No-Bake Salted Caramel Cookies Recipe

If you’re searching for a showstopping treat that doesn’t require you to heat up your oven, these No-Bake Salted Caramel Cookies are exactly what you need. Gooey, chewy, and packed with layers of caramel, chocolate, and a sprinkle of sea salt, they come together in a snap with just a handful of pantry staples. Whether you’re making them for an afternoon snack, a holiday cookie tray, or a midnight craving, this recipe promises to deliver pure comfort and deliciousness every single time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Everything about these cookies is approachable and fuss-free, but each ingredient brings something important to the party. From crunch to creaminess, every scoop and sprinkle is essential for that irresistible No-Bake Salted Caramel Cookie experience.

• White sugar: The foundation for the gooey caramel base, providing sweetness and structure.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps meld all the flavors together with a velvety finish.
• Evaporated milk: Lends a creamy texture and depth of flavor, creating a luscious caramel when boiled with the sugar and butter.
• Instant butterscotch pudding mix: The unexpected star! It infuses the cookies with a caramel-butterscotch flavor and helps bind everything without baking.
• Quick-cooking oats: These oats give the cookies their classic chewy texture and heartiness, soaking up the caramel for the perfect bite.
• Salt: Just a pinch balances the sweetness and enhances the rich caramel notes.
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Melty chocolate bits add richness and pockets of decadence in every bite.
• Toffee bits: For crunchy, buttery pops that take these cookies over the top with sweet caramel flavor.

How to Make No-Bake Salted Caramel Cookies

Step 1: Create the Caramel Base

Begin by grabbing a medium-sized saucepan and combine the white sugar, butter, and evaporated milk. Set over medium heat and stir regularly to help everything melt together. Once the mixture is silky smooth, allow it to come up to a rolling boil—those big, fast bubbles are your cue. Boil for exactly two minutes, stirring all the while to prevent any scorching. This is how you’ll achieve that unmistakable soft caramel texture for your No-Bake Salted Caramel Cookies.

Step 2: Mix in Flavors and Texture

Take the pan off the heat and immediately stir in the instant butterscotch pudding mix, quick-cooking oats, and a pinch of salt. Give it a thorough mix until the oats are well-coated and the pudding powder is fully dissolved, making the mixture thick and sticky but still glossy. This step locks in the caramel flavor and introduces chewy goodness that sets these cookies apart.

Step 3: Add Chocolate and Toffee Surprises

When everything is well combined and just cool enough that the chocolate won’t completely melt, fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and toffee bits. Don’t overmix—just enough to distribute these chunky morsels throughout the dough. Every bite of your No-Bake Salted Caramel Cookies will have delightful surprises of chocolate and toffee crunch.

Step 4: Drop and Set

Spoon heaping tablespoons of the cookie mixture onto sheets of wax paper or parchment, leaving a little space between each one. Shape them gently if you want tidy rounds, but don’t be afraid to let them look rustic and homemade. Leave the cookies out at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or until they’re firm to the touch and ready to pick up (if you can resist sampling early!).

How to Serve No-Bake Salted Caramel Cookies

Garnishes

For that enticing finishing touch, try sprinkling a few flakes of flaky sea salt over the tops while the cookies are still a little warm and sticky. It really amplifies the caramel and brings out all the layers of flavor. You can also dust them lightly with cocoa powder or drizzle a little melted chocolate for extra flair.

Side Dishes

Pairing these cookies with a chilled glass of milk is pure magic, but why not go a step further? Serve alongside fresh fruit, hot coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dreamy dessert duo. The mix of chewy caramel, chocolate, and cold creamy sides is guaranteed to make your No-Bake Salted Caramel Cookies even more memorable.

Creative Ways to Present

Package these beauties in cellophane bags tied with rustic twine for the perfect homemade gift, or arrange them on a pretty platter with layers of parchment for a party display. Stack them into jars as part of a desert table centerpiece, or add mini flags for a festive touch at birthdays and bake sales. No-Bake Salted Caramel Cookies are as much a joy to share as they are to eat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

These cookies store beautifully! Once set, transfer your No-Bake Salted Caramel Cookies to an airtight container. Keep them at room temperature for up to a week—you’ll find they keep their chewy texture and don’t dry out easily. If your kitchen is warm, pop them in the fridge for extra “bite.”

Freezing

If you’d like to keep cookies on hand for future cravings, freezing is easy. Layer the fully set cookies between sheets of parchment in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep for up to two months and taste just as amazing once thawed. When ready to eat, let them sit at room temperature for about 20–30 minutes. No-Bake Salted Caramel Cookies make a fabulous make-ahead treat for busy days or last-minute guests!

Reheating

While these cookies don’t need heating, if you’d like a gooier texture, pop one in the microwave for 5–10 seconds. This will slightly melt the chocolate and make the caramel extra luscious. Just be cautious not to overheat, as the chocolate chips can get quite hot quickly.

FAQs

Do I need to use quick-cooking oats, or can I substitute old-fashioned oats?

Quick-cooking oats are perfect for the soft, chewy consistency that makes No-Bake Salted Caramel Cookies so delicious. Old-fashioned oats will be a bit heartier and can make the cookies more crumbly, but if you enjoy extra texture, go ahead and try the swap!

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply use gluten-free quick oats and double-check that your butterscotch pudding mix, toffee bits, and chocolate chips are certified gluten-free. The rest of the instructions remain the same for perfectly chewy gluten-free No-Bake Salted Caramel Cookies.

What’s the best way to store the cookies in hot weather?

In warmer climates, it’s best to keep No-Bake Salted Caramel Cookies in the refrigerator to prevent them from becoming too soft or sticky. Just let them sit out for a few minutes before serving to take the chill off and restore their chewy bite.

Can I skip the chocolate chips or toffee bits if I don’t have them?

Feel free to customize! While the mix-ins add lots of character, you can omit them or swap in chopped nuts, dried fruit, or crushed pretzels for another level of flavor and crunch. The base recipe for No-Bake Salted Caramel Cookies is versatile enough for endless creativity.

How long does it take for the cookies to set?

Patience pays off—let the cookies cool at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. If you’re in a rush, you can speed things up by placing them in the refrigerator for about 10 to 15 minutes. Either way, you’re just moments away from bite-sized bliss!

Final Thoughts

Once you try these No-Bake Salted Caramel Cookies, you’ll see why they’re such a runaway favorite in my kitchen. They’re simple, incredibly tasty, and bring a little extra joy to any day. Don’t wait for a special occasion—pick up your mixing spoon and treat yourself to this sweet, salty, and chocolatey masterpiece today!