Description
These No-Bake Caramel Cookies are an easy and delicious treat combining the rich flavors of caramel, peanut butter, and oats. Perfect for a quick dessert or snack without turning on the oven, these cookies are chewy, sweet, and customizable with chocolate chips and nuts for added texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Main Mix-ins
- 3 cups quick oats
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
Optional Add-ins
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts
Instructions
- Melt the Butter: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter completely, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Add Sugars and Milk: Once the butter is melted, add the brown sugar and granulated sugar along with the milk. Stir continuously until the sugars dissolve and the mixture comes to a gentle boil.
- Boil the Mixture: Allow the mixture to boil for 2 minutes while stirring constantly. This process helps develop a rich caramel flavor. Remove the saucepan from heat afterwards.
- Incorporate Vanilla: Stir the vanilla extract into the hot caramel mixture to enhance the flavor.
- Add Quick Oats: Gradually add the quick oats to the caramel mixture, stirring to coat all the oats evenly.
- Incorporate Peanut Butter: Add the creamy peanut butter and stir thoroughly until the mixture is thick and sticky, ensuring the peanut butter is fully blended in.
- Add Chocolate Chips and Nuts (Optional): If desired, fold in the chocolate chips and chopped nuts, mixing gently to distribute them evenly without melting the chocolate.
- Prepare the Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Scoop the Mixture: Use a spoon to drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Space the scoops apart to allow room for flattening.
- Flatten the Cookies: Gently press down each scoop with the back of a fork or your fingers to shape the cookies.
- Chill the Cookies: Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator and chill for 30 minutes to 1 hour, or until the cookies are firm enough to hold their shape.
- Check for Firmness: Make sure the cookies are set but still slightly soft in the centers. If they feel too soft, chill them longer.
- Transfer to a Plate: Once the cookies have set properly, move them to a serving plate. They can be enjoyed immediately or after a few hours for deeper flavor and texture.
- Storing Leftovers: Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Quick oats are preferred for better texture and ease of mixing; old-fashioned oats can be used but may change the texture.
- Chocolate chips and nuts are optional but add great flavor and crunch.
- Refrigeration time can be adjusted depending on how firm you want the cookies.
- To make the cookies vegan, substitute butter with vegan margarine, milk with a plant-based milk, and ensure peanut butter and other add-ins are vegan.
- These no-bake cookies are great for hot weather when you don’t want to use the oven.
