Instructions

1. Select a no-bake cookie recipe that does not require shaping or refrigeration for the chewiest results. Most no-bake drop cookies fall into this category. Recipes including quick-cooking rolled oats are appropriate choices for chewy no-bake cookies.

2. Measure the sugar, butter and milk called for in the recipe into a large, heavy saucepan. Some recipes use evaporated milk in this step, while others use corn syrup. Flavorings, such as cocoa powder and flavor extracts, are also added in this step, if your recipe includes them. Blend the ingredients in the pan over medium-high heat until the mixture comes to a boil, stirring occasionally to keep it from sticking. Continue boiling and stirring for two minutes.

3. Remove the boiled ingredients from the heat. Promptly mix in the remaining ingredients called for in the recipe. Add liquid or softer ingredients, such as peanut butter and vanilla, first, then mix in the rolled oats, flour or other cereals. If you are using nuts, raisins, chocolate chips or other add-ins, add these last. This is particularly important when adding chocolate chips, since adding them before the boiled mixture cools a little causes them to melt too much, which can change the texture and color of the cookies.

4. Drop the mixture by tablespoons onto wax paper and allow the cookies to cool and set before you eat them. To maintain a truly chewy texture, do not refrigerate the cookies or press them into a bar pan, since both these techniques cause no-bake cookies to harden. Store the cookies in a covered container to keep them from hardening, particularly if you live in a dry climate.