Buckle up, caramel lovers—these No-Bake Caramel Cookies are the ultimate quick-fix for your sweet tooth, delivering cozy caramel flavor, chocolatey pockets, and irresistible toffee crunch in every single bite. This recipe requires zero oven time, so you can indulge all year long, even when it’s a hundred degrees outside! With just a handful of pantry staples and a few minutes of prep, you’ll whip up a batch of soft, chewy cookies that taste like something straight out of grandma’s kitchen, minus any fuss. No-Bake Caramel Cookies are an absolute crowd-pleaser, so don’t be surprised if friends ask for the recipe after just one bite.

No-Bake Caramel Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about No-Bake Caramel Cookies is just how simple yet essential the ingredient list is—each one plays a key role in taste, texture, or the beautiful caramel color you’ll see in every cookie. Here’s what you’ll need, with a few tips to ensure each bite is phenomenal:

Butter (¾ cup or 1½ sticks): This gives the cookies their signature melt-in-your-mouth richness—don’t skimp on quality here!
Granulated sugar (2 cups): The backbone sweetness and the base for the caramel flavor as it cooks and melds with the butter and milk.
Evaporated milk (⅔ cup): Adds a creamy depth and helps create the perfect, slightly chewy consistency.
Instant butterscotch or caramel pudding mix (3.4 oz dry): This is your caramel secret weapon—trust me, it amps up the flavor more than you’d ever expect.
Quick oats (3½ cups): These provide the classic no-bake cookie texture and help everything hold together; use quick oats for a smoother finish.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips (1 cup): Speckle your cookies with rich, chocolatey surprises—try freezing them first for the best results!
Toffee chips (½ cup): Tiny bits of toffee add a buttery crunch that makes each bite pop with extra caramel goodness.
Dash of salt (optional): Just a pinch enhances all those caramel and chocolate notes—highly recommended.
Coarse sea salt for sprinkling (optional): For a finishing touch, sprinkle this on top before the cookies set for pops of salty-sweet flavor.

How to Make No-Bake Caramel Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Sheet

Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside. This step makes removing the cookies a breeze later, and saves you from any sticky clean-up drama. You’ll want this ready before you start, since the cookie mixture comes together super fast!

Step 2: Boil the Caramel Base

Grab a medium saucepan and add the butter, sugar, evaporated milk, and that optional dash of salt. Stir everything together over medium heat until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves—things will start to smell heavenly. Watch for a full rolling boil (steady, energetic bubbles across the surface), and let it boil for just 30 seconds. Timing’s crucial here, so set a timer!

Step 3: Mix It Up

While your caramel base is working its magic, toss the quick oats and dry pudding mix together in a big bowl. Once your caramel mixture has boiled and is off the heat, pour it right over the oat and pudding mixture. Stir quickly and thoroughly so every oat gets coated in that luscious caramel.

Step 4: Add Mix-Ins

Wait just a minute or two for the mixture to cool slightly—then stir in the chocolate chips and toffee bits, working quickly. Pro tip: Using frozen chocolate chips keeps them from getting too melty and messy, so each cookie has perfect bites of chocolate throughout.

Step 5: Scoop and Set

Using a spoon or a cookie scoop, drop generous mounds of dough onto your prepared baking sheet. Flatten them slightly with the back of a spoon if you’d like a more classic cookie shape. For extra wow-factor, sprinkle each with coarse sea salt while they’re still warm. Let the No-Bake Caramel Cookies set at room temperature for 15 to 30 minutes until firm.

How to Serve No-Bake Caramel Cookies

Garnishes

A sprinkle of coarse sea salt on top is the ultimate finishing touch for No-Bake Caramel Cookies—a little bit of flaky salt truly brings all those flavors alive. You can also drizzle with a touch of melted chocolate or caramel sauce for a showy plate, or even a dusting of powdered sugar if you’re aiming for extra sweetness.

Side Dishes

Pair your No-Bake Caramel Cookies with a scoop of good vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream for an easy dessert mash-up. If you prefer something to sip, these cookies go beautifully with a hot cup of coffee, spicy chai, or a cold glass of milk.

Creative Ways to Present

These cookies shine on a simple platter, but why not get a little festive? Stack them in glass jars for edible gifts, sandwich a scoop of ice cream between two for a dreamy cookie sandwich, or crumble over parfaits and sundaes for a caramel chip crunch. No-Bake Caramel Cookies are happy to dress up or stay casual!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your No-Bake Caramel Cookies have set, pop them into an airtight container and keep them at room temperature. They’ll stay irresistibly fresh and chewy for three to five days—just be sure to hide a couple for yourself before they disappear!

Freezing

These cookies freeze like a dream. Layer them between sheets of wax or parchment paper in a container, and they’ll keep in the freezer for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving for that perfect, chewy texture.

Reheating

If you love your No-Bake Caramel Cookies just a little warm and gooey, pop one in the microwave for 5 to 10 seconds. The chocolate and toffee will soften up beautifully, and your kitchen will smell like caramel heaven all over again.

FAQs

Can I use old-fashioned oats instead of quick oats?

Absolutely! Old-fashioned oats will give your No-Bake Caramel Cookies a heartier, chewier texture. If you want a smoother, more uniform cookie, stick to quick oats instead.

Why didn’t my cookies set properly?

The most likely culprit is not reaching a full rolling boil when making your caramel base, or not boiling long enough. Be sure to let it reach an energetic, steady boil and time it for a full 30 seconds before removing it from the heat.

Can I substitute the butterscotch pudding mix with caramel-flavored pudding?

Definitely! Both butterscotch and caramel pudding mixes bring rich, nostalgic flavor to the cookies. Use whichever you love or have on hand—each lends perfect caramel undertones.

Do I have to add salt or sea salt on top?

Nope, the salt is totally optional, but a pinch in the dough and a sprinkle on top really elevates the flavor of No-Bake Caramel Cookies. If you love salty-sweet treats, don’t skip it!

Can I double this recipe for a party?

You sure can! Simply double all ingredients and follow the same process. You might want to use a larger mixing bowl to make stirring easier, and have two baking sheets lined and ready.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a treat that mixes the magic of caramel, chocolate, and toffee without ever touching the oven, give these No-Bake Caramel Cookies a whirl. They’re as fun to make as they are to eat, and there’s just no resisting their sweet, chewy charm. Gather your goodies, invite a friend to stir, and see why these cookies are a stand-out favorite!

No-Bake Caramel Cookies Recipe

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4.7 from 5 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 15 minutes plus setting time
Yield: About 36 cookies
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These No-Bake Caramel Cookies are a delightful treat that requires minimal effort to make. With a perfect blend of caramel, oats, chocolate, and toffee, these cookies are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Ingredients

Cookie Base:

Butter (¾ cup or 1½ sticks)
Granulated Sugar (2 cups)
Evaporated Milk (⅔ cup)
Instant Butterscotch or Caramel Pudding Mix (3.4 oz dry)
Quick Oats (3½ cups)

Add-Ins:

Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (1 cup)
Toffee Chips (½ cup)
Dash of Salt (optional)
Coarse Sea Salt for Sprinkling (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare Cookie Base: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a saucepan, combine butter, sugar, evaporated milk, and salt. Boil for 30 seconds, then remove from heat.
Mix Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine oats and dry pudding mix. Pour the hot butter-sugar-milk mixture over the oats and stir until combined.
Add-Ins: Let the mixture cool slightly before stirring in chocolate chips and toffee chips. Scoop onto parchment and flatten. Optionally, sprinkle with sea salt.
Set Cookies: Allow to set for 15–30 minutes at room temperature.