Peanut Butter Chocolate Caramel Cookies

Peanut Butter Chocolate Caramel Cookies – A Rich No-Bake Treat

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Peanut Butter Chocolate Caramel Cookies are a delicious and indulgent no-bake dessert that brings together the best flavors of hearty oats, creamy peanut butter, gooey caramel, and sweet chocolate. These cookies are perfect for people who want a rich treat without having to turn on the oven. They balance texture and sweetness with layers of classic dessert ingredients.

Peanut Butter Chocolate Caramel Cookies (No-Bake)

📝 Ingredients

For the peanut butter oat cookies:

  • 115 g unsalted butter (½ cup)
  • 200 g light brown sugar (1 cup, packed)
  • 120 ml milk (½ cup)
  • 180–200 g creamy peanut butter (¾–1 cup)
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon fine salt
  • 240–260 g old-fashioned rolled oats (3–3½ cups)

For the caramel layer:

  • 250 g soft caramel candies (about 25–30 pieces)
  • 80 ml heavy cream or milk (⅓ cup)

For the chocolate topping:

  • 200 g semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips (about 1¼ cups)
  • 1 tablespoon peanut butter (optional, for a softer, glossy topping)
  • Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling (optional but delicious)

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare your tray

  1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
  2. Set aside – you’ll drop the cookies directly onto this tray.

2. Make the peanut butter oat base

  1. In a medium saucepan, add:
    • butter
    • brown sugar
    • milk
  2. Place over medium heat, stirring often, until the butter melts and the mixture starts to bubble.
  3. Let it gently boil for about 1 minute, stirring constantly. This helps the sugar dissolve and gives the cookies structure.
  4. Remove from the heat and immediately stir in:
    • peanut butter
    • vanilla extract
    • salt
    Mix until completely smooth and creamy.
  5. Add the rolled oats and mix well until all the oats are coated and the mixture thickens.
  6. Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop mounds of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet (about 1–2 tablespoons per cookie).
  7. Gently flatten the tops a little with the back of the spoon if you want a more “cookie” shape.
  8. Place the tray in the fridge for 20–30 minutes to firm up while you prepare the caramel.

3. Prepare the caramel layer

  1. Add the soft caramels and the cream (or milk) to a small saucepan.
  2. Heat over low to medium-low heat, stirring often, until the caramels melt and the mixture becomes smooth and pourable.
  3. If it’s too thick, add 1–2 extra tablespoons of cream; if too thin, let it cook a little longer to thicken.
  4. Remove the cookies from the fridge.
  5. Spoon a small amount of warm caramel (about 1 teaspoon) on top of each cookie.
  6. Return the tray to the fridge for 15–20 minutes so the caramel can set slightly.

4. Add the chocolate topping

  1. Place the chocolate chips and 1 tablespoon of peanut butter (optional) in a microwave-safe bowl.
  2. Microwave in 20–30 second increments, stirring after each, until completely melted and smooth.
    • Alternatively, melt over a double boiler on the stove.
  3. Take the cookies out of the fridge.
  4. Either:
    • Spoon melted chocolate over the caramel, or
    • Drizzle in thin lines for a pretty finish.
  5. While the chocolate is still soft, sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top of each cookie if you like sweet–salty contrast.
  6. Chill again for about 20–30 minutes, or until the chocolate is set.

5. Serve and store

  • Serve the cookies chilled or at room temperature.
  • Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5–7 days.
  • You can also freeze them (layered with parchment) for up to 2 months; let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before eating.
Peanut Butter Chocolate Caramel Cookies

Why You’ll Love These Cookies

One of the biggest advantages of Peanut Butter Chocolate Caramel Cookies is that they require no baking, making them ideal for warm weather or quick dessert fixes. The preparation is straightforward: mix the ingredients, shape the cookies, and let them set. There’s no need to heat up the oven, and the cookies still deliver rich, layered flavors.

The combination of chewy oats, nutty peanut butter, sweet caramel, and chocolate makes each bite deeply satisfying. These cookies are especially great when you want a dessert that feels indulgent but can be made without much effort. They’re perfect for gatherings, parties, holiday cookie trays, or just satisfying sweet cravings at any time.

Serving and Storage Tips

These cookies can be served chilled or at room temperature. Chilling helps them firm up and makes the caramel and chocolate layers more distinct. If you like a hint of saltiness, add a little sea salt right before serving. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them firm; they will stay delicious for several days.

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