Whether you don't want to heat up the kitchen or the demands of getting the kids out the door are upon you, it's nice to have a few no-bake cookie recipes on hand. We thought we would share some of our favorites with you.
Cranberry Coconut Bars
This first recipe, Cranberry Coconut Bars, is more of a big kid cookie-it has too much fruit and too many nuts in it to suit most youngsters. But it so scrumptious and easy, we had to include it. If you are making a lunch for a spouse or a teenager, we think this will be a hit. Of course, it doesn't have to go in a lunch pail.
This is a microwave cookie that can be mixed right in the baking pan. How's that for convenience?
If you are not fond of dried cranberries, consider substituting dates, raisins, or chopped apricot pieces in this recipe.
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 1/2 cup quick rolled oats
1/4 cup light corn syrup
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup sweetened flaked coconut
1/2 cup walnut pieces
Directions
1. Place butter in an 8-inch square, microwave-safe baking dish. Microwave until the butter is melted.
2. Stir in the brown sugar until dissolved. Stir in the rest of the ingredients. Press the mixture firmly into the dish.
3. Microwave for three to five minutes or until lightly browned. If your microwave does not have a rotating carousel, rotate the dish twice during cooking.
4. Let the cookies cool and then cut them into bars with a sharp knife. Wrap them individually to pack in a lunch.
This recipe will make sixteen 2 x 2-inch squares.
This next recipe makes a great kid cookie. It's almost confection-like but is so packed with energy and hearty oats that you won't mind giving your youngster a few. This cookie is best with a tall glass of milk.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Drops
This is a range-top cookie. Because it is a no-baker and so full of energy, it makes a great camping cookie.
2 cups sugar
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup butter
1/3 cocoa
2 1/2 cup quick oats
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/2 tablespoon vanilla extract
Directions
1. Combine sugar, milk, butter, and cocoa in a medium saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture comes to a boil. Cook for two more minutes stirring constantly and then remove the pan from the heat.
2. Stir in the peanut butter and vanilla, then the oats.
3. Let cool for several minutes and then drop spoonfuls onto waxed paper. Let the cookies cool completely before removing them from the waxed paper.
More No-Bakers
When thinking of no-bake cookies, don't forget the perennial favorites, Rice Krispie Treats and Frosted Graham Crackers. We're assuming everyone has the recipe for Rice Krispie Treats. Consider adding chocolate chips, dried fruit pieces, or cinnamon candies for a little pizzazz.
To make Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats, melt 2/3 cup chocolate chips (for a recipe calling for six cups of cereal) with the marshmallows and butter. This is a real favorite-our kids like these more than regular Rice Krispie Treats and they are no more difficult to make.
For Frosted Graham Crackers, simply pick your favorite frosting and sandwich that between two graham cracker squares. Pick a frosting with a powdered-sugar base that will set up firm and won't be messy.
Dennis Weaver is the general manager at The Prepared Pantry (http://www.preparedpantry.com) with recipes, ideas, and the best selection of mixes and ingredients. Visit the free Bakers' Library for more articles like this, free baking guides, and tested recipes.
Kid party food doesn't have to take hours to prepare... Read More
I absolutely loved experimenting with foreign recipes, especially dessert recipes,... Read More
IngredientsRomaine Lettuce (head $1.29) 1 pound of steak ($10 per... Read More
Twenty-three chefs who cooked for world royalty and heads of... Read More
For the British at least, Shrove Tuesday is probably better... Read More
With an easy basic quick mix, you can make a... Read More
From the book: Christmas In Dairyland (True Stories From a... Read More
When it was unfolding, I never thought I lived in... Read More
You are about to embark on the most exciting enterprise... Read More
Just because you are watching your weight, doesn't mean the... Read More
Fudge is a treat that everyone loves. It doesn't matter... Read More
My mother was the daughter of Norwegian immigrants who homesteaded... Read More
Crockpots vary but the low setting is typically around 100... Read More
Spaghetti has always been a favorite family meal. My teenage... Read More
Long term weight loss isn't about hunger, misery and crash... Read More
My parents lived for convenience when it came to feeding... Read More
Sometimes the easiest way to get children to eat healthy... Read More
Remnants of dried peas were found in Egyptian tombs. Hot... Read More
To those of us that don't know, crockpot recipes are... Read More
Nutritional Information: Serves 3, Fat: 8 g, Cal: 299, KJ:... Read More
"Frozen Key Lime Pie recipe?" Fern Butters asked. "Child, I'll... Read More
The Memphis Style pork rib is one of the most... Read More
Steamed breads are so versatile. We love the outdoors and... Read More
The custom of grubbing for Earthnuts, or Pignuts is as... Read More
Do you remember Grandma's apple cobbler? Is spaghetti one of... Read More
Grandma loved to bake peach pies or top pancakes with... Read More
If you are seeking a very unique flavored bbq sauce... Read More
Making beer is easy, inexpensive, and most of all, fun.... Read More
Crust-less QuicheQuick and easy, this meal is great either hot... Read More
Originally, all foods were "organic" ? grown and prepared without... Read More
Spain is famous for its tapas and, whichever Spanish bar... Read More
One meal planning challenge for me has been to `lighten... Read More
Leave your tic-tacs at home. This medicinal plant provides delicious... Read More
If you are seeking a very unique flavored bbq sauce... Read More
When it comes to prime rib and there are two... Read More
French toast was one of my favorite breakfast foods when... Read More
The very best thing about having birthday cake is the... Read More
These recipes are wonderful and they are old family recpies.... Read More
Ingredients600g white bread (I recommend baguette or any other kind... Read More
In my 'un-biased' opinion, the crockpot / slow cooker is... Read More
Sometimes the easiest way to get children to eat healthy... Read More
Want to serve an elegant, yet easy, dessert? Try truffles.... Read More
Love the taste of prime rib? Love the taste of... Read More
Managing leftovers is a challenge we all face! Throwing food... Read More
First of all, paella is not exactly the dish but... Read More
With summer coming to an end, you probably have an... Read More
Next time someone signs you up for "dessert duty" at... Read More
Milkshakes have been around since the old days of drugstore... Read More
The Holiday Season is upon us and soon we will... Read More
IngredientsRomaine Lettuce (head $1.29) 1 pound of steak ($10 per... Read More
Yes, it sounds dangerous and the potential for messes seems... Read More
In the quest for more time, searching for quick recipes... Read More
Ok. I never thought that the day would come when... Read More
This delicious treat adds only 1.9 grams of carb for... Read More
You are about to embark on the most exciting enterprise... Read More
Chili cooks always want to discover that award-winning chili recipe... Read More
One of my fondest childhood memories is the celebrations around... Read More
This refreshing tomato soup is a great cool meal for... Read More
My ex reminded me last week that the holiday that... Read More
Dedicated Chili cooks always seem to be looking for an... Read More
Beat the heat with these cool summer treats!Mouse PopsiclesIt's not... Read More
One meal planning challenge for me has been to `lighten... Read More
Just about everyone loves freshly baked chocolate chip cookies. Many... Read More
My mother was the daughter of Norwegian immigrants who homesteaded... Read More
EASY No-Roll Pie Crust3 cups flour1 teaspoon salt2 teaspoons sugar2/3... Read More
Are you eating enough fruit lately? How about chocolate? Well,... Read More
Recipes & Food and Drink |