2 cups granulated sugar
½ cup (one stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature
½ cup milk
¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
½ cup creamy peanut butter
3 cups quick-cooking oats
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or wax paper.
In a large saucepan set over medium heat, combine the sugar, butter, milk, and cocoa powder, and heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture comes to a full boil. Continue to cook for one minute, and then remove the pan from the heat.
Immediately stir the peanut butter, oats, vanilla, and salt into the hot mixture. Stir until well combined.
Drop the mixture by heaping spoonfuls onto the prepared baking sheet.
Let the cookies cool completely, about 30 minutes. They will firm up as they cool. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.