Fudgey Cocoa No-Bake Treats with M&M's

Apparently, I have been into baking with oatmeal lately! This is the third recipe in a row that I have baked where oatmeal has been the main ingredient. Maybe because oatmeal is healthy!...and if there is oatmeal in your dessert then you can eat more, since oatmeal is good for you :) Here's the line-up of the other two recipes that I made; these Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies are perfectly delicious, chewy, and are now my go to recipe for any type of oatmeal cookie. The add-ins are endless! And, this Vanilla Scented Granola is crunchy and sweet and perfect for breakfast or as a quick snack on the go.

These Fudgey Cocoa No-Bake Treats are slightly adapted from my HERSHEY'S Best-Loved Recipes cook book. I love this cook book! I am a chocolate lover and none of their recipes ever disappoint! These  are a quick and easy sweet treat that are made in a matter of minutes with simple ingredients that you probably have on hand. Sugar, butter, milk, and cocoa are cooked together until boiling on the stove top and then  peanut butter, oats, and vanilla are mixed in.  This is a perfect drop cookie resulting in a sugary little mound of fudgey, chocolatey, peanut buttery, and hearty goodness. I added M&M's for a little color and believe me these babies are addictive!  

Fudgey Cocoa No-Bake Treats with M&M's:

• 2 cups sugar
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/3 cup Cocoa
• 2/3 cup peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)
• 3 cups quick-cooking rolled oats
• 1/2 cup chopped peanuts (optional)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• handful of M&M's

1. Place a piece of wax paper or foil on a cookie sheet. Combine sugar, butter, milk and cocoa in medium sauepan.

2. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture comes to a rolling boil. Boil for 90 seconds.

3. Remove from heat and add peanut butter, oats, peanuts, if desired, and vanilla; stir to mix well. Quickly drop mixture by heaping tablespoons onto wax paper or foil and top each with M&M's. Cool completely. Store in cool, dry place.