I love these cookies espcially the chocolate. I LOVE anything thats chocolate.

For a fun change of pace, add a little instant coffee, for mocha cookies. Yum!

Pet milk is a brand name for evaporated milk (not to be confused with sweetened condensed milk)sold largely in the southeastern United States. Any brand of evaporated milk will work fine. Be sure to shake it up first.

I'm almost 60 and these were a staple in our home growing up. We always used peanut butter so I would think that the coconut was a mutant. :)

5 min is too long bc it starts to burn. i melted everything per reicpe and then dropped the peanut butter and oats, stirred thoroughly and started dropping on wax paper. excellent. a favorite recipe.

Can this recipe be done in a microwave?

If you're looking for a cheaper way to make this recipe use 1/2 c. regular milk instead of evaporated and 1/2 c. vegetable oil instead of butter. These are items you would be more likely to have around your house.

BTW, this is a great cookie for people who are 'gluten intolerant'!

I've made these since I was about 13..now 59..but with milk not Evap milk...does using evaporated milk change the taste? I hate to mess with a tried and true recipe but I'm out of milk and far from the store. I suggest the soft ball stage method as over cooking will cause them to harden and dry out too much..they become crumbly.

Hi Alisa,

Evaporated milk is interchangeable with regular milk when mixed with water according to the can directions - it might change the taste slightly but not objectionably so. Good suggestion about the soft ball stage - it would also be helpful for first time cookie makers to use a candy thermometer to avoid overcooking these.

-- CM

Any suggestions from Maine cooks about this recipe? Want to make the authentic version sold here at church fairs.

Love at first bite. Can't believe I haven't tried some of the variations. Anyone ever tried adding granola & cut back on oats? Adding raisins is good also.

I'm 61 and ate sooo many of these when I was 17 I got sick on them! Ha! Raise 5 kids without making these little cuties!.. Now, when they all come home w/ their families, grandma will have them in various ways! Just made them and forgot the butter! Arrrgh! Burned the pan! Tried again and, purrrrfect! I think the main thing is... Mix the evaporated milk (or milk) with the sugar first.. So there's not a single grain of sugar on the pan or spoon or anywhere! Add this mix to the melted butter in the pan and add the salt, cocoa (1/4 c.) and when it's all boiling stir it gently and leave it boiling for 1 minute... Take off the heat and add the peanut butter and oats and coconut... You can add dried cherries and dried cranberries too... Also, you don't have to add peanut butter either.. All taste wonderful!!! :) Oh, it's a great thing that our new years resolutions are after we get sick on all these variations during the Christmas season!! :))))

The reason they do not set up is they are not cooked long enough where you live. I have found if it is rainy I cook them a little longer and they work fine as well. I usually cook it to a soft ball stage or 234°F. on the candy thermometer.

Just made this recipe twice. The first time I followed the advice to leave out the peanut butter until the end and boil for 5 minutes; when it set, it was crystallized and crumbly. The second time, I left out the peanut butter until the end and I used a candy thermometer and boiled until it reached 235°F. -- turned out perfect. (roiling boil about 1 minute). Use the soft ball method.

just use milk i boil mine for 3 to 4 mins and only use 2 cups of oats