No-Bake Salted Caramel Cookies 🍪✨
If you’re craving something sweet, chewy, and full of caramel flavor without turning on the oven, these No-Bake Salted Caramel Cookies are the answer. They’re rich, buttery, and perfectly balanced with a touch of sea salt. Even better, they come together in under 20 minutes and chill into chewy, irresistible bites. Perfect for busy weeknights, holiday cookie swaps, or anytime you need a quick homemade dessert recipe that feels special.
🥘 Equipment You’ll Need
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Mixing bowl
- Wax paper or parchment paper
- Baking sheet (for setting cookies)
📋 Ingredients
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 2/3 cup evaporated milk
- 1 package (3.4 oz) instant butterscotch pudding mix
- 3 1/2 cups quick oats
- Pinch of sea salt (to enhance that salted caramel flavor)
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Make the Caramel Base
In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, butter, and evaporated milk. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture comes to a boil. Allow it to gently boil for about 3 minutes, thickening slightly.
2. Add Flavor
Remove from heat and whisk in the instant butterscotch pudding mix until smooth.
3. Mix in Oats
Fold in the quick oats until they’re fully coated and the mixture is sticky and thick. Sprinkle in the pinch of sea salt and stir to balance the flavors.
4. Shape Cookies
Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto wax paper or a parchment-lined baking sheet. Flatten slightly for a more traditional cookie shape, or leave rustic and chunky.
5. Chill & Serve
Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until the cookies are firm enough to pick up easily.
Pro Tips
- Extra caramel punch – drizzle with melted caramel sauce before chilling.
- Add crunch – mix in chopped pecans or almonds.
- Holiday twist – sprinkle with crushed pretzels or festive sprinkles.
- Storage – keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Serving Suggestions
- These cookies are amazing as:
- A quick after-school snack with a glass of cold milk
- A sweet bite on a dessert platter for parties
- A make-ahead holiday cookie tray addition
- A no-bake alternative when you’re short on oven space
Ingredients
Method
- In a saucepan, combine sugar, butter, and evaporated milk. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Boil for 3 minutes.
- Remove from heat. Stir in pudding mix until smooth.
- Fold in quick oats and sea salt until evenly coated.
- Drop spoonfuls onto wax paper or a baking sheet.
- Chill 1 hour until firm. Serve & enjoy!