Name: No Bake Salted Caramel Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1/2 cup unsalted butter; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup thick caramel sauce; 1/4 cup milk; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 teaspoon sea salt (plus extra for sprinkling); 3 cups quick-cooking oats; Optional: 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips or chopped pecans

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Sweet, chewy, and utterly irresistible, these no-bake salted caramel cookies bring together the rich, buttery flavor of caramel with the wholesome texture of oats, all kissed by a touch of sea salt. Perfect for satisfying your dessert cravings without turning on the oven, this recipe is both quick and delightfully indulgent.

Whether you’re pressed for time or simply want a hassle-free treat, these cookies come together in minutes and offer a perfect harmony of sweet and salty that’s hard to resist. Plus, the option to add chocolate chips or chopped pecans lets you customize them to your liking.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

No baking required means these cookies are ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for quick dessert fixes.
The combination of rich caramel, hearty oats, and sea salt creates a uniquely satisfying flavor and texture balance.
Customizable with mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts, allowing for added texture and taste variety.

Ingredients

Unsalted butter: Adds a creamy, rich base that melts smoothly and combines the sugars and caramel sauce.
Brown sugar: Provides deep molasses sweetness and moisture to keep the cookies chewy and flavorful.
Granulated sugar: Balances the brown sugar with pure sweetness and helps the caramel set properly.
Caramel sauce (thick, not runny): Delivers intense caramel flavor and stickiness essential for binding the cookies.
Milk: Lightens the mixture to the perfect consistency for coating the oats evenly without being too runny.
Vanilla extract: Boosts flavor complexity, bringing warmth and enhancing the caramel’s richness.
Sea salt (plus extra for sprinkling): Adds a subtle salty contrast that balances the caramel’s sweetness beautifully.
Quick-cooking oats: Provides a hearty, chewy texture and wholesome base for the cookies.
Mini chocolate chips or chopped pecans (optional): Adds delightful texture and complimentary flavors when folded in after cooling slightly.

Instructions

Heat the Base: Start by melting the unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add both brown and granulated sugars, caramel sauce, and milk. Stir continuously until the mixture begins to gently boil and all ingredients fully combine, creating a rich, glossy caramel base. This step is crucial to dissolve the sugars and incorporate the caramel flavor smoothly.
Add Flavor: Remove the saucepan from heat and immediately stir in the vanilla extract and sea salt. This step ensures the aromatic vanilla notes and subtle saltiness remain fresh and vibrant, enhancing the overall flavor depth of the cookie mixture.
Mix in Oats: Pour the quick-cooking oats into the hot caramel mixture and stir thoroughly until every oat is coated. The warm mixture softens the oats slightly, binding them together for the chewy, satisfying cookie texture.
Add Optional Mix-Ins: If desired, let the mixture cool for a couple of minutes to prevent fully melting the chocolate chips or nuts before folding them in gently. This step preserves their texture and adds a pleasant contrast to the chewiness of the oats and caramel.
Shape the Cookies: Using a heaping tablespoon, drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Flatten them lightly with the back of the spoon if you prefer thinner cookies. This helps the cookies set evenly and form a nice, manageable shape for serving.
Chill to Set: Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the cookies have firmed up completely. Chilling solidifies the caramel coating, ensuring the cookies hold their shape and offer a perfect chewy texture.
Finish & Serve: Before serving, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of each cookie to heighten the sweet-salty flavor contrast. This finishing touch elevates the caramel’s sweetness and gives each bite a gourmet flair.

You Must Know

Thicker caramel sauce is vital for achieving the right cookie texture; runny caramel may cause your cookies to be too soft or sticky.
Allow the mixture to cool slightly before adding chocolate chips or nuts to prevent the chocolate from melting completely.
For the best texture and flavor, use quick-cooking oats rather than old-fashioned or steel-cut oats.

Storage Tips

Store these no-bake salted caramel cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week to keep them fresh and chewy. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to three months, thawing them briefly before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy these salted caramel cookies with a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of coffee or tea for a comforting treat. They also make a delightful addition to dessert trays or lunchbox snacks with their irresistible sweet and salty balance.

Professional Tips

Use a thick caramel sauce like dulce de leche or a firm store-bought caramel for best results.
Chilling the mixture slightly before scooping helps shape the cookies more easily and prevents sticking.
Sprinkle flaky sea salt (such as Maldon) just before serving to retain its texture and visual appeal.

FAQs

Can I use old-fashioned oats instead of quick-cooking oats?: Old-fashioned oats will make the cookies chewier but may not bind as well; quick-cooking oats absorb the caramel sauce better for optimal texture.
What type of caramel sauce works best?: Use a thick caramel sauce that holds its shape; runny caramel can cause the cookies to be sticky and soft.
Can I omit the sea salt if I don’t like salty desserts?: Yes, you can skip the sea salt, but it does enhance the flavor by balancing the sweetness and adding depth.
How long do these cookies keep?: Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, they last about one week; freezing extends their shelf life up to three months.
Can I make these cookies vegan?: Substitute butter with vegan margarine and use a dairy-free caramel sauce and milk alternative to adapt the recipe for a vegan diet.
How can I prevent the chocolate chips from melting?: Fold chocolate chips into the oat mixture only after it has cooled slightly to keep their shape and texture intact.
Can I add other mix-ins?: Yes, chopped pecans, walnuts, or dried fruit can be added to give the cookies extra flavor and crunch, just like chocolate chips.