We get it, it’s hot. But that’s no excuse to avoid enjoying delicious homemade treats. Lucky for you, these desserts don’t require a oven. Cool! (Ha-ha.) When looking for a beat-the-heat summer treat, social media manager Amanda Hawkins chooses this family recipe every time. Learn how to make your own chocolatey, peanut buttery cookies (and more!) after the jump.
What You’ll Need for No-Bake Cookies:
1 stick salted butter
2 cups sugar
3 tablespoons cocoa
1/2 cup milk
1 1/3 cups peanut butter
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
3 cups quick oats (they must be quick oats)
Wax paper
What to Do:
On stovetop, cook sugar, cocoa, milk, and butter until butter melts and it comes to a boil.
Remove from stove and stir in peanut butter and vanilla extract.
Pour in quick oats to desired thickness. (You may have to add up to an additional 2-3 cups.)
Spoon out on wax paper. Let them cool until hard—aka when they won’t burn your mouth—and enjoy!
(Depending on oats added, recipe yields 18 large cookies or 36 small cookies.)
Not a fan of peanut butter and chocolate? First of all, who are you? Second of all, try one of these easy desserts instead that will have you saying adios to the oven and hello to sweet treats all summer long.
Marshmallow Cereal Treats
You can follow any marshmallow treat recipe, but swap in your favorite cereal instead. Even better? It’s just three ingredients: butter, marshmallows, and whatever cereal your heart, erm, stomach, desires.
Ice Cream Rounds
Have a box of cookies? A tub of ice cream? You’re set, but you better work fast because this can get a little bit messy. To start, freeze a cookie pan for a few hours. As it cools, create a cookie crumble from your fave cookies. (We suggest double chocolate chip, because #chocolate.) Place the crumbs in a bowl. When the pan is cold, put it on your counter and start working. Scoop and roll your ice cream into small balls, dip in the cookie crumble, and place on the cold pan. Work as fast as you can or the ice cream will melt. Put the pan back in the freezer for a few hours until the ice cream re-hardens.
Banana “Ice Cream”
Peel 4-5 ripe bananas and place them in a resealable bag to freeze overnight. The next day, cut them in small sections and place them in a blender for 30 seconds. Enjoy immediately or re-freeze for a sweet frozen treat later.
But you’re not done yet! Add mint or peppermint extract and chocolate chips for a mint chocolate chip variety. Or, add your favorite berries (strawberries, cherries, blueberries, etc.) for a fruity, creamy swirl. Or if you’re feeling extra devious, add peanut butter. This can double as dessert or a powerhouse breakfast smoothie.
Cheesecake in a Jar
Cheesecake has always felt a little ~fancy~ but it doesn’t have to be complicated. In a small jar or cup, layer crumbly crust and cream cheese filling, and top with your favorite jam. Let them cool for a few hours and enjoy individually-portioned mini cheesecakes. You just earned your Fancy Card.
Peanut Butter Balls
A.K.A. Buckeyes if you’re an Ohioan. With just 5 ingredients, you can make dozens of these chocolatey, peanut buttery bite-sized treats. The best news: This requires no stove top either, just a microwave.
