My Favorite Childhood Treat

I love how something so simple, like a smell, sound, or taste can bring a distant, forgotten memory to the forefront of our thoughts. We are transported to this ancient time, tinged with sweetness and mellowed like aged whiskey, through nothing more than a trigger to our senses. When I find myself longing for those long gone days of youth, I often think of a treat my grandmother would make. She called them, “Boiled Cookies.”

Ingredients and Supplies

• 2 Cups Granulated Sugar
• 1 Stick (8 Tablespoons) Butter
• 3 Tablespoons Cocoa Powder
• 1/2 Cup Milk
• 1/2 Cup Peanut Butter
• 1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
• 3 Cups Old Fashioned Oats
• Medium to Large Saucepan
• Wooden Spoon
• Waxed Paper or Parchment Paper
• 2 Spoons, like tea or soup spoons

Directions

1. In a saucepan add the sugar, butter, cocoa powder, and milk.
2. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring to combine ingredients.
3. Boil for 1 minute.
4. Remove from heat.
5. Add peanut butter and vanilla. Stir until well-combined.
6. Add the oats. Stir until combined.
7. On waxed or parchment paper, drop mixture using the 2 spoon method. ( Scoop up the mixture with one spoon, and use the second spoon to help push it off of the first spoon.)
8. Allow to cool completely before serving. This can vary widely depending on ambient room temperature and humidity. I would say at least 1 hour.

Tips and Tricks

• The cookies start off shiny and dull as they cool and harden.
• You can substitute any nut or seed butter for the peanut butter.
• You can add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts to the recipe for a little extra crunch.
• You can substitute part of the oatmeal with coconut flakes, nuts, pretzel bits, etc. to change up the flavors.
• They keep well in the refrigerator. I don’t know if they would freeze well.

Final Thoughts

I have made these for my own children throughout the years. They are now a fond family memory for them. I recently found out that a lot of my cousins, aunts, and uncles have also carried this tradition on in their families. I truly hope it becomes a favorite for you and yours as well. Let me know in the comments below if you tried them. I would also love to hear about what things bring you back to the good old days. Please consider subscribing to be notified as soon as new posts release. Thank you for being here with me.