Description
These Lemon Oatmeal No-Bake Cookies are a zesty and sweet treat that come together quickly without an oven. Combining rolled oats with a lemon-infused syrup, butter, and milk, these chewy cookies offer a refreshing twist on classic no-bake cookies, making them perfect for a simple, bright dessert or snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Zest of 1 lemon
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 1–2 lemons)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for extra sweetness)
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking. Zest and juice the lemon and set these aside for later use.
- Make the Cookie Mixture: In a medium saucepan, combine the butter, milk, and sugar over medium heat. Stir continuously until the butter has melted and the sugar has fully dissolved, ensuring a smooth mixture without graininess.
- Boil the Syrup: Bring the mixture to a boil and let it boil for 1 minute, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. This step helps achieve a syrupy consistency crucial for binding the cookies.
- Add Lemon Flavor: Remove the saucepan from the heat. Immediately stir in the fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla extract, salt, and honey if using. Mix thoroughly until all flavorings are well incorporated into the syrup.
- Mix in the Oats: Add the rolled oats into the lemony syrup mixture and stir well to ensure all the oats are evenly coated with the syrup, forming a sticky oat mixture.
- Form the Cookies: Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Press down gently on each mound to shape them into cookie discs for even thickness and better setting.
- Let the Cookies Set: Allow the cookies to cool at room temperature for 30 minutes to 1 hour. This resting time lets the cookies firm up and become chewy, holding their shape nicely.
- Serve and Store: Once set, serve the cookies immediately or store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Use old-fashioned rolled oats for the best texture; quick oats may result in mushier cookies.
- Pressing the cookies gently during formation helps maintain an even shape and thickness.
- Adjust the amount of lemon juice and zest according to your preference for tanginess.
- Honey is optional; omit it if you prefer less sweetness or want a stricter sugar-content control.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to keep them chewy and fresh.
- These cookies do not require baking, making them a quick and easy dessert option especially in warm weather.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
