Why You’ll Love This Recipe
No Bake Salted Caramel Cookies are the perfect solution when you want a decadent homemade treat without turning on the oven. These cookies are rich, chewy, and packed with that irresistible sweet-and-salty balance that makes salted caramel so popular. What I especially appreciate about this recipe is how quickly it comes together. From start to finish, you can have a batch ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for last-minute desserts, warm weather baking, or when you simply want something indulgent with minimal effort. I tested these cookies with both store-bought caramel sauce and homemade caramel, and while both worked well, the homemade version added a deeper flavor. The no-bake texture is soft yet structured, with plenty of caramel flavor in every bite.
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No Bake Salted Caramel Cookies – Easy, Irresistible, and Completely Oven-Free
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 18 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Easy no-bake cookies made with oats and a rich salted caramel sauce, finished with a hint of vanilla for a sweet and salty treat without turning on the oven.
Ingredients
- 2 cups quick oats
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup salted caramel sauce
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar.
- Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle boil, cooking for 2–3 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in salted caramel sauce, vanilla extract, and sea salt.
- Add quick oats and mix until fully coated.
- Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Let cookies cool at room temperature for 20–30 minutes until set.
Notes
- Use quick oats for best texture; old-fashioned oats will be chewier.
- Adjust sea salt to taste depending on how salty your caramel sauce is.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No Bake
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Butter forms the rich base of the cookies and helps bind all the ingredients together.
Brown sugar adds sweetness along with a subtle molasses depth that pairs beautifully with caramel.
Milk provides moisture and helps dissolve the sugar during cooking.
Salted caramel sauce is the star flavor, delivering sweetness balanced with a hint of salt.
Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor and adds warmth.
Old-fashioned oats give the cookies structure and a chewy texture.
All-purpose flour helps the cookies set properly without baking.
Sea salt intensifies the caramel flavor and creates that signature sweet-and-salty contrast.
Chocolate chips add richness and complement the caramel notes.
Directions
Begin by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper and setting it aside. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the butter, brown sugar, and milk. Stir continuously until the butter melts and the mixture comes to a gentle boil. Allow it to boil briefly, then remove from heat.
Stir in the salted caramel sauce and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. Add the flour gradually, mixing until smooth and lump-free. Fold in the oats and chocolate chips, stirring until evenly distributed.
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop portions of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle a small pinch of sea salt over each cookie. Allow the cookies to cool at room temperature until set. Once firm, they are ready to serve.
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease
Servings and timing
This recipe makes approximately 18 cookies. Preparation takes about 10 minutes, with a setting time of roughly 20 minutes, for a total time of 30 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store No Bake Salted Caramel Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or in the refrigerator for up to one week. These cookies do not require reheating and are best enjoyed as-is.
Variations and Customizations
These cookies are very adaptable. You can substitute peanut butter or almond butter for part of the caramel sauce to add nutty richness. I tested a version with chopped pecans folded in, and the added crunch paired beautifully with the chewy texture. For a darker flavor profile, use dark brown sugar instead of light. If you prefer a stronger salty contrast, sprinkle flaky sea salt generously just before the cookies fully set. You can also drizzle extra caramel over the finished cookies for a more decorative and indulgent finish.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
No Bake Salted Caramel Cookies are an indulgent treat best enjoyed in moderation. They provide quick energy from oats and sugars, while the butter and caramel contribute richness. Portion control helps keep them balanced within a varied diet.
Expert Tips & Customizations
Do Not Overboil
Boiling too long can cause the cookies to become dry and crumbly.
Work Quickly
The mixture thickens as it cools, so shape cookies promptly.
Use Quality Caramel
Good-quality caramel sauce greatly improves flavor.
Adjust Texture
Add a splash of milk if the mixture feels too thick.
FAQs
Do no bake cookies need refrigeration?
No, but refrigeration helps them set faster and last longer.
Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?
Yes, but the texture will be softer.
Why did my cookies not set?
The mixture may not have boiled long enough.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free oats and flour.
Are these cookies very sweet?
They are sweet, balanced by the salted caramel and sea salt.
Can I freeze no bake cookies?
Yes, freeze in an airtight container for up to two months.
What caramel sauce works best?
Thick salted caramel sauce provides the best results.
Can I skip the chocolate chips?
Yes, the cookies are still delicious without them.
How do I fix dry cookies?
Stir in a small amount of warm milk.
Can kids help make this recipe?
Yes, with supervision during the stovetop step.
Conclusion
No Bake Salted Caramel Cookies are an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert that delivers rich flavor with minimal effort. Their chewy texture, balanced sweetness, and quick preparation make them a reliable recipe for any occasion, especially when you want a homemade treat without baking.
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