Mouth-Watering Recipe for No-Bake Mountain Bar Cookies
Hey there, fellow baking enthusiasts! I’ve got an insanely delicious and easy recipe for you today that requires absolutely no baking at all: the Simple No Bake Mountain Bar Cookies Recipe. These bars taste just like your favorite candy bar, loaded with chocolate, peanut butter, and oatmeal, but without any guilt or hassle of baking. Trust me; these bars are so addictive that once you try them, you’ll never look back.
If you’re like me, then you love indulging in dessert but don’t always have the time or energy to bake. That’s why I created this recipe, which is straightforward and takes only 10 minutes to prepare. All ingredients can easily be found in most kitchens or pantries too.
The simplicity of this recipe is what makes it great for all skill levels. Whether you’re a beginner baker or an experienced pro looking for a quick fix to satisfy your sweet tooth, these bars will surely hit the spot.
In addition to being simple and delicious, this recipe is also highly versatile. You can easily customize the flavors by swapping out the add-ins for your favorite candy or nut butter flavors.
So what are you waiting for? Let’s get started on this amazing no bake mountain bar cookie recipe that will become your new go-to dessert.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Listen up, my fellow dessert lovers! I have got a recipe that will knock your socks off: Simple No Bake Mountain Bar Cookies. Believe me when I say, this recipe is an absolute game-changer.
First of all, let’s talk about the convenience factor. These cookies require no baking whatsoever. That’s right, folks – no preheating ovens, no messes to clean up afterwards. Just mix up the ingredients, form them into bars, and set them in the fridge to firm up. It’s as easy as pie (or should I say cookies?).
But ease of preparation is only half the story. The real magic lies in the taste. Picture this: peanut butter and oats, all wrapped up in a delicious chocolate coating that will make your mouth water just thinking about it. Is your stomach grumbling yet?
And if that’s not enough to convince you, these cookies are also extremely versatile. You can switch up the ingredients to suit your own preferences – throw in some coconut flakes or nuts for added crunch, or substitute white chocolate for the dark chocolate coating to mix it up a bit. The possibilities are endless!
So whether you’re craving a sweet treat without fussing around with baking or searching for a new addition to your dessert arsenal, Simple No Bake Mountain Bar Cookies should be your go-to choice. Trust me when I say that you’ll be raving about them for days to come.
Ingredient List
Let’s take a closer look at the ingredient list for this Simple No Bake Mountain Bar Cookies Recipe:
- 2 cups of quick-cooking oats
- ½ cup of milk
- 1 stick (or ½ cup) of butter
- 1 ½ cups of granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup of creamy peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
These are all common and easy-to-find ingredients, but when they come together, they make an incredible dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Don’t forget to grab some wax paper, as you’ll need it to lay out your cookies after you’ve prepared them.
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have gathered all the necessary ingredients, it’s time to get to baking these scrumptious No Bake Mountain Bar Cookies.
Step 1: Melt the butter and combine with sugar
In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt 1 and 1/2 sticks of butter and then add in 2 cups of granulated sugar. Stir frequently, making sure that the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Step 2: Add milk, cocoa powder, vanilla essence, peanut butter
Once the butter and sugar are all melted and merged together properly, it’s time for us to add in more ingredients. To the saucepan, pour in 1/2 cup of milk, 3 cups of quick-cooking oats, 3 tablespoons of cocoa powder,1 teaspoon of vanilla essence,and finally 1 cup of peanut butter. Using a spatula or mixer, stir gently and continuously untill all the elements are well-combined.
Step 3: Cook until Boiling
Cook the mixture for a minimum of two minutes or until it reaches boiling point. Continue stirring constantly, as it’s imperative that everything is mixed properly.
Step 4: Mix in Quick-cooking oats
The quick-cooking oats come last. After the mixture has boiled properly, take it off the heat and add 3 cups of quick-cooking oats. Stir until they are fully incorporated into the mixture.
Step 5: Put on Wax Paper
To make sure your cookies don’t stick to your pan, carefully place sheets of wax paper onto baking pans or plates big enough for them. Due to those being no-bake cookies you won’t have to worry about sticky situations!
Step 6: Mould into Cookie Shapes
Using medium-sized ice cream scoop or tablespoon mould out oblong shapes with ridges around them (that would hark back to Alpine Mountains!) using your hands. Then place them on top of wax paper from earlier. Make sure that each cookie has some room on either side so they don’t fuse together.
Step 7: Let Them Set
With all your cookies moulded properly onto the wax paper or baking pans its time to give them some time off! Allow them to rest for at least an hour in room temperature.If night fell while you were waiting – take this opportunity to relax after all this hard work – just make sure your cookies get enough room for rocking since they’ve been set!
