These make me nostalgic for my family because my brother taught me to make them probably before we were even teenagers and we’ve made them ever since, and they are my sister Charity and my special thing we always, always always have to make when we get together.

Mix in saucepan over medium heat:

2 c. sugar
1/4 c. cocoa
1/2 c. milk
1 stick (1/2 c.) butter

As soon as that mixture comes to a boil, turn down heat to low and let simmer for exactly four minutes.

The timing on this is important.  If you cook them too long, they are all dry and crumbly.  If you cook for too little time they are mushy and gooey and you can hardly pry them from the pan.

As soon as those four minutes are up, take the saucepan off the heat and add:

1 tsp. vanilla
3 c. oatmeal

Mix together and drop by heaping spoonfuls onto a wax paper lined cookie sheet.

Let sit on the counter to set, or in fridge, or in a hiding place so everyone doesn’t chow down on them before they’re ready.

That’s all there is to it.

Enjoy.