by Kathy H

Created on: September 15, 2008   Last Updated: February 03, 2012

You are craving something chewy, chocolate and sweet, and you really are not in the mood to drag out the mixer and all those ingredients to make cookies. Try this simple version of no bake cookies loaded with things that are actually good for you, oats nuts and seeds, and still enough of the chocolate you crave. Vary the ingredients each time you make them, so they are flexible with your moods and what you have on hand. By using different nuts and seeds each time, you can create all sorts of chewy combinations.

1 cup or less sugar
1/2 cup butter or soft margarine spread
1/2 cup low fat or skim milk
3 tablespoons cocoa or carob powder
3 - 4 cups quick cooking oats
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup chopped nuts
1/4 cup seeds, such as sesame, or unsweetened coconut or diced dried fruit if desired

Mix together sugar, butter or margarine, and milk in a non-stick saucepan. Bring to a rolling boil, then boil for one minute, stirring constantly.

Remove from the heat and stir in the cocoa, 3 cups of quick oats and vanilla.

Add the nuts and seeds, if using them, and stir well. If mixture is too thin, add more oats.

Drop by spoonfuls onto waxed paper, or allow to cool and roll into bite-sized balls. Chill until firm.

Store in a covered container in the refrigerator.

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