Peanut Butter Chocolate Caramel Cookies Recipe
These Peanut Butter Chocolate Caramel Cookies combine chewy oats, creamy peanut butter, rich caramel, and silky melted chocolate for a decadent treat. Easy no-bake cookies come together quickly on the stovetop and set in the fridge, making them perfect for an indulgent snack or dessert.
- Author: Isabella
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12-15 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Base Ingredients
- 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, melted
- Sea salt (optional, for garnish)
- Create the Cookie Base: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine butter, brown sugar, and milk. Stir gently until the butter melts and the mixture bubbles slightly. Once the sugar dissolves, remove from heat and stir in peanut butter and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually mix in old-fashioned oats, stirring until fully coated and the mixture is sticky enough to 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 into a circular shape. Make a small indentation in the center of each cookie to hold the caramel topping.
- Add the Caramel Layer: Spoon approximately one teaspoon of caramel sauce into the indentation of each cookie, ensuring a generous amount so it firms up nicely after chilling.
- Drizzle the Chocolate: Melt chocolate chips in the microwave in 20-second bursts, stirring thoroughly after each until smooth. Transfer the melted chocolate to a piping bag or use a spoon to drizzle over the cookies in sweeping lines for an elegant finish.
- Let Them Set: Refrigerate the cookies for at least 30 minutes to allow the base and toppings to firm up properly before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the sugar fully dissolves while heating to avoid grainy texture.
- Use parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup.
- For a gluten-free version, verify that oats are certified gluten-free.
- Sea salt garnish enhances the flavor by balancing sweetness.
- Store cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Keywords: Peanut Butter Cookies, Caramel Cookies, No-Bake Cookies, Chocolate Drizzle, Oatmeal Cookies, Easy Dessert