No-Bake Candy Cane Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies
These festive no-bake cookies are a holiday favorite! Made with rich chocolate, peanut butter, hearty oats, and a refreshing burst of crushed candy canes, they’re a delightful blend of chewy, crunchy, and minty sweetness. Perfect for when you need a quick, oven-free treat, these cookies are easy to whip up and even easier to enjoy. Ideal for holiday parties, gift boxes, or a cozy winter snack with a warm cup of cocoa!
Servings 12 Cookies
Calories 183kcal
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
Prepare your space as this is a time sensitive recipe. If you don't boil the cookies long enough, they won't set and end up soft. If you boil them for too long, they end up dry and crumbly. Secondly, the weather can affect how they set. If it rains or if there is too much humidity, they won't set. Hence why they are gooey in my picture. I live in Georgia, and it is quite humid here. If you don't like them gooey, avoid making them when it is raining and humid. I like them whether they're gooey or perfectly set, so I enjoyed the ones pictured, nonetheless.