This easy No Bake Fudge Cookies recipe is a great recipe to satisfy your kids on those hot summer days! These cookies are our kids most favorite recipe and older kids can easily make this recipe themselves! You can find this recipe in our Dining On A Dime Cookbook on page 274.
No Bake Fudge Cookies Recipe
It’s warming up here, school’s out and the grandkids will be coming more often. Even though it is hot they still expect cookies at “Nan’s”. Here are a couple of cookie tips that will keep you from dying of a heat stroke. These tips aren’t new for everyone, but they might be a reminder for some of you seasoned cooks and something new for our friends who are just starting out.
- Make your cookie dough, but don’t bake the cookies. One very hot summer my son begged and pleaded for me not to bake the cookies I was making so he could just eat the dough. I asked myself, “If the kids prefer it this way, why am I killing myself baking them?” To this day, ice box cookie dough is one of his favorites. If you are worried about the eggs then buy egg substitutes.
- Watch for cookies to go on sale. I can get some pretty good deals on cookies that end up costing less than what I can pay for the ingredients. Cooking from scratch isn’t always cheaper than buying things pre-made. (I’m not saying cooking from scratch is never cheaper. Sometimes it is and sometimes it isn’t.) My kids and grandkids love cookies no matter where they come from. My kids thought store bought cookies were a treat because, even though everyone thinks times are hard now, years ago cookies were much more expensive when bought from the store than they were homemade.
Here is my grandkids’ favorite summer or anytime no bake fudge cookies recipe:
No Bake Fudge Cookies
1/2 cup milk
2 cups sugar
1/2 cup baking cocoa
1/2 cup margarine
1/2 cup peanut butter
1 tsp. vanilla
3 cups oatmeal
1/2 cup nuts (optional)
Before you start, cut about a 20 inch piece of wax paper. Lay it on the counter. This serves as something to drop the cookies on.
In a saucepan, mix milk, sugar, cocoa, and margarine. Bring to a boil and boil 1 minute. Remove from heat. Stir in peanut butter, vanilla, nuts. Mix until peanut butter is mixed in. Add oatmeal. Drop by spoonfuls on the wax paper.
This must be done a little quickly because the cookies start hardening pretty fast. If the humidity is high or you don’t boil them the right amount of time, they may not harden. Don’t panic! Just pour it into a container and use as fudge sauce for ice cream. …Although my kids love eating these homemade no bake fudge cookies with spoons if they don’t get hard enough to eat as cookies!
-Jill
This easy no bake fudge cookies recipe is from our cookbook:
Click here to get the Dining On A Dime Cookbook, with tasty recipes and great tips to make your life easier and save you money!
Bea says
May 26, 2010 at 11:21 amIt’s very warm here too. Too warm for May. Seems more like the dog-days of July or August. Too early for this. I’m praying it cools down to the 70’s. That’s a nice temperature range. I love the no-bake fudge cookie recipe. I will have to try that. Also, using fruit loops for the rice crispie treats is a great idea. Jill, you inspire me all the time. Keep up the good work. I don’t feel so alone in my life of thrift knowing you and Tawra. I never had anyone in my life that trys to save money. Isn’t that sad? But now I have you guys. Thanks.
jackie says
November 6, 2014 at 1:11 pmIf you leave out the vanilla it has always hardened. And for my grown son I add some crispy bacon pieces
that have been blotted with paper towels.
rose says
May 26, 2010 at 12:18 pmjill thanks for posting this… that no bake fudge cookies look delish! 😀 … i have all those ingredients too… and we were wanting to bake cookies too… but the thought of turning on an oven in this heat is not something i am up for.. 😀
again thanks for posting this 😀
Barbara says
May 2, 2014 at 12:20 amI mother always used to make these for us! Brings back memories! These are so good and yummy, and so easy to make. Thanks for having the receipe, I never got it before she went to the kitchen upstairs!
Cindy Savant says
July 10, 2014 at 10:45 amI grew up making these no bake cookies and when you get the recipe right, get out the gallon of milk because you won’t want to stop eating these no bake cookies. They are SIMPLY DELICIOUS!!! I also think it’s important to use the tiny oats, (1minute oatmeal), instead of the large oatmeal!!!!
Jill says
July 10, 2014 at 10:53 amYou are right Cindy. These are not quite the same using the large oats and I too prefer the instant small oats.
ESTHER says
March 25, 2019 at 9:12 pmhi, was in a hurry one time and put these in a cake pan and later cut them into bars ,so great and easy !
memaw says
May 26, 2010 at 4:20 pmLadies, Love your newsletter AND your blog! Just thought I’d let you know, we’re from the country and we call the ‘no bake’ fudge cookies….cow pie cookies 😉 THANKS FOR ALL YOUR HARD WORK!
