Caramel No Bake Cookies
I've been eating no bake cookies since I was a kid, and while there tends to be a ton of different recipes, these no-bake cookies with caramel are some of my favorites.
The texture is the perfect combination of crumbly and moist - if that's even possible. (and trust me, it is!)
The added oats create a lasting flavor that pairs up perfectly with the chocolate and caramel. I also love that these cookies are literally super fast and don't melt.
Even when they're made with chocolate, they hold their shape quite well. The added flavor of caramel is just an extra bonus.
Two Important Pieces to the Caramel No Bake Cookies Story
Why Boil No Bake Cookies for Exactly One Minute?
These caramel no bake cookies actually use old-fashioned oats! But you can use quick oats as well. I prefer a bit of chew to my no-bake cookies so I've found the old-fashioned oats are the best at giving me that.
Quick oats hold their texture as well but tend to cook a bit quicker and can get lost in the rest of the ingredients if you're not careful.
But honestly, either will work for this cookie dessert.
How long are no bake cookies good for?
Believe it or not, as long as you store these cookies properly, they're going to be good for up to 5 days! I like to store my leftover cookies in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge.
This keeps them delicious, cold, and firm.
Can you freeze no bake cookies?
For sure. In fact, eating a frozen no-bake cookie frozen is really an experience to try. I love how hard they are and then they suddenly soften up with the warmth of your mouth.
Ingredients needed to make Chocolate No Bake Cookies
This recipe literally takes just a few ingredients to get started! The best part is that you probably already have all of them in your kitchen, so it's even simpler. Here's what you'll need
- Sugar
- Milk
- Butter
- Cocoa
- Old Fashioned Oats
- Peanut Butter
- Vanilla Extract
- Caramels
Tips for Making Peanut Butter No Bake Cookies
Since I've made these cookies about a thousand times, there are a few tips that I think are important! While this is a super easy recipe, these tips will help make the process even easier and ensure that you end up with super delicious cookies with no headaches.
Make Certain to Line Your Baking Sheet
These cookies are going to be a bit sticky. Parchment paper is going to be your best friend. Without the paper, you're looking at a sticky mess on your hands, cookies that are hard to get off your surface, or a little bit of both!
Stir the Ingredients Until Boiling
This is such an important step as this is what holds the ingredients together to create the cookie. You only need to boil for a minute, so stay close and pay attention.
You Don't Have to Stir the Caramels
Ways to Vary the Flavor of No Bake Cookies
Even though I think that this is the perfect cookie, there are ways that you can change up the taste and flavor. Be certain to try out new methods and see what you think.
Add in different flavors of chocolate
I'm a big fan of white chocolate that is always an option. You can also add in chunks of dark chocolate and even some fun butterscotch chips, too!
Try different flavors of oats
Flavored oatmeal is a thing and could be a super fun way to create a new and unique taste. I've been to the store and seen so many fun flavors. Peaches and cream? You bet.
Have fun trying different flavors and see what you like. You just might find a totally new and delicious combo!
Add in some nuts
Soft nuts like coconut, walnuts and cashews can be great additions. Or you can use chunky peanut butter and have the texture of peanuts as well.
Sprinkle on some fun toppings
We all know I LOVE toppings. Adding on some sprinkles can be great or even some shredded coconut as well. And if you really want to take the flavor over the top, drizzle on some caramel sauce, too.
The main thing to keep in make when making no bake cookies is that they're delicious any time of the year. They're perfect for hot and cold weather and no one is going to be able to resist.
In face, you might want to go ahead and make a double batch right from the start. They're going to disappear quickly and you might not get one any other way!
More Delicious Dessert Recipes
- Air Fryer Monster Cookies – Chocolate Chips and More!
- Quick Chocolate Fudge Sandwich Cookies
- Best Soft Chewy Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies
- Caramel Nut Bundt Cake
- Grandma’s Old Fashioned Caramel Sticky Buns
No Bake Cookies with Old Fashioned Oats and Caramel
Equipment
- Cookie Scoop or spoon
Ingredients
- 2 cups Sugar
- ½ cup Milk
- ½ cup Butter or 1 stick
- ¼ cup Cocoa
- 3 cups Old Fashioned Oats
- 1 cup Peanut Butter
- 1 Tablespoon Vanilla Extract
- 10 to 12 Caramels, unwrapped
Options
- ½ cup coconut, flaked or shredded
- chocolate caramel or peanut butter chips
Instructions
- Line a cookie sheet with Parchment paper, and set aside.
- In a medium sauce pan, over medium heat, bring the milk, sugar, butter and cocoa to a boil, stirring constantly. Boil for one minute, and remove from the heat. Add the Peanut Butter, and Vanilla.
- Stir to combine.
- Add the Oats, and stir until blended. Place the pan back on the warm burner, but don't turn on the heat.
- Add the Caramels, stir, and let sit for 5 minutes until Caramels are melted.
- Stir well, and drop by the teaspoonful onto the Parchment paper lined cookie sheet. Let sit for at least 45 minutes to allow cookies to set.
- Refrigerate in a air tight container. May be kept for up to 5 days, if kept refrigerated. Enjoy!
Anonymous says
Am I able to make this with out Carmel?
Karin and Ken says
Yes I believe the recipe will work well without it! Enjoy the rest of your day. Karin
Ann says
I'm surprised no one has asked about this, but neither your instructions nor the video say when to add the butter! There is a picture that shows the butter, milk, sugar, cocoa and peanut butter in the pan before it's being heated, so it's very confusing.
Karin and Ken says
I can't thank you enough for bringing this to my attention. These cookies are delicious! I have updated the recipe. THANK YOU!!! All the best. Karin
Amy says
Hello!! I really enjoyed making these No Bake Cookies!! I have never been successful at these and I don’t know why but my cookies would never set up. I followed your recipe with high hopes and fingers crossed!! 🤞🏻 For the first time……..successfully set up!! I will definitely save this recipe and pass this on to my 3 daughters. Thank you for helping me with my No Bake Cookie problem. 😉🥰
Karin and Ken says
I am so happy to help! I am so glad yu enjoyed the recipe too! Hopefully you find some other recipes on this site that you enjoy just as much! All the best. Karin