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–+ servings
Boiled Cookies from Betty Aiken
Boiled Cookies are a nostalgic no-bake treat loved for their rich chocolate flavor, chewy oatmeal texture, and ease of preparation. Popularized in mid-20th-century American kitchens, these cookies were often whipped up as quick weekday snacks or simple desserts. Combining pantry staples like cocoa, oats, and peanut butter, they satisfy sweet cravings without turning on the oven. The boiling step creates a smooth fudge-like base that hardens into a cookie as it cools. They're ideal for warm-weather treats or when you need a quick dessert fix.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Cooling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 24 cookies
Calories 135 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups sugar
  • ½ cup margarine
  • ½ cup milk
  • 3 tbsp cocoa (heaping)
  • ½ cup peanut butter
  • 3 cups quick oats
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ cup nuts (chopped , optional)

Instructions
 

Step 1: Boil Base Ingredients

  • In a saucepan, combine sugar, margarine, milk, and cocoa.
  • Bring to a full boil, stirring constantly. Let it boil for 1 minute.

Step 2: Add Mix-Ins

  • Remove from heat immediately.
  • Stir in peanut butter, oats, and vanilla quickly until well combined.
  • Add chopped nuts if using.

Step 3: Shape and Cool

  • Spoon mixture onto wax paper or cookie sheets in small mounds.
  • Let stand until firm, preferably in the refrigerator.

Tips

  • Add ½ cup shredded coconut for extra texture.
  • Replace margarine with butter for richer flavor.
  • Swap peanut butter with almond or sunflower seed butter for a different taste or nut-free option.
  • Stir in mini chocolate chips after removing from heat for soft pockets of chocolate.
  • Add a pinch of salt to enhance flavor.
  • Use old-fashioned oats for a chewier, heartier cookie.
  • Make them festive by adding holiday sprinkles before they set.
  • Shape into bars instead of cookies by pressing warm mixture into a pan.
  • Add espresso powder for a mocha variation.
  • Drizzle with melted chocolate once cooled for decoration.

Nutrition

Calories: 135kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 2gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 2.5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1.2gMonounsaturated Fat: 2.1gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 4mgSodium: 35mgPotassium: 85mgFiber: 1gSugar: 14gVitamin A: 90IUCalcium: 15mgIron: 0.5mg
Keyword chocolate oatmeal cookies, heirloom recipes, no bake cookies, peanut butter cookies, quick treat, retro desserts, vintage recipes
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