Melt butter in pan over medium-low to medium heat.
Add the evaporated milk, cocoa powder, and sugar to the melted butter. Stir and cook until the mixture comes to a complete boil.
Cook for one minute.
Remove the pan from the heat and add the vanilla, rolled oats, nuts if using, and coconut. Stir until completely mixed.
Scoop mixture onto a cookie sheet that has been lined with wax paper.
Let the cookies set until firmed up.
Notes
WHAT KIND OF OATS SHOULD I USE?My mom’s recipe card didn’t state whether to use old-fashioned or quick oats. I used old-fashioned since that is what I use most often and usually have them on hand. However, with this recipe, I am sure the quick oats would work perfectly!CAN I SUBSTITUTE EVAPORATED MILK?I have researched a few other no-bake cookie recipes and many of them call for regular milk. I have not tried it, but it looks like it would work just fine. My mom’s recipe called for evaporated milk so that is what I used.