It may be a surprise to learn that some of the best-tasting cookies and bars can be made without turning on the oven. No magic is involved, just a few time-honored techniques for producing irresistible goodies while the kitchen—not to mention the cook—remains cool. With an assortment of cereals, crushed graham crackers, cookie crumbs, butter, nut butters, cream cheese, and chocolate (and some delicious options for adding flavor such as dried fruits, nuts, toffee, coffee, vanilla, spices, and more), no-bake cookies are a matter of mere minutes in the making.

The recipes in No-Bake Cookies are a boon for busy home cooks with a penchant for sweet treats. They make "first time" cooking fun for kids, too. Even the youngest of children can help with measuring and stirring the ingredients while Mom, Dad, or big brother handle more demanding tasks such as chopping nuts and melting butter on the stovetop.

Most people are familiar with Rice Crispy treats, peanut butter bars, and chocolate-oatmeal no-bakes. No-Bake Cookies expands the horizon with such mouth-watering treats as Maple Praline Drop Cookies, S'Mores Clusters, Quick Caramel Delightfuls, Mixed Fruit, Seed & Nut Energy Bars, PB&J Bites, Maui-Wowie Macadamia Bars, Irish Creamy Mousse Bars, Key Lime Squares, Butterscotch Pudding Bars, Blackberry Mascarpone Bars, and dozens more.

So whether one is looking for a fun-time treat for the kids, a healthy snack for the lunchbox, a dreamy chocolate indulgence, or a creamy-cool summery icebox bar, a recipe from No-Bake Cookies cookbook always fits the bill.

About The Author
Camilla V. Saulsbury, a native of the San Francisco Bay Area, is a food writer, food scholar, and recipe developer. Her award-winning recipes have appeared in Southern Living, Better Homes and Gardens, Vegetarian Times, Cooking Light, and Sunset. She recently won the 46th Annual National Chicken Cooking Contest Award on the Food Network. The author of Cookie Dough Delights, Brownie Mix Bliss, and Cake Mix Cookies, she earned her doctorate from Indiana University and lives in Texas with her husband.