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Stack of freshly made lemon oatmeal no bake cookies showing golden color and oat texture on wooden cutting board

Lemon Oatmeal No Bake Cookies

These bright, zesty lemon oatmeal no bake cookies are ready in just 20 minutes with no oven required! Perfect for summer entertaining, they combine the tangy sweetness of lemon pudding with wholesome oats for a delightful treat that's both quick and delicious.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Cooling Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 20 cookies
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Base Ingredients
  • 1½ cups Sugar Granulated white sugar works best
  • ¾ cup Butter Unsalted, room temperature
  • ⅔ cup Milk Whole milk for richness
  • 1 small box Lemon pudding mix Instant variety only, 3.4oz/96g
  • 3½ cups Quick oats Not old-fashioned oats
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract Pure vanilla for best flavor

Equipment

  • Large saucepan
  • - Wooden spoon
  • Wire whisk
  • Cookie sheet
  • Wax paper
  • measuring cups
  • - Measuring spoons

Method
 

  1. Line your cookie sheet with wax paper and set aside. Have all your ingredients measured and ready to go, as this recipe moves quickly once you start.
  2. In your large saucepan, combine the sugar, butter, and milk over medium heat. Stir occasionally with your wooden spoon, allowing the butter to melt completely. Watch for gentle bubbling around the edges.
  3. Once the mixture reaches a rolling boil, let it continue boiling for exactly 5 minutes. Set a timer because this timing is crucial for the cookies to set properly.
  4. Remove the saucepan from heat immediately after 5 minutes. First, stir in the vanilla extract, then whisk in the lemon pudding mix until the mixture becomes completely smooth.
  5. Add the quick oats to the mixture and stir until every oat is well-coated with the lemon mixture. The oats will absorb some of the liquid, creating the perfect consistency.
  6. Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded portions of the mixture onto your prepared wax paper. Work quickly, as the mixture will start to set as it cools. Allow the cookies to cool completely before removing from the wax paper, typically 15-20 minutes.

Notes

Temperature control is key to success - keep heat at medium throughout cooking and don't rush the boiling stage. Make sure pudding mix is completely dissolved before adding oats. Store at room temperature for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months. These cookies actually improve in flavor as the lemon pudding continues to develop.