Those of us living in the northern hemisphere are currently smack dab in the middle of summer. And, for those of us in the lower part of the northern hemisphere, it is HOT!
Many of us try to avoid unnecessary heat during these brutally hot summer months. This includes the use of the oven in our homes. Grilling outside, microwave meals, cold sandwiches, or ordering out become commonplace during this time of the year.
So what happens if you get invited to a picnic or barbecue, and you want to bring some homemade cookies to share? Or, what if you start craving fresh-baked cookies but don’t want to turn on the oven and heat the house? Is all hope lost?
The short answer is no. There’s no need for you to wait until fall to enjoy fresh-baked cookies. Keep reading for some great ideas on how to enjoy homemade cookies without ever turning on the oven.
(freepik/Freepik)
1. Stovetop
Instead of pancakes, why not make “pan cookies?” Whoever came up with the life-changing idea to make little breakfast cakes in a frying pan would probably wholeheartedly support making cookies in a pan or on a griddle.
Besides using room-temperature dough, there’s no need to make any changes to your traditional cookie recipe.
To make stovetop cookies, get a large frying pan with a relatively good-sized edge. On low heat, melt some butter in the pan or coat with non-stick cooking spray. Place small dough balls a few inches apart on the pan and push down on the balls to flatten them slightly.
Cook until the bottom is golden brown, then flip over and cook the other side, just like cooking pancakes. The low heat should help ensure the centers get cooked.
2. Microwave
In the summer, the microwave becomes many families’ best friend. It can cook a wide variety of things without emitting much heat. It may surprise you that cookies are also something that you can cook in the microwave.
To make microwave cookies, you will want to adjust your traditional recipe a bit. Omitting eggs is one of the main changes you will want to make to your recipe. This also makes the dough edible. Win-win, right?
Place a dough ball on a parchment-lined microwave-safe plate. Cook for about 40 seconds. If not done, cook in 10-second increments until done. Cookies should look slightly underdone and will firm up as they cool.
3. Crockpot
Crockpots are great for putting in ingredients in the morning and having a delicious, warm meal in the evening. You can make a giant cookie the same way.
For this method, there is no need to make any adjustments to your favorite gourmet cookie recipe. To begin, line the bottom of the crockpot with foil to create a bowl shape. Spray the foil with non-stick cooking spray and spread the dough evenly. Cook on low for about 4 hours.
4. Air Fryer
One of the trendy kitchen appliances on the market is the air fryer. Along with the many other things you can make in the air fryer, you can also make cookies. Is there anything this thing can’t do?!
Depending on the type of air fryer you have, you can either place the dough in the basket or on the baking sheet. Bake for five to ten minutes at 350 degrees.
5. Griddle
Just as you can make pancakes on a griddle, you can also make “pan cookies” on a griddle. Simply follow the instructions listed in the stovetop cookies section above. The main difference will be that you can make more cookies at a time on a griddle.
Use low heat so the insides get cooked and the outsides don’t burn. Since you are cooking them on a griddle, it’s safe to say you can eat them for breakfast.
6. Toaster Oven
Since a toaster oven is essentially a tiny oven, it’s no wonder you can use it to bake cookies. Using parchment paper in a toaster oven is not advisable, as it can catch fire. Use silicone baking mats, or spray your baking sheet with non-stick spray.
Space dough balls about two inches apart on the baking sheet. Place the baking sheet on the middle rack of the toaster oven. Bake at 350 degrees for about six to ten minutes.
7. Waffle Iron
Although the outcome will not resemble traditional cookies, you can use a waffle iron to make some unique ones. Spray the waffle iron heavily with cooking spray. Place a dough ball on each quadrant and cook for about 90 seconds.
8. No-Bake Cookies
No-bake cookies were the original way to make cookies without using an oven. Check out this traditional no-bake cookie recipe from cookingclassy.com.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup salted butter
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2/3 cup creamy peanut butter
- 3 cups quick oats (don’t use old-fashioned oats)
Instructions
- Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a 2.5 to 3-quart medium saucepan, combine butter, sugar, cocoa, and milk.
- Set over medium heat, and cook, stirring frequently, until it reaches a full boil.
- Allow mixture to boil for 60 seconds without stirring.
- Remove from heat, and immediately add vanilla, peanut butter, and quick oats.
- Stir the mixture until well combined, then drop the mixture onto lined baking sheets using a medium cookie scoop or two spoons.
- Rest at room temperature until set, about 20 – 30 minutes.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.
9. Order Online
Possibly the best way to save your home from any added heat and to keep yourself from working up a sweat is to have gourmet cookies delivered right to your door.
Order online cookies from a quality cookie delivery company, and the cookies will have the fresh, homemade taste you crave.
With so many different options, there’s no need to heat your house in the middle of summer or, even worse, go without fresh cookies. Pick any of these options above, and your taste buds, and A/C bill, will thank us.
Infographic
In summer’s heat, avoid oven use with these innovative cookie-making methods: stovetop, microwave, crockpot, air fryer, griddle, toaster oven, waffle iron, or ordering online. Cook dough on stovetop like pancakes, or in microwave, crockpot, air fryer, griddle, or toaster oven. Skip baking altogether with no-bake recipes or order gourmet cookies online. Enjoy homemade treats without adding extra heat.
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