Janine says
May 26, 2010 at 4:38 pmSince Tawra is eating gluten free now, I thought I’d pass on this suggestion. Instead of using rice krispie in rice krispie treats, use rice chex or fruity pepples. The name brands are okay, not sure about store brands.
grandma says
May 26, 2010 at 6:27 pmfor the no bake fudge cookies my recipe is a bit different.
2 cups of oatmeal the old fashioned type.
1 cup of coconut.
no peanut butter (peanut butter is banned in schools here)
I do sometimes add a tablespoon of peanut butter but it isn’t a must have.
the rest is pretty much the same.
make a graham cracker crust and spread it on a jelly roll pan.
Make up a cornstarch pudding or use a mix either will do nicely.
Any flavour your kids like I use two boxes of mix and a double recipe from scratch.
pour the pudding mix over the crust and set in the fridge to set. cut them into bars.
If children are outside they can be eaten by hand but a fork and plate and bigger pieces are recommended for the house.
Wendy Irene says
May 26, 2010 at 7:58 pmgreat ideas! Now I really feel like making cookies 😉
Lady M says
May 27, 2010 at 8:23 amThe No-bake cookie recipe is a long time family favorite. Since no oven is needed, I have even made these on the camp stove when camping! We do use butter instead of margarine and they are wonderful. I am glad you put in the part about humidity or not boiling long enough (I boil just a bit longer when it is humid) – I say that same thing to people when I give them the recipe, lol! But, we do not bother refrigerating if they do not set for whatever reason – we just scoop them off the wax paper with a spoon, lol!
jill says
May 28, 2010 at 9:37 amLady M, we do too. Even if the cookies don’t set we scoop with the spoons too. 🙂 🙂 So I don’t really get to use it as fudge sauce often especially if the kids are around when I make them. I have to laugh because I think they would be happiest if I would just pour the stuff down their throat. HA!HA
Jill
grandma says
May 28, 2010 at 11:48 amI use the unset ones and add ice cream.
My younger sister when we were young and at a restaurant told the waitress for dessert she wanted a butter scotch sundae with out the ice cream. She got a small scoop of ice cream and the waitress had tripled the butter scotch.
here is a treat that isn’t cookies but tastes so good. I use pineapple juice instead of orange.
Raspberry Snow Cones
Tested Till Perfect
This recipe makes 4 servings
change servings
Raspberry Snow Cones
Ingredients
2 cups cups(500 mL) (500 mL) fresh or frozen raspberries
1/4cup cup(50 mL) (50 mL) granulated sugar
1/2cup cup(125 mL) (125 mL) orange juice
5 cups cups(1.25 L) (1.25 L) ice cubes
Preparation:
In food processor or blender, purée raspberries with sugar; strain into bowl to remove seeds. Stir in orange juice. In same food processor or blender, crush ice to make about 4 cups (1 L). Mound ice into cone shape in each of 4 chilled dessert dishes; drizzle with raspberry mixture.
Lady M says
May 28, 2010 at 12:50 pmYou and me both! My mom used to make them for us when we were children – and it was hard for us to wait until they set up enough for us to swipe them off the wax paper. I don’t think I have seen a batch last more than a couple of days!
Brenda says
June 15, 2011 at 9:32 amWe love no bake cookies at my house. And they are gone in no time. When it is summertime in western Missouri, my husband wants a lunch of a big slice of watermelon, a couple handfuls of grape tomatoes and a sandwich bag of no bake cookies to take to the field.
I love your newsletters! Thank you!
Lisa says
June 15, 2011 at 11:24 amJill, that’s a great idea about refrigerator cookies (aka cookie dough). I love the skillet no bake cookies too and make them often. Did you know that the cocoa is also optional? I discovered this accidentally…thinking I had cocoa when I didn’t. They’re good with or without it.
Jill says
June 15, 2011 at 11:48 amI didn’t know that Lisa although these cookies are so yummy you could probably leave half the ingredients out and they would still taste good. 🙂 🙂 Thanks for the tip because I do tend to run out of cocoa too.
barb~ says
June 15, 2011 at 12:41 pmHi Jill-
I have eaten this cookie, I think, but never made it. Do you use old fashioned oats or quick cooking? Would it make a difference?
How are you doing with your little family now in Co.? I have had you on my heart:)
Blessings~
Jill says
June 15, 2011 at 2:32 pmBarb quick oats work best and is what I usually use. I am doing fine. I haven’t quite had a chance to miss them yet. I have been in Co with them up until a couple of days ago. Since I drove one of Tawra’s cars back there for them I had no way of getting home so my folks drove me back a couple of days ago and they just left this morning so haven’t even had time to catch my breath yet.
