Description
Delicious Peanut Butter Chocolate Caramel Cookies combine the wholesome texture of oats with creamy peanut butter, rich caramel, and decadent melted chocolate. These no-bake cookies are easy to make and perfect for a sweet treat that satisfies your chocolate and caramel cravings with a hint of sea salt for balance.
Ingredients
Base
- 2 cups old-fashioned oats
- 1 cup peanut butter (creamy or chunky)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Toppings
- 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup chocolate chips (for melting)
- Sea salt (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- 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. When the sugar dissolves completely, remove the pan from heat. Stir in the peanut butter and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and uniform. Gradually add the oats, stirring well until all oats are coated evenly. The mixture should feel 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 with the back of a spoon to form round cookie shapes. Carefully create a small indentation in the center of each cookie to hold the caramel.
- Add the Caramel Layer: Spoon about one teaspoon of caramel sauce into the center indentation of each cookie. Ensure the caramel is generously added as it will firm up once chilled, adding a gooey texture.
- Drizzle the Chocolate: Melt the chocolate chips in the microwave using 20-second bursts, stirring after each interval until smooth and fully melted. Transfer the melted chocolate to a piping bag or use a spoon to drizzle it in sweeping lines over the cookies for a beautiful finish.
- Let Them Set: Refrigerate the cookies for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step allows the caramel to set properly and firms up the cookies, resulting in a perfect texture.
Notes
- For a crunchier texture, use chunky peanut butter instead of creamy.
- Store cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh for up to 5 days.
- You can substitute dairy milk with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free alternative.
- If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the brown sugar to ¼ cup.
- Adding a light sprinkle of sea salt on top enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
