No-Bake Fruit Cookies

More About This Recipe

• Check out these easy no-bake cookie options that will get you in and out of the kitchen in no time!
  
  Craving cookies but don't feel like slaving over a hot oven? Who says you have to bake to enjoy a batch of fresh crunchy, chewy or otherwise yummy goodies? You can find a baker's dozen of no-bake cookie recipes, like  No-Bake Cranberry Nut Cookies and No-Bake Apricot Gems. Who says you always have to follow a recipe, though? Dig around in your cupboard and rifle through the fridge for fixings that you might just be able to turn into a new fave treat.
  
  No Bake Basics
  
  In order to make no-bake cookies, you will need something sticky, something crunchy or chewy, something to thicken the mixture and, of course, something sweet. You might find that one ingredient meets a couple of these conditions, which is fine. In fact, that's a bonus! You do not need a ton of different ingredients to whip up no-bake treats successfully. In this case, simple is good.
  
  Need some ideas of staples that are awesome no-bake cookie makings? Check these out…
  
  1. Sticky Fixings
  
  Sticky foods that help bind the cookies together include corn syrup and sugar, marshmallows, butter, peanut butter and evaporated milk. You can try using one of these ingredients or mixing a couple together for a sweet, gooey component. For instance, melt marshmallows and butter together on the stove or in the microwave for the perfect combo to bind crunchy cereal treats. Boil corn syrup and sugar with a little water for a sticky simple syrup. As you can see, most of these ingredients add to the sweetness of your treats as well.
  
  2. Chewy Crunchy Goodness
  
  This is where you can have some fun and be creative. A great go-to you can use to add texture and flavor to your no-bake cookies is cereal. It doesn't matter if you choose something sweetened like Trix, or an old school grain like oatmeal or Cheerios. Stir a heaping helping into your sticky substance until coated and you don't need to do much more. Cereal can also help thicken the mix.
  
  3. Thick and Solid
  
  The ingredients you choose to thicken the cookie base will help it solidify and form solid cookies. Aside from cereal, you can stir in components such as peanut or any nut butter. Melted chocolate is an awesome thickener, too.
  
  4. Something Extra
  
  While you are sure to turn out tasty treats with any of these variations, cranking them up a notch is perfectly ok. Stir in chocolate chips, chopped nuts or little candies. Combine different types of cereal for a unique and yummy flavor. Top them with melted candy coating or decorative sprinkles.
  
  Tips for Success
  
  Before you begin to throw together a batch of no-bakes, gather all of the stuff you need. Line cookie sheets with waxed paper or coat them with non-stick spray. Cover a large spoon or your hands with butter before scooping out or pressing down the cookie mix. Finally, remember that the fridge is your friend when it comes to no-bake cookies. Pop your finished product in there and you will be munching down in no time.
  
  Not baking can be just as deliciously rewarding as baking. Try it out!
  
  Do you have a fave no-bake cookie recipe or an idea about making these treats even more awesome?