My mom said she hated leaving me here by myself but I laughed and said I don’t think I will have time to be lonely. My son and his family are still here plus my folks had barely pulled out of the drive way at 6:45 this morning and my phone was ringing off the hook. I was on the phone for 1 1/2 hours with Tawra and the grand kids and have talked with them about 4-5 more times since. It was just like my usual talking to them as if they were here.
Even last night Tawra left her 2 oldest at home while they walked down the block for a minute and they (the grandkids) had a mini spill/accident and called me asking what they should do, where was the broom …. I think it is so funny they know Nan can fix it even if she is 500 miles away. Most grandkids think their grandmas are super heroes which is what makes being a grandma so much fun.
I have to admit by this morning after weeks of going in high gear I was at the point of collapsing. I am worn to a frazzle so I do need to have a little rest and did have for about 2 hours because Tawra just called and I need to add a couple of things to newsletter for Tuesday so sounds like I need to get busy. Oh well maybe tomorrow I will rest. 🙂 🙂 Thanks for thinking about me and asking I really do appreciate it.
Audrey says
June 15, 2011 at 2:03 pmJust thought I would mention, if you don’t intend to bake a batch of cookies at all and are worried about the eggs you can just leave them out entirely. The cookie dough tastes the same, it just wouldn’t hold together as well without eggs if oyu were to bake them…
barb~ says
June 15, 2011 at 4:25 pmDear Jill,
Close relationships can span all distances, can’t they? That’s too funny-grandkids calling for “HELP GRANDMA!!” when they had a little ooopppps:) How wonderful that they feel so close to you, and clearly love you so much:) That’s a win/win in my book!
Treat yourself to something special really soon. You deserve it! What are your guilty pleasures:) I treat myself to lots of quiet rest, reading your blog:), votive candles around the room, and my favorite music. Basically, I guess I’m a pretty cheap date!
Thanks for the tip on the cookies!
Blessings~
Jill says
June 15, 2011 at 5:33 pmAll great ideas Barb. I am curling up with a good book this evening, making myself a hot fudge sundae and soaking up some nice peace and quiet. ahhhhh I hear ya cause I’m a pretty cheap date too. 🙂 🙂
Dana Dernberger says
June 16, 2011 at 9:25 amNoticed a comment that Tawra may be Gluten Free now – I’ve recently done this for a health condition and have had improvements – I know MANY who would LOVE Gluten Free recipes – simple, quick affordable etc.. I’m not adept at the GF baking yet and find the GF mixes or prepared foods to be outrageously expensive. Would Tawra consider a GF tab or segement in her newsletter? MANY THANKS!
tonya says
May 1, 2014 at 10:15 amcheck out bella gluten free website, ihave been using her italian cookbook for helps and hints and she also puts recipes on her website. all of her stuff is easy to ubderstand and i have even modified some traditional recipes using her techniques. the cookbook has two all purpose mixes in it you can make. she is local in colorado and taught at the wheat free school in boulder. happy gluten free cooking.
Lolita says
June 16, 2011 at 10:12 amOne of my daughters brought this recipe from her 2nd grade school teacher and WE LOVE THE COOKIES!!! It’s very easy, cheap and yummie!!! And.. we all have so much fun making them!!!
Thank you and have a very blessed day 🙂
Jeanene Overholt says
June 16, 2011 at 10:51 amIf you and Tawra have web cams built in to your computers (or can buy a cheap webcam)you can use Skype to talk and see each other. It is free; just go to Skype.com to sign up. It is a great way to communicate with those who live far away.
Jill says
June 16, 2011 at 10:57 amJeanene my oldest grandson (our computer kid) made sure mom and dad bought me one before they left. I just have to get it hooked up. In the olden days before web cams I would make video tapes – reading books, singing, doing puppets or just talking to the grandkids and would send one every once in awhile. I became like one of their favorite TV characters like Barney or Mickey Mouse. It was too funny but it worked because the first time I saw them after a long spell of being separated they came running to me as if I had never been gone. Needless to say that made my day.
So thanks for the tip. I can hardly wait to get mine hooked up.
Margaret says
June 16, 2011 at 11:21 pmI laughed about using these cookies that don’t set as fudge sauce! My tendency has been to overcook them, and they turn out crumbly. I had discovered if you mess them up that way, they make a great crumb topping for ice cream! What a great recipe–it’s always a winner whatever happens with it.
