Nanny’s Uncooked Chocolate Cookies

Introduction

Every holiday season, our family looks forward to a batch of Nanny’s Uncooked Chocolate Cookies. These no-bake treats are a nostalgic favorite in our house, and they’ve become a Christmas tradition that everyone looks forward to. I remember the first time I tried making them with my kids – they couldn’t believe how easy and quick it was to create such a rich, chocolatey snack. These cookies are a delightful mix of oatmeal, coconut, and cocoa, and they come together in just a few minutes. With their chewy texture and sweet, chocolate flavor, they are always a hit at holiday gatherings. In fact, this year I made a triple batch, and it yielded 82 cookies – perfect for sharing with family and friends. If you’re looking for a simple yet delicious holiday treat, these cookies are a must-try.

Ingredients

To make Nanny’s Uncooked Chocolate Cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• ½ cup butter
• ½ cup milk
• 2 cups white sugar
• 5 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 2½ cups old-fashioned oatmeal
• 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut

Instructions

Making Nanny’s Uncooked Chocolate Cookies is simple and quick. Follow these easy steps to get started:

1. Prepare the Boiling Mixture:
   In a medium-sized pot, combine the butter, milk, sugar, and cocoa powder. Stir the ingredients together and place the pot over medium-low heat. Stir constantly to prevent burning. Once the mixture reaches a boil, allow it to continue boiling for 4 minutes.
2. Reduce Heat and Add Vanilla:
   After 4 minutes, reduce the heat to low, but continue stirring constantly. Remove the pot from the heat and add the pure vanilla extract. Stir until well combined.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients:
   In a separate large bowl, mix together the oatmeal and shredded coconut.
4. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients:
   Pour the boiled mixture over the dry ingredients (oatmeal and coconut) and stir until everything is evenly combined. Allow the mixture to sit for about 5 minutes to cool slightly.
5. Shape the Cookies:
   Use a two-tablespoon cookie scoop to drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Flatten the tops slightly with the back of a spoon if desired.
6. Cool and Set:
   Allow the cookies to cool at room temperature for at least 30 minutes or until they have completely set. Once firm, they are ready to enjoy!

Nutrition Facts (Servings and Calories per Serving)

Servings: 25 (for a single batch)
Calories per serving: 140-160 (depending on size)
Total fat: 7g
Saturated fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 10mg
Sodium: 25mg
Carbohydrates: 19g
Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 16g
Protein: 2g

Preparation Time

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 5 minutes
• Total time: 15 minutes (plus cooling time)

How to Serve

These Uncooked Chocolate Cookies are perfect for many occasions. Here are a few ways to serve them:

• As a quick snack: Perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up or a treat after dinner.
• At holiday parties: These cookies are a crowd favorite and can be placed on a cookie tray for easy serving.
• For gifting: Pack them in decorative tins or boxes and share with friends and family.
• With a glass of milk: Enjoy these cookies with a cold glass of milk or hot chocolate for a sweet treat.
• On a dessert table: Add them to a dessert table at any special occasion or holiday gathering for a fun, no-bake addition.

Additional Tips

1. Use parchment paper: Always use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent the cookies from sticking and to make cleanup easier.
2. Don’t skip the cooling time: Allow the cookies to cool and set properly before serving to avoid a gooey mess.
3. Add some extras: Feel free to add chocolate chips, peanut butter, or chopped nuts for an extra flavor twist.
4. Be careful when boiling: Stir constantly while the sugar and cocoa mixture is boiling to avoid burning and ensure the sugar fully dissolves.
5. Watch the texture: If the mixture is too runny, you may need to let it sit for a few extra minutes before dropping it onto the cookie sheet.

Recipe Variations

1. Peanut Butter Version: Add ¼ cup of peanut butter to the boiling mixture for a peanut butter-chocolate version of these cookies.
2. Nutty Delight: Add ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the dry ingredients for a nutty crunch.
3. Chocolate Chips: Stir in ½ cup of mini chocolate chips into the mixture after removing it from the heat for an extra chocolaty touch.
4. Coconut-Free: If you prefer, leave out the shredded coconut and add an extra ½ cup of oats for a simpler version of these cookies.
5. Dried Fruit Add-in: Incorporate dried fruits like raisins, cranberries, or cherries to add a bit of tartness to balance the sweetness.

Serving Suggestions

• With a hot drink: Serve these cookies with a warm cup of tea, coffee, or hot cocoa for a cozy snack.
• Alongside fruit: Pair these cookies with fresh fruit, such as berries or apples, for a refreshing contrast.
• For dessert after dinner: Serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a simple but delicious dessert.
• At a cookie swap: These cookies are perfect for cookie swaps because they are easy to make in large batches and will be a crowd-pleaser.

Freezing and Storage

Freezing:

• These cookies freeze well. Once they have fully set and cooled, place them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• To thaw, simply remove from the freezer and let sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes.

Storage:

• Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If the weather is particularly warm, you can refrigerate them to keep them firm.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use non-dairy butter or milk?
Yes, you can substitute non-dairy butter and milk (such as almond milk or oat milk) to make this recipe dairy-free.

2. Can I make a double batch?
Absolutely! Just double all of the ingredients and follow the same instructions. You may need a larger pot for boiling.

3. Do I need to refrigerate the cookies?
No, the cookies can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to a week.

4. How long do I need to wait for the cookies to set?
Allow them to cool for at least 30 minutes, but it’s best to wait until they’re completely firm before serving.

5. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can use gluten-free oats to make these cookies gluten-free.

6. Can I substitute the oatmeal?
You could substitute quick oats or another type of oat, but old-fashioned oats work best for the texture of this recipe.

7. Can I add peanut butter?
Yes, you can add about ¼ cup of peanut butter to the boiled mixture for a peanut butter-chocolate flavor.

8. What can I use instead of shredded coconut?
If you don’t like coconut, you can leave it out or substitute with more oats, or even add nuts for extra texture.

9. Can I use dark chocolate cocoa powder?
Yes, dark chocolate cocoa powder will give these cookies a richer, more intense chocolate flavor.

10. Are these cookies suitable for a vegan diet?
If you use vegan butter and plant-based milk, these cookies can be made vegan.

Conclusion

Nanny’s Uncooked Chocolate Cookies are a simple, no-bake treat that brings joy to every holiday season. With their rich chocolate flavor and chewy texture, they are perfect for sharing with family and friends. Whether you’re making them for a festive gathering or just as an everyday snack, these cookies are sure to be a hit. Easy to prepare and versatile with different variations, this recipe is one you’ll return to time and time again. So, grab your ingredients and start making these delectable treats—you won’t regret it!

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