Craving a sweet treat without turning on the oven? These Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal Drops are a perfect no bake dessert recipe for a quick and satisfying snack. You’ll love how easy and delicious they are to make.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Butter: Use unsalted butter. Margarine works in a pinch.
- Granulated Sugar: Brown sugar can be substituted for a deeper flavor.
- Milk: Any type of dairy or non-dairy milk (almond, oat) works well.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Essential for chocolate flavor.
- Creamy Peanut Butter: Do not use natural or oily peanut butter.
- Quick Oats: Rolled oats can be used, but quick oats provide a better texture for no bake dessert recipes.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the flavors.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- ½ cup milk
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 3 cups quick oats
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Chill Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 24 drops
- Tools Needed: Large saucepan, mixing spoon, parchment paper, baking sheet
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine Wet Ingredients
In a large saucepan, combine butter, milk, sugar, and cocoa powder. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the butter melts and the mixture comes to a rolling boil. Let it boil for 1 minute, stirring continuously.
2. Remove from Heat and Add Flavor
Take the saucepan off the heat immediately after boiling. Stir in the creamy peanut butter and vanilla extract. Mix until the peanut butter is completely melted and smooth.
3. Incorporate the Oats
Quickly add the quick oats to the mixture. Stir well until all the oats are thoroughly coated. You want to make sure every oat flake is covered with the chocolate peanut butter goodness.
4. Form Your Drops
Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. You can use a small cookie scoop or two spoons to create uniform drops.
5. Chill and Enjoy
Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time allows the no bake dessert recipe to set up properly. Once firm, your Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal Drops are ready to eat!
Variation Ideas:
- Coconut Twist: Add ½ cup shredded coconut with the oats for extra texture.
- Nutty Crunch: Stir in ¼ cup chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts) for a satisfying crunch.
- Mini Chocolate Chips: Fold in a handful of mini chocolate chips at the very end for more chocolate flavor.
- Espresso Boost: Add ½ teaspoon instant espresso powder with the cocoa for a subtle coffee note.
Storage Instructions:
Store your Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal Drops in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer freshness, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to a week. They are best enjoyed at room temperature or slightly chilled.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
- Why are my drops not setting? You might not have boiled the mixture long enough, or the humidity is too high. Make sure you boil for a full minute to activate the sugar.
- Can I use natural peanut butter? It’s best to stick to creamy, processed peanut butter for this no bake dessert recipe. Natural peanut butter tends to be oilier and can prevent the drops from setting properly.
- Can I use steel-cut oats? No, quick oats are essential for the texture of these no bake dessert recipes. Steel-cut oats will not soften adequately.
- How do I prevent them from being too sticky? Ensure you boil the mixture for the full minute. If they’re still too sticky, try adding a little more oats next time.
- Can I freeze these? Yes, you can freeze them in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.