Jill says
June 17, 2011 at 6:38 amThat is so true Margaret. My kids would eat it by the spoonfuls if it was runny and always gobbled the crumbs when they were over cook. I never have had a chance to use it for ice cream topping.
Jenni says
June 20, 2011 at 12:17 amNaturally gluten-free cookies! Oooooh I will definitely be giving these a try! Thanks! 🙂
tonya says
May 1, 2014 at 10:18 ammake sure the oats you use say gluten free, lots of companies use the same equipment to cut wheat which contaminates the oats
Grandma says
December 12, 2011 at 6:32 pmthanks for posting this recipe.
we called it night before school bake sale cookies .
fast when mom ran out of time or we forgot to mention the bakesale at school until 9pm the night before.
I think I gave away the recipe book.
I do this without the peanut butter sometimes and they are just aa good and they are welcome in school that are peanut free.
Wanted to make a bunch to send in my christmas package to my 3 grandchildren. they love them if they can get some before their dad eats them all.
better send 2 batches.
I know what I am doing tomorrow as I bought the coconut today.
thanks again.
Science geek says
June 27, 2013 at 10:02 amThese were my sisters favorites as a kid, I am allergic to PB, so I could never eat them. They were something she learned how to make by herself when she was very young. We never thought to just leave out the PB! A few years back I found a recipe in a national park newsletter that didn’t have the PB, but was basically the same, I went home and made them right away! All those years of feeling jealous about what she was eating could have been avoided! They are also great with raisins stirred in, we always used old fashioned oatmeal because that is what we like to eat…
Jill says
June 27, 2013 at 10:33 amMy son can’t eat PB either and loves these cookies so he just leaves out the PB and it doesn’t seem to make a difference at all so for anyone who can’t eat PB you can try this recipe leaving it out.
tonya says
May 1, 2014 at 10:04 amsave the pastic bags from cereal boxes, cut them in half and you instant wax paper to put your cookies on. Just a frugal idea I picked up somewhere.
Lillace Christianson says
May 2, 2014 at 4:57 amThese are chocolate bliss! My Mama used to love making these and we loved helping her eat them. The peanut butter is a great addition, but they’re good without it as well. Hope you’re having a great day!
Gail says
May 8, 2014 at 11:25 amI’ve made these for years, but I just put it in a pan, and cut it like fudge. Saves a lot of time!
Peggy says
July 11, 2014 at 5:10 pmYou said if you’re worried about eating eggs in raw cookie dough to use egg substitute. Just wondering what product do you use?
Jill says
July 11, 2014 at 5:29 pmI personal don’t use any but always use regular eggs in everything I make because I don’t worry about these things too much.
Cindy Wicks says
September 20, 2014 at 7:19 pmIf it is rather humid, I toss in an extra small handful of oats. If that still doesn’t work for the cookies to harden, try leaving them sit on the counter until morning. This always works, so long as my family doesn’t peel them all off before morning!
Laura says
January 13, 2015 at 4:00 pmMy mom made these only they were called Top of the Stove Cookies.
Love them! And so easy.
Jacquelyn Harriel says
August 15, 2016 at 5:12 pmI have made this cookie many times but learned that if I leave out the vanilla it sets up everytime. And I have even put real bacon bits in this recipe my grown son loves them very much. Its his favorite cookie with the bacon in it.
Cheryl says
February 27, 2017 at 9:27 pmThat looks good for any time of the year – not just hot days! Seeing as how I have all the ingredients and am nearly out of store bought cookies, I think I’ll whip up a batch tomorrow.
Jill says
February 28, 2017 at 9:23 amSo true Cheryl
debra m dohse says
May 21, 2018 at 11:14 pmyou could use a silapat mat instead of wax paper i love them its like a nonstick cookie sheet liner
Jill says
May 22, 2018 at 9:37 amTawra does use a silapat mat for her cookies. I don’t like them too much myself (I know the whole world loves them) but when ever I use wax paper or something like that it is so I don’t have to wash anything when I am done (I have never had a dish washer). If I have to wash a silapat it sort of defeats the purpose of not washing anything. Plus I have never been able to figure out how to easily wash the things – they are so big and slip and slide when I try to wash the back and front then where do you put something like that to dry? If I put it on top of the dishes in the dish rack it hangs over and drips on the counter plus the dishes under it take forever to dry. I do not know what I am doing wrong and Tawra has tried and tried to convince me they are great but I usually spend more time washing them than a pan or dish. My dilemma :):)
Margaret says
February 22, 2019 at 12:30 pmMy mother always made these except she used evaporated milk.We would add raisins or nuts to it. We also made it without cocoa and had a vanilla no bake cookie. Love your recipes and tips on everything, always binge watching your Youtube videos.