No-Bake Chocolate Drops
2 cups granulated sugar
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup plus 3 tablespoons whole milk
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup peanut butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2-1/2 cups quick oats
2 teaspoons dried egg whites (such as Just Whites)
.... or 4 teaspoons meringue powder
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
2-1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
36 chocolate kisses
Step 1:
In a saucepan, bring sugar, cocoa powder, 1/2 cup of the milk, and butter to a boil, stirring. Cook 1 minute, then remove from heat. Set aside. Add peanut butter and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla and mix well. Place oats in a large bowl, and pour in peanut-butter mixture. Mix, and drop dough by large teaspoonfuls onto a cookie sheet lined with waxed paper. Refrigerate at least 30 minutes, or until ready to frost.
Step 2:
To make frosting, in a large bowl, combine dried egg whites, the remaining 3 tablespoons milk, the remaining 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, and cream of tartar. Add sugar and beat with a mixer at medium speed until stiff. Spoon into a pastry bag fitted with a medium plain tip or a plastic bag with one corner snipped to make a small hole. Frost each drop, then top with a chocolate kiss. Cover and chill until ready to serve.