How to Make No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies
By: Leah Rodrigues
Published: September 21, 2014

The number one advantage of the no-bake cookie is that you don't have to worry about preheating your oven, let alone turning it on.  No-bake cookies come in many forms.  Sometimes they are baked in the microwave like in this 5 minute chocolate chip mug or a healthy raw snack such as gluten-free buckeyes.  For this recipe, a chocolate peanut butter sauce is cooked on the stove top before oats are added.  The heat from the sauce soften the oats to ensure a tender cookie.  Once off the heat, you will need to scoop the dough quickly before it sets.  This means having you cookie sheet completely ready before you start preparing the cookies.  We have our own recipe for no-bake chocolate peanut butter cookies below.  Whichever cookie you prepare, this quick and easy treat will be your go to dessert on busy weeknights.
Almond Joy Variation:
	Add 1/2 sweetened shredded coconut
	Substitute vanilla extract for almond extract
	Substitute peanut butter for almond butter
	Add 1/3 cup chopped toasted almonds

No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Cereal Cookies
1/2 cup unsalted butter
	1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
	2 cup sugar
	1/2 cup milk
	pinch of fine kosher salt
	1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
	1/4 cup Nutella
	1 teaspoon vanilla
	3 cups chocolate rice cereal
	1 cup mini Reese's Pieces, more or less
	Line a cookie sheet with wax paper.  Heat a medium saucepan over medium high heat and melt the butter,  Add the cocoa, sugar, milk and salt. Cook over medium heat until the sugar is dissolved. Bring the mixture to a boil. Remove from heat and stir in the peanut butter, Nutella and vanilla extract. Last, stir in the chocolate rice cereal.  Mix until the chocolate cereal is completely coated.  Add mini Reese's Pieces and mix again so that the candy is evenly distributed. Working quickly, scoop the cookie mixture onto the cookie sheet.  Allow to cool for 15-20 minutes before eating.  Store in an air tight container.  Will keep for up to 2 weeks.