Great job! Your No Bake Mountain Bar Cookies are officially done now! Make sure to refrigerate them before serving to get those bar-like qualities you’re aiming for!
Substitutions and Variations
Ah, substitutions and variations. This is where things can get really wild, folks. Sure, the classic mountain bar flavor combo of peanut butter and chocolate is a timeless winner, but sometimes you just gotta switch things up.
First off, let’s talk about the oats. The quick-cooking oats are great for this recipe because they soften up beautifully without any baking required. However, if you’re feeling feisty, you could certainly try using old-fashioned rolled oats instead. They won’t break down quite as much, so your final product will have a heartier texture.
Next up, let’s talk about the peanut butter. Smooth or crunchy? That’s up to you, my friend. Personally, I like a little bit of crunch in there to contrast with the creamy chocolate goodness. But if you’re a die-hard smooth operator, by all means go for it.
Now onto the sweet stuff. Granulated sugar is the name of the game here, but feel free to play around with it. Brown sugar will add a nice depth of flavor and moisture to your cookies, while powdered sugar will make them a bit more tender.
And what about that cocoa powder? Unsweetened is what we need for this recipe, but if you’re feeling extra desserty (yes, it’s a word), you could try using some chocolate pudding mix instead. It’ll give your mountain bars a softer texture and extra gooey-ness that’s hard to beat.
Finally, let’s shake things up with some mix-ins. Chop up some almonds or peanuts and toss ’em in there for some extra crunch. Or add some white chocolate chips to bring some sweetness to the party. Feeling adventurous? Try stirring in some crispy rice cereal for an avalanche-cookie-inspired twist on this classic treat.
The beauty of these no-bake mountain bars is that they’re incredibly forgiving and adaptable. So have fun with it and get creative – who knows what deliciousness you might discover along the way?
Serving and Pairing
Now that you’ve whipped up these delicious No-Bake Mountain Bar Cookies, it’s time to indulge and savor every bite. These cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a midday snack or an after-dinner dessert.
These bars are particularly great for picnics, potlucks or any outdoor adventure. I love packing them on my hiking trips as they are light and energizing. You can also add these cookies to your kid’s lunch box or save them for a quick breakfast when you’re in a hurry.
If you’re entertaining guests, get creative with how you serve these bars. They look great on a rustic wooden platter, garnished with some fresh fruit or berries. You could even drizzle melted chocolate over the top and serve them with a dollop of whipped cream.
One thing to keep in mind when serving these bars is that they can crumble and break easily, so handle them with care. You can achieve optimal results by cutting the bars into small bite-sized pieces or squares.
When it comes to pairings, these cookies go great with a variety of drinks, such as coffee or tea. I particularly love pairing them up with an earthy and nutty espresso that compliments the peanut butter flavor in the cookies.
If you’re looking to make your dessert even more indulgent, why not scoop some vanilla ice cream on top of a cookie? Or try sandwiching two cookies together with some creamy peanut butter or Nutella for an elevated spin on a classic childhood favorite.
In summary, No-Bake Mountain Bar Cookies are versatile and delicious treats that are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying them as an energetic snack on the go or as an indulgent dessert at home, there’s no wrong way to savor these tasty morsels.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Once you’ve created a batch of these delectable mountain bar cookies, the last thing you want is to let them go stale or hard. Have no fear though, because I have some tips on how to preserve their freshness and flavors for longer.
One great thing about these no-bake cookies is that they can actually be made ahead and stored for later enjoyment. To do this, simply follow the recipe as instructed until you’ve formed the cookies, then place them in an airtight container lined with wax paper. Store them at room temperature or in the fridge, depending on your preference.
To reheat your mountain bars, you could pop them in the microwave for 10-20 seconds or simply leave them at room temperature for a few minutes before enjoying. This works well if you enjoy these cookies warm and gooey.
If you’re storing mountain bar cookies after making them but before eating them, they can last up to 3-4 days when kept in an airtight container and placed in the fridge. You can even freeze them in an airtight container for up to three months for longer storage.
You may notice that over time, the cookies get a bit harder, but this is nothing to worry about. Some people actually prefer this texture! However, if you still want your cookies to be soft and chewy even after being stored for a while, simply add a slice of bread or an apple into the container with the cookies. The moisture from the bread or apple will keep your cookies soft and chewy for longer!
Now that you know how to store and reheat your mountain bar cookies, go ahead and whip up another batch or two without worrying about wasting any!
Tips for Perfect Results
Mastering a recipe is an art form, and no-bake cookies are no exception. Here are some tips to ensure your Simple No Bake Mountain Bar Cookies come out looking and tasting absolutely amazing.
