Halloween Haystacks

I know, I am a day late. I actually made these cookies yesterday, but I had to share my jack-o-lantern yesterday. So here is today's post. Haystack cookies are popular, no-bake cookies. They are often cookies beginner bakers start with, since they are so quick and easy. From start to eating, they only require about 20 minutes. This batch makes about 30 cookies, depending on size, but could easily be doubled or halved. 

Shapes don't work put the greatest with this dough, since it isn't one that's rolled out and cut, but I attempted anyway. From top to bottom, these are supposed to be a spider, an owl, and a bat. It's the thought and creativity that count!

Halloween Haystacks
1/2 cup butter or margarine
1/2 cup milk
2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
scant 2 cups granulated (white) sugar
3 1/2 cups rolled oats
1 1/2 cups unsweetened shredded coconut

Line a baking sheet with foil. 
In a medium saucepan, bring the butter, milk, cocoa, and sugar to a boil. Remove from heat and quickly stir in oats and coconut. Drop spoonfuls quickly onto prepared baking sheet. Chill until firm, they don't take long. Speed up the process by putting them in the freezer. 
For Halloween cookies: Drop the mixture on the sheet and spread into your favorite Halloween shapes!