When the schedule is stacked, this no bake cookie wins. Quick mix, easy set, athlete approved, budget friendly.
Yields: about 22 to 26 cookies
Time: 10 minutes mix, 20 minutes set
Ingredients:
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1/2 cup unsalted butter
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1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
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1/2 cup milk
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1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
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1 heaping tablespoon espresso powder (secret key for deeper chocolate flavor)
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1/4 teaspoon fine salt
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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3 cups quick oats
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1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
Athlete upgrades optional:
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1 scoop protein powder
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2 tablespoons chia or hemp seeds
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2 tablespoons ground flax
Directions:
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Add butter, sugar, milk, cocoa, and espresso powder to a saucepan. Stir until melted and smooth. Bring to a gentle boil and cook exactly 60 seconds. The sugar should be fully dissolved and the mixture glossy.
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Remove from heat. Whisk in salt and vanilla.
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Stir in peanut butter until smooth. Fold in oats and any upgrades.
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Scoop onto parchment. Set at room temp 15 to 25 minutes or chill 10 to 15 minutes.
Make ahead and storage:
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Fridge up to 5 days
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Freezer up to 2 months
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Portion 2 to 3 per bag for grab and go
Swaps and tips:
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Sunflower seed butter for nut free
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Certified gluten free oats if needed
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For less sweet use 1 1/2 cups sugar
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Sprinkle mini chips or crushed pretzels before they set
Key to success: boil the mixture exactly 60 seconds and be sure the sugar is fully dissolved before you add the oats
