Family No-Bake Chocolate Oat Bars (Boiled Cookies)

A pan-set variant of classic no-bake chocolate cookies. Dense, sliceable, and meant to be cut into bars instead of dropped as cookies.

Ingredients

Cooked chocolate base

  • 1/3 cup cocoa powder
  • 1 stick butter (1/2 cup)
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 2/3 cup milk

Dry mix

  • 2 cups quick oats
  • 1½ cups peanut butter
  • 1/2 cup shredded coconut
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. In a saucepan, combine the cocoa powder, butter, sugar, and milk.
  2. Heat over medium until the mixture reaches a full rolling boil.
  3. Once boiling, start timing and boil for 3 minutes.
  4. While the mixture boils, combine the oats, peanut butter, shredded coconut, vanilla, and salt in a large heat-safe bowl.
  5. After 3 minutes, remove the saucepan from heat and immediately pour the hot chocolate mixture into the oat mixture.
  6. Stir thoroughly until fully combined.
  7. Pour the mixture into a 13 × 9 inch pan and spread evenly.
  8. Refrigerate until fully set, then cut into bars.

Notes

  • This recipe has a narrow margin between perfect and too dry due to the longer boil time and absorbent ingredients.
  • If the mixture is too dry for a clean pour:
    • Add a small splash of milk.
    • Place the mixing bowl briefly over a warm but off electric burner.
    • Stir just until the mixture loosens enough to pour. Do not reboil.
  • Final texture should be firm, dense, and sliceable. Think no-bake brownie rather than soft cookie.

Storage

  • Store refrigerated for clean cuts and firm texture.
  • Keeps well for several days in an airtight container.

Old-school, deliberate, and unforgiving if rushed. Time it right and it locks in perfectly. We’ve always referred to them as Boiled Cookies growing up. They make for a tasty treat but could also be used to put on some weight. Future snack of sumos?