Peanut Butter Wreaths

Active time: 30 min.Total time:1 hour
Yield: Makes about 4 1/2 dozen cookies

Looking for the ultimate easy cookie? These no-bake peanut butter wreaths should do the trick. The oats and peanut butter add buttery and salty notes, making these almost like a praline. Toasting the oats beforehand really enhances the flavor and prevents the oats from getting soggy. Since these cookies are so easy and make a huge batch, you can get creative with your toppings—try other candies, like chocolate chunks, or fun holiday sprinkles to give these some serious spirit. 

Ingredients

  • 3 cups uncooked quick-cooking oats
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup (4 oz.) unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • Red and green candy-coated chocolate pieces (such as M&M’S)

How to Make It

Step 1

Preheat oven to 350°F. Spread oats in an even layer on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake in preheated oven until oats turn light brown and have a strong, nutty aroma, 8 to 10 minutes, stirring once after 5 minutes. Remove from oven.

Step 2

Line 3 baking sheets with parchment paper. Whisk together granulated sugar, butter, milk, and brown sugar in a medium saucepan over medium until combined. Let mixture come to a boil; boil, undisturbed, 1 minute. Remove from heat; stir in peanut butter, vanilla, and salt until combined. Stir in oats. Let stand 5 minutes. 

Step 3

Drop tablespoonfuls of oat mixture onto prepared baking sheets (you will have about 54 cookies). Using your fingers, make a hole in the center of each cookie (to look like a wreath). Decorate with chocolate pieces. Let cookies cool until set, about 30 minutes.

Source: Read Full Article