Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These no-bake cookies are a true crowd-pleaser, blending the flavors of peanut butter, chocolate, and caramel into one irresistible bite. The texture is perfectly chewy, thanks to the oats, while the gooey caramel center adds a sweet surprise. With minimal ingredients and a quick prep time, these cookies are ideal when you’re craving something sweet but don’t want to spend a lot of time in the kitchen. Whether it’s for a special treat or a simple snack, these cookies are sure to become a favorite.

Ingredients

2 cups old-fashioned oats
1 cup creamy or chunky peanut butter
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
½ cup brown sugar
¼ cup whole milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
1 cup chocolate chips (melted)
Sea salt (optional, for garnish)

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

Directions

Create the Cookie Base: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the butter, brown sugar, and milk. Stir gently until the butter melts and the mixture begins to bubble slightly. Once the sugar dissolves, remove from heat and mix in the peanut butter and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually add the oats, stirring until they are evenly coated. The mixture should be sticky and hold together when pressed.
Shape the Cookies: Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, portion the oat mixture onto a parchment-lined tray. Flatten each portion slightly into a circular shape with the back of a spoon. Create a small indentation in the center of each cookie to hold the caramel.
Add the Caramel Layer: Spoon about a teaspoon of caramel sauce into the indentation of each cookie. Ensure the caramel is generously applied, as it will firm up slightly when cooled.
Drizzle the Chocolate: Melt chocolate chips in the microwave in 20-second bursts, stirring after each interval until smooth. Transfer the melted chocolate to a piping bag or use a spoon to drizzle it over the cookies in sweeping lines.
Let Them Set: Refrigerate the cookies for at least 30 minutes to allow them to firm up. This chilling time helps the caramel set and enhances the overall texture.
Enjoy: Once set, enjoy these delightful treats! If desired, sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt to enhance the flavors.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 12 cookies

Variations

Add Nuts: For a crunchy texture, add chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds into the oat mixture.
Make it Vegan: Use dairy-free butter and milk, and choose a vegan caramel sauce to make these cookies entirely plant-based.
Peanut Butter Swirl: For an extra peanut butter kick, swirl some peanut butter into the melted chocolate before drizzling over the cookies.
Use Different Oats: Quick oats can be used in place of old-fashioned oats for a softer texture, though old-fashioned oats provide the best consistency.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. For longer storage, place wax paper between layers of cookies to prevent them from sticking together.
Reheating: These cookies don’t require reheating, but you can bring them to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

FAQs

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

Yes, quick oats can be used, but they will result in a softer texture compared to the chewier texture of old-fashioned oats.

2. Can I make the caramel sauce from scratch?

Absolutely! You can make homemade caramel sauce by melting sugar and mixing in butter and cream, but store-bought caramel sauce works just as well for convenience.

3. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cookies ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to serve. They will keep well for up to a week.

4. What can I use instead of caramel sauce?

If you’re not a fan of caramel, you can use dulce de leche or chocolate ganache as an alternative.

5. How can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Ensure that you use certified gluten-free oats and check that the caramel sauce is also gluten-free.

6. Can I use natural peanut butter?

Yes, you can use natural peanut butter, but it may affect the texture slightly, so you may need to adjust the consistency with a little more oats or milk.

7. How do I prevent the cookies from getting too sticky?

Allow the cookies to chill for at least 30 minutes to firm up before serving. If they’re still too sticky, refrigerate them for longer until they reach the desired consistency.

8. Can I freeze these cookies?

Yes, you can freeze the cookies. Store them in an airtight container with parchment paper between the layers. They will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months.

9. Can I add chocolate chips to the oat mixture?

Absolutely! For an extra chocolatey treat, you can stir some mini chocolate chips into the oat mixture before shaping the cookies.

10. What’s the best way to melt the chocolate?

To melt the chocolate evenly, heat it in the microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until smooth. Alternatively, you can use a double boiler.

Conclusion

These Peanut Butter Chocolate Caramel Cookies are the perfect blend of flavors and textures—chewy oats, creamy peanut butter, gooey caramel, and a rich chocolate drizzle. They’re incredibly easy to make and don’t require any baking, making them the ideal treat for when you’re craving something sweet with minimal effort. Whether you’re making them for a quick snack or a special dessert, these cookies are sure to impress. Enjoy every bite of this delightful indulgence!

Peanut Butter Chocolate Caramel Cookies

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These Peanut Butter Chocolate Caramel Cookies are a dream come true for anyone who loves rich, sweet, and indulgent treats. With a hearty base of oats, creamy peanut butter, and smooth caramel, each cookie is topped with a decadent chocolate drizzle and a pinch of sea salt for that perfect balance of flavors.

Author: Amy
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: undefined
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 12 cookies
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Bake
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the butter, brown sugar, and milk. Stir gently until the butter melts and the mixture begins to bubble slightly. Once the sugar dissolves, remove from heat and mix in the peanut butter and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually add the oats, stirring until they are evenly coated. The mixture should be sticky and hold together when pressed.
Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, portion the oat mixture onto a parchment-lined tray. Flatten each portion slightly into a circular shape with the back of a spoon. Create a small indentation in the center of each cookie to hold the caramel.
Spoon about a teaspoon of caramel sauce into the indentation of each cookie. Ensure the caramel is generously applied, as it will firm up slightly when cooled.
Melt chocolate chips in the microwave in 20-second bursts, stirring after each interval until smooth. Transfer the melted chocolate to a piping bag or use a spoon to drizzle it over the cookies in sweeping lines.
Refrigerate the cookies for at least 30 minutes to allow them to firm up. This chilling time helps the caramel set and enhances the overall texture.
Once set, enjoy these delightful treats! If desired, sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt to enhance the flavors.

Notes

If you don’t have caramel sauce, try using dulce de leche or chocolate ganache as alternatives.

For a vegan version, use dairy-free butter, milk, and a plant-based caramel sauce.

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze them for up to 3 months.

For extra chocolate flavor, add mini chocolate chips to the oat mixture before shaping the cookies.

If the cookies are too sticky, chill them for longer until they reach the desired consistency.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 180
Sugar: 15g
Sodium: 55mg
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 21g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 10mg