when I was younger. They were also the first recipe I made in my foods class in 7th grade...which should tell you that they're quick and pretty much fool proof if a bunch of 12 year olds can make them. And I don't have to tell you that they're a crowd-please. Chocolate. Peanut Butter. Oatmeal. You really can't go wrong with ingredients like that. I brought these to a picnic with some friends recently and everyone was thrilled, and the tray was empty in no time. These are perfect for hot summer days when you're craving something sweet but don't want to turn on the oven or take a lot of time making something. I spruced mine up by drizzling them with semi-sweet and white chocolate, but even without it, they taste wonderful.

Classic No-Bake Cookies

2 cups sugar
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 cup unsweetened baking cocoa
1/2 cup milk (preferably not skim)
1/2 cup butter (I use unsalted, if you use salted butter omit the additional salt)
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 cup peanut butter (smooth or chunky, I prefer smooth)
4 cups quick cooking oatmeal

1. Combine sugar, salt, cocoa, milk and butter in large saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring constantly, until mixture comes to a boil.
2. Remove from heat and cool for one minute. Add vanilla, peanut butter and oatmeal and stir until peanut butter is completely melted and mixture is well combined.
3. Immediately drop by tablespoonfuls onto waxed paper, and flatten slightly with the back of a spoon or your fingers. Cool completely before serving. Store in airtight container for up to 3 days.

Peanut Butter Bars

A perfect back-to-school snack. Did you ever have these with your school lunches? I think it's the only way the school ever got people to eat lunch on fish stick day. It worked for me! These are super quick and easy and delicious. Every time I make them they literally fly off the plate. Enjoy! And make sure you have a nice tall glass of milk on hand, and plenty of people to share these with because they are addictive!

Peanut Butter Bars

Bars

1 cup butter, softened

2/3 cup creamy peanut butter

1 cup granulated sugar

1 cup firmly packed brown sugar

2 large eggs

1 tsp. vanilla

2 cups flour

2 cups oatmeal (quick cooking or old-fashioned, either will work)

1 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. salt

Hershey’s Perfectly Chocolate Frosting

1/2 cup butter, softened

2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1/3 cup milk

1 tsp. vanilla

3 cups powdered sugar

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray jelly-roll pan (or half sheet, 13 x 18 inches) with cooking spray.

2. In bowl of large electric mixer cream butter, peanut butter, and sugars until light and creamy, about 2 minutes. Add eggs and vanilla and beat until incorporated, about 1 minute. Add dry ingredients and mix on low just until all ingredients are incorporated, 1 - 2 minutes.

3. Bake for 11-13 minutes, until very light golden brown (it will still look doughy, but you don't want to overcook it! This is the key to chewy and delicious bars). Cool completely.

4. In large mixing bowl, beat butter until creamy. Add remaining frosting ingredients and mix on low until combined. Increase speed to medium-high and mix until light and creamy, 4-5 minutes. Spread evenly over bars and cut into squares to serve. Serves 35 - 48.