No-Bake Chocolate Cherry Oatmeal Delight
This delicious no-bake treat will remind you of chocolate-covered cherries wrapped in a chewy oatmeal cookie. It's a delightful combination of sweet and decadent flavors, with the richness of chocolate and the tartness of maraschino cherries mingling perfectly. Perfect for gatherings, gifts, or simply satisfying your sweet cravings, these cookies are so good they won't last long, so make sure to whip up a double batch to share!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Sugar
2 cups (none)
Butter
1/4 cup (none)
Quick-cooking oats
3 cups (none)
Milk
1/2 cup (none)
Cocoa powder
1/3 cup (none)
Vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (none)
Peanut butter
1/2 cup (none)
Maraschino cherries
1 (10-ounce) jar (drained and chopped)
Instructions
1
In a large saucepan, combine sugar, milk, butter, and cocoa powder.
2
Heat the mixture over high heat until it reaches a rolling boil. Maintain the boil for exactly one minute for the perfect texture.
3
Once boiled, remove the saucepan from heat and immediately stir in the peanut butter. Mix until fully melted and combined.
4
Add the chopped maraschino cherries, vanilla extract, and quick-cooking oats to the mixture. Stir well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
5
While the mixture is still warm, spoon it in generous tablespoon portions onto sheets of wax paper, shaping them if desired.
6
Allow the cookies to cool completely at room temperature before enjoying!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is No-Bake Chocolate Cherry Oatmeal Delight?
It is a decadent no-bake treat that combines the flavors of chocolate-covered cherries with a chewy oatmeal cookie texture.
How long should I boil the sugar mixture?
You must maintain a rolling boil for exactly one minute to ensure the cookies reach the perfect texture.
Can I use old-fashioned oats instead of quick-cooking oats?
The recipe specifically calls for quick-cooking oats to achieve the intended chewy consistency.
Is baking required for this recipe?
No, this is a no-bake recipe; the cookies set as they cool at room temperature.
What kind of cherries are used?
The recipe uses one 10-ounce jar of maraschino cherries, which should be drained and chopped.
How should these cookies be stored?
Once they have cooled completely, they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
Can I substitute the peanut butter?
While peanut butter is recommended, you can try other nut butters, though it will alter the classic flavor profile.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 ingredients: sugar, butter, oats, milk, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, peanut butter, and maraschino cherries.
What does the No-Bake Chocolate Cherry Oatmeal Delight taste like?
It features a sweet and decadent combination of rich chocolate and tart maraschino cherries.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, making a double batch is recommended for gatherings or gifting to ensure there is enough to share.
How long do the cookies take to cool?
The cookies should be allowed to cool completely at room temperature until they are fully set.
Do I need to drain the maraschino cherries?
Yes, the cherries must be drained and chopped before being added to the warm mixture.
Is cocoa powder used in this recipe?
Yes, 1/3 cup of cocoa powder is combined with the sugar, milk, and butter to create the chocolate base.
What type of milk can I use?
Standard dairy milk is typically used, though the recipe simply specifies 1/2 cup of milk.
What heat setting should I use for the saucepan?
The mixture should be heated over high heat until it reaches a rolling boil.
Can I use salted butter?
Yes, the recipe calls for 1/4 cup of butter, and either salted or unsalted can be used based on preference.
How do I shape the cookies?
Spoon generous tablespoon portions of the warm mixture onto wax paper and shape them as desired.
Is vanilla extract necessary?
Yes, one teaspoon of vanilla extract is added to enhance the overall flavor of the cookies.
Can these cookies be frozen?
Yes, no-bake cookies can be frozen in an airtight container for longer storage.
What surface should I place the cookies on to cool?
It is best to drop the portions onto sheets of wax paper so they do not stick as they set.
Are these cookies a good choice for kids?
Yes, they are a sweet and easy-to-eat treat that is very popular with children.
What happens if I boil the mixture for more than one minute?
Boiling too long can cause the cookies to become overly dry or crumbly.
What happens if I don't boil the mixture long enough?
If not boiled sufficiently, the cookies may be too soft and fail to hold their shape.
Can I add nuts to the recipe?
While not in the original recipe, you could stir in chopped nuts along with the oats if desired.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
They are gluten-free only if you use certified gluten-free quick-cooking oats.
What size jar of cherries is required?
The recipe requires a 10-ounce jar of maraschino cherries.
How much sugar is required?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of sugar.
When should I add the peanut butter?
Add the peanut butter immediately after removing the saucepan from the heat once the boil is complete.
When do the oats get added?
Stir in the quick-cooking oats after the peanut butter, cherries, and vanilla have been incorporated.
Are these cookies suitable for gifts?
Yes, their sweet flavor and festive look make them perfect for giving as treats or gifts.