Description
Delicious no-bake caramel cookies that combine rich butter and sugar caramel with quick oats, peanut butter, and optional chocolate chips and nuts for a sweet, chewy treat. These easy-to-make cookies require no oven baking, just simple stovetop preparation and chilling to set.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups quick oats
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
Optional Ingredients
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts
Instructions
- Melt the Butter: In a medium saucepan, melt 1 cup of unsalted butter over medium heat, stirring occasionally until completely melted.
- Add Sugars and Milk: Add 1 cup of packed brown sugar and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar to the melted butter. Pour in 1/2 cup of milk and stir continuously until the sugars dissolve and the mixture comes to a gentle boil.
- Boil the Mixture: Let the mixture boil for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly to develop a rich caramel flavor. Remove from heat.
- Incorporate Vanilla: Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract into the hot mixture for added aroma and taste.
- Add Quick Oats: Gradually stir in 3 cups of quick oats until well-coated with the caramel mixture, forming the base texture of the cookies.
- Incorporate Peanut Butter: Add 1 cup of creamy peanut butter and stir until fully incorporated and the mixture is thick and sticky for a rich and creamy consistency.
- Add Chocolate Chips and Nuts: If desired, fold in 1 cup chocolate chips and 1/2 cup chopped nuts for enhanced flavor and crunch.
- Prepare the Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and enable easy removal.
- Scoop the Mixture: Drop spoonfuls of the thick mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart.
- Flatten the Cookies: Gently flatten each scoop with the back of a fork or fingers to shape the cookies.
- Chill the Cookies: Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to 1 hour to allow the cookies to firm up.
- Check for Firmness: Ensure cookies are set but slightly soft in the center; if too soft, chill for longer.
- Transfer to a Plate: Once firm, transfer the cookies to a serving plate. They can be enjoyed immediately or after a few hours for better flavor.
- Storing Leftovers: Store remaining cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
Notes
- Use quick oats for the best texture; old-fashioned oats may make the cookies too dry.
- Adjust the amount of peanut butter based on desired consistency.
- Chocolate chips and nuts are optional but add great flavor and texture contrast.
- If the caramel mixture becomes too hard before adding oats, warm it slightly to soften.
- Chilling time can vary depending on refrigerator temperature; cookies should be firm but still slightly soft inside.
- Use parchment paper or wax paper on the baking sheet to prevent sticking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