1. Get the Ingredients Right
Assemble all your ingredients beforehand and ensure that they are fresh. If you want the best flavor, use high-quality cocoa powder, peanut butter, margarine, and quick-cooking oats.
2. Mix it up Nicely
Make sure everything is well mixed when you add the quick cooking oats to the wet ingredients. You should not see any visible clumps of dry ingredients.
3. Be Smart with Your Mixing Tool
You can use a spatula, spoon or even stand mixer to mix the ingredients together. But heed this advice: do not over mix or under mix the mixture, ensuring that you hit the sweet spot in between.
4. Watch for Consistency
Check your cookie dough ‘s consistency after mixing if it has too much liquid add a ¼ cups of oats at a time until they stay in shape when you form them into balls.
5. Refrigerate before Serving
Letting your Simple No Bake Mountain Bars to chill in the fridge makes them easier to shape and slice evenly into perfectly bite-size pieces.
6. Get Creative with Your Add-Ins
These cookies can be customized too! Try adding toasted coconut flakes, chopped nuts or swap out peanut butter for almond butter while following the recipe’s basic ratios.
7. Use Wax Paper
Use wax paper to line your pan for an easy cleanup and easy removal of your mountain bars from your baking pan.
8. Keep Everything Clean
Lastly, but perhaps most importantly, keep everything clean as baking no bake treats requires pristine cleanliness and hygiene for perfect results every single time!
FAQ
Before we close the curtains on this exciting recipe, let’s clear up some of the most common questions that people have about the no bake mountain bar cookies recipe. These are handy bits of information that can help you tailor the recipe to suit your needs and preferences. So, without further ado, let’s have a look at some of the most frequently asked questions and provide you with helpful answers to ensure your next batch comes out perfectly.
Why my No bake cookies won’t get firm?
Are your cookies feeling soft and mushy even after they’ve sat out for a while? It’s possible that some of the ingredients used in the recipe, like peanut butter, chocolate, or butter, may not be maintaining their shape at room temperature. Similar to a stick of butter that gets soft and sticky when left out of the fridge, these ingredients can also loosen up when exposed to warmth, causing cookies to turn out mushier than desired. A simple solution to this issue is to refrigerate your cookies, allowing the ingredients to firm up and regain their shape.
How do I get my No bake cookies to harden?
Sometimes, no bake cookies can end up not setting properly. An easy fix for this issue is to refrigerate them for a period. The cold temperature can assist in solidifying the ingredients and prevent the moist sugar mixture from expanding.
Why are my No bake cookies dry and hard?
It’s possible that if your oatmeal no-bake cookies turned out to be dry and crumbly, it’s because they were cooked for too long. Although they are often referred to as cookies, they are actually more like a fudge or confection that includes oats. If candy or confections are cooked for a longer period of time, they tend to become dry and hard. This is why it’s important to keep an eye on the cooking time when making oatmeal no-bakes.
What can I use instead of wax paper for no bake cookies?
If you are not a fan of consuming wax paper, I have a recommendation for you. You could opt for using parchment paper or a silicone mat. Moreover, my preferred method is to use a mini muffin pan and apply non-stick spray before dropping the spoonfuls in it. These alternatives would ensure that your baked goods come out perfectly without sacrificing their taste.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this simple no-bake mountain bar cookies recipe is an excellent snack choice for those who crave something sweet and satisfying without the fuss of baking. These delicious cookies contain a perfect blend of peanut butter, oats, and chocolate that provides an exciting and flavorful taste. Whether you’re indulging in these cookies by yourself or sharing them with your friends and family, this recipe is sure to be a hit!
Not only is this recipe quick and easy to make, but it also offers a range of options for substitutions and variations so that you can customize the recipe to your liking. Also, it’s versatile enough to pair with different kinds of beverages such as milk, tea, coffee or hot chocolate.
Additionally, this no-bake cookie recipe’s make-ahead storing and reheating features allow you to prepare them ahead of time so that you can have a constant supply of treats ready whenever you or your guests want them.
Overall, there are many reasons to try out this recipe – from its simplicity to its flavor to its versatility. So why not give it a try? I guarantee you won’t regret it!
Simple No Bake Mountain Bar Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup margarine
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup cocoa
- 3 cups quick-cooking oats (instant oats)
- 3/4 cup peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
Instructions
- Mix first four ingredients in sauce pan.
- Boil one minute.
- Remove from heat.
- Stir in oats.
- Add remaining ingredients.
- Drop onto wax paper and let cool.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
Recommended Recipes Just For You
Steven is a chef by heritage, so it’s no wonder why baking is such a big part of who he is. To share his passion for all things sweet, he created cookiesncrepes.com. It’s the perfect platform to indulge in delicious treats, all with a sprinkle of his signature flare.