Name: Peanut Butter Chocolate Caramel Cookies
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter; 1/4 cup unsalted butter; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1/4 cup caramel sauce; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/8 teaspoon salt; 1 1/2 cups quick oats; 1/2 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark)

Chewy, rich, and indulgent, these no-bake peanut butter chocolate caramel cookies are the ultimate sweet fix. They’re packed with layers of flavor—from the nuttiness of peanut butter to the deep sweetness of caramel and chocolate. And the best part? No oven required. Whether I’m craving a late-night snack or need a last-minute dessert for guests, these cookies come together in minutes and never disappoint.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how these cookies combine three of the best dessert flavors—peanut butter, chocolate, and caramel—into one bite. They’re the perfect no-bake treat when I don’t want to heat up the kitchen. Quick to make and easy to customize, they’re also gluten-free and kid-approved. I often whip these up when I need something sweet but don’t have a lot of time.

Ingredients

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

1/2 cup creamy peanut butter

1/4 cup unsalted butter

1/4 cup brown sugar

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 cup caramel sauce

1/8 teaspoon salt

1 1/2 cups quick oats

1/2 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark)

Directions

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, I combine the peanut butter, unsalted butter, brown sugar, and caramel sauce. I stir frequently until everything is melted and smooth.

Then I remove the pan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and salt.

I add the quick oats to the warm mixture and mix until they’re fully coated.

After letting the mixture cool for 5 minutes, I fold in the chocolate chips.

Using a spoon or cookie scoop, I drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.

I gently flatten each cookie with the back of the spoon.

Then I let the cookies set at room temperature for at least 30 minutes, or refrigerate them for 15 minutes if I want them ready faster.

I store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 12 cookies.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes (plus setting time)

Calories per cookie: Approximately 160 kcal

Variations

I like to swap the chocolate chips for white chocolate or peanut butter chips for a different twist.

When I want a salty-sweet combo, I sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top before the cookies set.

For a crunchy texture, I sometimes mix in chopped peanuts or pretzel bits.

If I’m making these for a holiday treat, I drizzle melted chocolate or caramel over the top once they’ve set.

For a vegan version, I use plant-based butter and dairy-free chocolate chips.

Storage/Reheating

I store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If I want them to last longer, I refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months. There’s no need to reheat—just let frozen cookies thaw at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.

Related Recipes:

Chocolate No-Bake Cookies

FAQs

How long do these cookies take to set?

At room temperature, they set in about 30 minutes. If I’m in a hurry, I pop them in the fridge for 15 minutes.

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

I prefer quick oats for their softer texture, but old-fashioned oats work too—they just give a chewier bite.

Is there a way to make these cookies less sweet?

Yes, I reduce the brown sugar slightly or use dark chocolate chips to balance the sweetness.

Can I make these cookies nut-free?

Absolutely. I use sunflower seed butter or cookie butter in place of peanut butter for a nut-free version.

Do I need to refrigerate these cookies?

No, but if it’s warm in the kitchen, I like to refrigerate them to keep the chocolate chips from melting.

Conclusion

These no-bake peanut butter chocolate caramel cookies are everything I want in a quick dessert—easy to make, rich in flavor, and totally satisfying. Whether I need a weeknight treat, something for a party, or just want to indulge a little, this recipe always hits the mark. I keep coming back to it because it’s as simple as it is delicious.

📖 Recipe: