No-Bake Cookies with Candy Canes
No -Bake Cookies with Candy Canes
These festive no-bake cookies top the holiday favorite list! They blend rich chocolate, peanut butter, and hearty oats with a refreshing burst of crushed candy canes. Each bite offers a delightful mix of chewy, crunchy, and minty sweetness. Need a quick, oven-free treat? These cookies come together fast and satisfy even faster. They’re perfect for holiday parties, gift boxes, or cozying up with a warm cup of cocoa!
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What are no-bake cookies?
No-bake cookies are a type of treat that doesn’t require baking in an oven. Instead, they are made by combining ingredients on the stovetop (or sometimes just mixing, depending on the recipe), then shaped and left to set at room temperature or in the fridge.
The base for no-bake cookies typically includes ingredients like oats, sugar, butter, and milk or cream, which are heated and mixed with flavorings such as cocoa, peanut butter, or vanilla. Once mixed, the dough-like batter is portioned out and allowed to firm up without the need for baking.
These cookies are quick and easy to make, making them perfect for busy schedules, hot weather, or when you want a simple yet satisfying treat! Their texture is often chewy, and they come in endless flavor variations to suit every taste.
Creative Twists to Try
- Drizzle with White Chocolate: After the cookies have set, drizzle melted white chocolate over the top for an extra touch of sweetness and elegance.
- Add Marshmallows: Mix mini marshmallows into the batter for a chewy, hot-chocolate-inspired twist.
- Sprinkle Extra Toppings: Before the cookies set, sprinkle them with festive holiday sprinkles or edible glitter for a decorative flair.
- Use Peppermint Extract: Swap some of the vanilla extract with peppermint extract for an even bolder minty flavor.
- Mix in Chocolate Chips: Stir in mini chocolate chips for a double chocolate boost.
- Try a Different Candy: Replace crushed candy canes with crushed peppermint bark or Andes mints for a new flavor combination.
- Go Nutty: Add chopped nuts, like almonds or pecans, to give the cookies a crunchy texture.
- Make It Dairy-Free: Use a plant-based butter and non-dairy milk for a vegan-friendly version of the cookies.
- Shape Them Differently: Press the mixture into a lined pan and cut into bars or squares for a no-bake fudge-like treat.
- Add a Dusting of Cocoa: Once the cookies have cooled, dust them lightly with cocoa powder or powdered sugar for a finished look.
No-Bake Candy Cane Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies
Equipment
- 1 4 Qt Pan
- Parchment paper
Ingredients
- 1/2 Cup Butter or 1 stick of butter
- 1/4 Cup Milk
- 1/4 Cup Cocoa powder
- 2 Cups Sugar
- 1/4 Cups Peanut butter
- 2 Cups Rolled or quick oats
- 6-12 Crushed candy canes
Instructions
- First: Get ready by using bowls to measure out your ingredients. Be sure to crush your candy canes at this time.
- Prepare Your Surface: Line a baking sheet or countertop with parchment paper to prevent sticking. If necessary, use a towel or cloth underneath the parchment paper to protect the surface from heat.
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, melt one stick of butter. Then combine sugar, milk, and cocoa powder until smooth.
- Be Patient: Stirr occasionally over medium heat until the mixture has been brought to a good, hard boil.
- Boil the Mixture: Once boiling, let the mixture cook for 3 minutes, stirring constantly. This ensures the cookies will set properly.
- Remove from Heat: Once the timer has gone off, remove from heat and then add the peanut butter and oats. Mix quicky and thoroughly.
- Shape and Place: Drop the spoonfuls onto the parchment paper, spacing them about 1–2 inches apart. Use the back of the spoon to gently shape them into rounds if desired. Sprinkle crushed candy cane on top.
- Cool and Set: Allow the cookies to cool and set at room temperature for about 30–60 minutes, or speed up the process by placing them in the fridge for 15–20 minutes.
Notes
Pair These Cookies with Other Festive Treats #12daysofcookies
Hosted by Janet at Try It, Like It
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Day 2 | Tales of Belle | Danish Pebernødder Cookies |
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Day 7 | Purple Hues and Me | Christmas Light Bulb Cookies |
Day 8 | Rose Bakes | M&M Chocolate Chip Cookies |
Day 9 | SBArtist | Sugar Balls |
Day 10 | Get Inspired by Faith | No-Bake Cookies with Candy Cakes |
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