Just when I feel like I've mastered this cookie, I fail. I know that the No Bake cookie should be one of the most simple recipes around. I am a BIG fan of this treat. Throughout my life I have made several batches of No Bakes. Some turn out...most do not. I've tried adding more peanut butter, more oats, less milk. None of those elements are the cause of an imperfect consistency.So what is it? It's all about the boiling time. I recently learned the importance of making sure to boil the mixture long enough before adding the oats.
Today, just as my masterpiece began to boil, I thought to myself, "I'm so glad I know how to make these just right now". As my boiling gets stronger, I hear a scream from the bedroom. It was Collin who had fallen off the bed during her nap. I ran to her aid and lost track of my boiling time. I quickly consoled her and hurried back to my most important task. At this point, I had a great boil going on so I figured after all of that it had ample time to do what it needed to do.
Well, I was wrong. I must not have been sympathetic enough to Collin because those darn cookies turned out gooey as can be. How long do you boil your No Bakes? Or what really is the trick?
I'm not a cook...or a baker...just a consumer. And I get sad when the things I'm consuming just don't taste as good as they could.
14 comments:
I will tell Rach about this. She makes them a lot so she might have some advice. As for me, I just don't think they are worth eating. Sorry. Love your favorites post. I know it was a while ago but I liked it. When I saw the lip gloss I thought about the face you always made when applying gloss to your lips in the car. It made me smile.
oh megan...you betty. i have NO advice for you as i'm sure you already know. i don't cook i just buy cute aprons and bowls for fun.
glad you had fun this weekend, see ya tomorrow!
I boil my no-bakes for 2-3 minutes. Then add the oats and peanut butter and vanilla. It's funny because I just made them today for my YW class and they loved them! Do you want my recipe? I wonder if it's different?
I've always understood it's important NOT to let your sugar boil until it's dissolved. I simmer mine until it looks pretty smooth before letting it boil. That is the key for me. I've never noticed a different in consistency, but I would say about 2 minutes of boiling once the sugar is dissolved would be good. I LOVE those cookies. Good luck!
Pretty sure those cookies are all I can think about now. I'm going to make some in a bit. I'll let you know how they turn out!
I don't even know what "No Bakes" are? Looks yummy though! I think I may need the recipe!
Okay, I just made some. This will be my last comment I swear.
I just simmer mine until the sugar dissolves and then as soon as it starts boiling I turn it off. (I stir constantly) Add in the oats, PB, vanilla and cocoa, spoon onto wax paper, etc. They seemed to have turned out great! Hope that helps.
Nothing worse than not having your dessert turn out!
jodee is killing me!
I am loyal to the recipe from Mrs. Weber, the home-ec teacher from TJH. May she rest in peace. Just kidding, I don't know if she's alive or not. Probably not. Anyway, her recipe never fails me and it's on Becoming Betty. There are two on there, but one is Nat's and it's a little different. You can try our new search feature! We're big time.
This post is funny to me because I ALWAYS have the same problem. I even tried leaving a batch in the fridge for 2 days to see if that would help. I used to think my troubles were because I was using generic vanilla, but I think it happened even when I used the real stuff. I really do agree that boiling time is key. I have two recipes for this and one says 1 minute and the other says 1 and 1/2. I think I've started doing it for longer with the hopes that it would actually work. It seems to really be hit and miss. You'll have to let us know if you find out what is up with these dang cookies! Happy baking!
Derek just reminded me that a recipe I had called for butter or margarine but I think I got better results when I used butter. :)
Hi Megan, it's Kathy (John's sister). Little did you know that I check out your blog from time to time while checking out Christy's. Anyway, I just had to comment because I also love the no-bake and never had a great recipie until one was shared with me a couple of years ago and they are the best I have ever had and they are perfect every time! Sorry that this will be a long-ish post.
Recipe: combine in a saucepan 1 cup sugar, 1 Tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 cup milk, and 1 tablespoon butter. Bring to boil over med./high heat for 90 seconds. Take off heat and add 1/4 cup smooth peanut butter, 1/2teaspoon vanilla and 1 cup quick oats. spoon on to wax paper. when they have set up a little transfer them to freezer.
Boiling time definetly is crucial. As soon as it comes to a "rolling boil" start the timer. Take off heat at exactly 90 seconds. Another trick in my opinion is to use quick oats instead of the regular. Make sure you don't put in too many oats and hurry to put them on the wax paper or they get dry. If you use this recipe, they may seem a little runny and you may be tempted to add a little more oats- DON'T DO IT! Hope they turn out great!
I was discussing this post with my husband when he disclosed to me he had never heard of, let alone tasted, a no-bake cookie. What??? I just made some for him...let's hope they turn out!
amen sister. I too share your same agony. 1 minute is the magical time not a second more.
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