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When A&A studied Octopuses for school I wasn't sure what we would bake for the Letter "O". Oatmeal in and of itself isn't all that exciting. And Oreos came to mind, but I'm really not a fan. There are exceptions though. Like the Oreo Cheesecake that my friends the Karys & Lorussos make ~ yum! But once I remembered Dad's chocolate oatmeal cookies I knew I had my answer.

I love these no bake cookies! Be warned: they're super addicting. We're talking chocolate and peanut butter here ~ it's impossible to eat just one. In fact, I lost count of how many I consumed the day we made them. Shame on me.

Growing up, I can't even begin to recall how many times I mixed some of these up with my dad. Both my parents are awesome in the kitchen so I have many food-related memories, but I have extra vivid ones about these cookies. I can picture standing on one of our barstools over the stovetop, using a long wooden spoon to stir the bubbly, chocolatey goodness while watching the 90 seconds of boiling time tick away on the wall clock. Then Dad would spoon the hot mixture out onto the wax paper, while I'd hover nearby hoping for stray drops that I could sneak into my mouth. Thankfully these cookies cool fairly quickly so you don't have to wait long for the real deal.

I attribute this recipe to my dad, but growing up he constantly ran around with his best friend Randy. I think sometimes they were up to no good; I've heard some funny stories! Anyway, it was Randy's sweet mom, Doris, that got Dad hooked on these cookies. As a result, Ryan and I love them, and now JD and the kids do too. Thank you Doris!

The best part is how easy they are. Easy peasy.

Oh yeah, I've also heard them called Cow Patties. I know...that sounds kind of gross. But remember I grew up in Texas where everything is bigger and the cows are plentiful! Moo.

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{~Ingredients~}

{~The Process~}

1. Melt butter with milk in saucepan. Mix sugar and cocoa then add to the milk mixture. Bring to a boil then boil for 1 1/2 minutes while stirring.

2. Add peanut butter, vanilla, and oats. Mix well.

3. Drop by the spoonful onto wax paper. Cookies will set as they cool.

4. Make sure you sneak a few while they're warm!

{~PRINTABLE RECIPE HERE~}

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