No-Bake Salted Caramel Cookies – Quick & Chewy Sweet Treat

Some days, you want a cookie that doesn’t demand preheating the oven, rolling dough, or waiting forever. That’s where no-bake salted caramel cookies come in. They’re chewy, sweet, and packed with rich caramel flavor, finished with just the right amount of sea salt. Even better? These cookies are quick, require no oven time, and come together with pantry-friendly ingredients like oats, toffee chips, and butterscotch pudding mix.

If you’ve ever loved the cozy chew of Blueberry Cookies or the classic indulgence of the Chocolate Chip Cookies, you’re going to adore this recipe—it’s a salty-sweet twist on traditional no-bake cookies that belongs on every cookie tray.

Why You’ll Love No-Bake Salted Caramel Cookies

• No oven required – perfect for summer or quick baking days
• Salty-sweet combo – the caramel and sea salt balance beautifully
• Quick prep – done in under 20 minutes
• Perfect texture – chewy, slightly crunchy with toffee bits
• Crowd-pleaser – great for parties, holiday trays, or gifting

These cookies bring the same magic as my Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie, but without turning on the oven.

Ingredients

• 2 cups quick oats
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter
• ½ cup milk
• 1 box (3.4 oz) instant butterscotch pudding mix
• ½ cup toffee chips
• ½ cup caramel bits (or chopped soft caramels)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon flaky sea salt (plus more for topping)
• ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate (optional, for drizzle or dipping)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. In a saucepan, melt butter, sugar, and milk over medium heat. Stir until smooth.
2. Bring to a gentle boil and cook for 1–2 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and whisk in butterscotch pudding mix until dissolved.
4. Stir in oats, toffee chips, caramel bits, and vanilla until combined.
5. Scoop heaping tablespoons onto parchment-lined baking sheet.
6. Sprinkle tops with flaky sea salt.
7. Optional: drizzle or dip in melted chocolate for extra indulgence.
8. Chill in the fridge for 30 minutes to set before serving.

If you’re a peanut butter lover, don’t miss these Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies—another quick favorite.

How to Serve No-Bake Salted Caramel Cookies

The beauty of these cookies lies in their versatility. Here are some delicious ways to serve them:

• Straight from the fridge → These cookies taste incredible when chilled, giving you a chewy texture with a slight snap.
• With Coffee or Tea → The salty-sweet balance pairs beautifully with hot drinks. Perfect for an afternoon treat.
• On a Cookie Tray → Arrange alongside chocolate chip cookies, peanut butter cookies, or fruit-filled options for variety. (These make an elegant addition to any holiday cookie spread!)
• As a Dessert Garnish → Crumble one over vanilla ice cream or frozen yogurt for an easy upgrade.
• Gift-Ready → Wrap them in cellophane bags tied with ribbon. They make wonderful homemade gifts that don’t require complicated packaging since they set firm.
• Party Ready → Stack them on dessert platters with frozen chocolate-dipped strawberries for a mix of textures.

These cookies aren’t just for the holidays—they’re the kind of sweet treat you’ll want to whip up for weeknight cravings or last-minute get-togethers.

How to Store No-Bake Salted Caramel Cookies

To keep their chewy texture, proper storage is key:

• Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep parchment between layers to prevent sticking.
• Refrigerator: These cookies actually improve when chilled. Store in the fridge for up to 1 week for a firmer bite.
• Freezer-Friendly: Place cookies in a freezer bag with parchment between each layer. They’ll last up to 3 months. Simply thaw at room temperature or enjoy them cold straight from the freezer for a firmer texture.

Tip: If your kitchen is warm, refrigeration is the best choice, as caramel bits can soften and become sticky.

Tips to Make No-Bake Salted Caramel Cookies

• Work Quickly: The mixture sets fast, so scoop cookies right after mixing.
• Use Quick Oats: Rolled oats don’t absorb the mixture as well and may create a loose texture.
• Caramel Bits vs. Soft Caramels: Both work—caramel bits melt more evenly, but chopped soft caramels give pockets of gooey caramel.
• Don’t Skip the Salt: Flaky sea salt balances the sweetness and adds a bakery-style finish.
• Optional Chocolate: Drizzle melted chocolate over the tops or dip cookies halfway for extra indulgence.
• Control the Size: Use a cookie scoop for uniform portions that look professional on trays.
• Experiment with Add-Ins: Try mini marshmallows, chopped nuts, or even pretzels for extra crunch.

These same tricks can elevate other no-bake desserts too—like crumbling them into a pie crust base or folding pieces into ice cream.

Variations of No-Bake Salted Caramel Cookies

Here’s how to customize this recipe for different occasions:

• Chocolate-Dipped Caramel Cookies → Dip half the cookie in melted chocolate and let it harden.
• Butterscotch-Caramel Cookies → Add extra butterscotch chips for an even richer caramel flavor.
• Nutty Caramel Cookies → Stir in chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch.
• Frozen Chocolate Version → Place cookies in the freezer for 15 minutes before serving for a firmer texture and cold caramel bite.
• Gluten-Free Cookies → Swap oats for certified gluten-free oats.
• Holiday Cookie Tray Special → Shape cookies smaller and drizzle with white chocolate for a festive look.

If you enjoy creative cookie recipes, don’t miss my Gluten-Free Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies—a chewy, nutty option that pairs beautifully with these caramel treats.

FAQs About No-Bake Salted Caramel Cookies

Final Thoughts About No-Bake Salted Caramel Cookies

No-bake salted caramel cookies are the ultimate shortcut to satisfying your sweet tooth. They combine the richness of caramel, the chew of oats, and the irresistible balance of sea salt—all without ever touching the oven. Whether you add them to your cookie tray, gift them during the holidays, or keep a stash in the fridge for late-night cravings, these cookies are guaranteed to impress.

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