No Bake Caramel Cookies

Sweet, chewy, and perfectly balanced with a salty-sweet finish, these No Bake Caramel Cookies come together in minutes and require no oven time. Featuring butterscotch pudding, oats, melty chocolate, and crunchy toffee bits, they’re a quick dessert you can whip up for parties, potlucks, or late-night cravings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cookies are a perfect combination of flavors and textures—soft and chewy from the oats, rich and buttery from the caramel pudding, with delightful bursts of chocolate and toffee in every bite. Because they’re no-bake, they’re ready in a fraction of the time of traditional cookies. They also store well, making them a great make-ahead option for gatherings or gifting.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 cups granulated sugar
¾ cup butter (1 ½ sticks)
⅔ cup evaporated milk
3.4 ounces instant butterscotch pudding mix (or caramel pudding)
3 ½ cups quick oats
Dash of salt, to taste
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (chilled)
½ cup toffee chips

Directions

1. Line a baking sheet with parchment or wax paper. Measure oats and set aside. Place chocolate chips in the freezer.

2. In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, butter, evaporated milk, and a dash of salt. Heat over medium, stirring frequently, until mixture reaches a full rolling boil (vigorous bubbling that doesn’t stop when stirred). Boil for 30 seconds.

3. Remove from heat and stir in oats and pudding mix until combined. Let cool slightly for a few minutes.

4. Gently fold in chilled chocolate chips and toffee chips, stirring just enough to mix without fully melting the chocolate.

5. Scoop spoonfuls of the mixture onto prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle lightly with coarse sea salt if desired.

6. Let cookies set for 15–30 minutes before serving.

Servings and timing

Servings: 36 cookies
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 5 minutes
Total time: 15 minutes
Calories: 180 kcal per cookie

Variations

• Use white chocolate chips for a sweeter, creamier flavor.

• Swap toffee chips for chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch.

• Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract for extra depth.

• Try a chocolate pudding mix for a richer cocoa flavor.

• Sprinkle with flaky sea salt for a gourmet touch.

Storage/Reheating

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 3 months. Let frozen cookies thaw at room temperature before serving.

FAQs

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

Yes, but the texture will be chewier and slightly denser.

Why chill the chocolate chips before adding them?

It helps prevent them from melting completely in the warm cookie mixture.

Can I make these without toffee chips?

Yes, just replace them with more chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit.

Do I need to refrigerate these cookies to set?

No, they will set at room temperature in about 15–30 minutes.

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Butter is recommended for flavor, but margarine will work in a pinch.

What if my cookies don’t set?

They may need more boiling time—ensure the mixture reaches a full rolling boil for 30 seconds.

Can I halve this recipe?

Yes, simply halve all the ingredients for a smaller batch.

Are these cookies gluten-free?

They can be if you use certified gluten-free oats and pudding mix.

Can I add peanut butter?

Yes, stir in ½ cup peanut butter after removing from heat for a nutty twist.

Can I make them more caramel-flavored?

Add a tablespoon of caramel sauce or caramel extract to the mixture.

Conclusion

No Bake Caramel Cookies are the ultimate quick dessert—rich, chewy, and full of indulgent flavor without the need for an oven. With their mix of oats, chocolate, and toffee, they’re a treat that’s as easy to make as it is to love. Perfect for busy days, last-minute gatherings, or whenever your sweet tooth strikes.

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