Introduction:
Without turning the oven on, these no-bake salted caramel cookies are an easy favorite for anyone wanting to have a sweet treat. The taste of rich caramel blended with sea salt brings in that perfect balance between sweetness and saltiness in these cookies. They are quick to make, needing just few ingredients and are the best for satisfying your sugary cravings without any fuss.
Ingredients:
1 cup (240 ml) smooth almond butter or peanut butter
1 cup (240 ml) pure maple syrup or honey
1/2 cup (120 ml) coconut oil
2 cups (180 g) rolled oats
1/2 cup (50 g) finely shredded unsweetened coconut
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon sea salt, plus extra for sprinkling
Instructions:
In a large saucepan combine the almond butter and the maple syrup or honey together with the coconut oil and then heat over medium heat until it is smooth and begins to bubble while stirring occasionally.
Remove from heat then stir in the vanilla extract and sea salt until well incorporated.
Combine dry ingredients such as rolled oats and shredded coconuts in a large mixing bowl.
Mix as you chill: Pour caramel mixture into oat mixture, mix until everything is evenly coated. Let it cool slightly.
Form Cookies: Use a tablespoon to form mounds of dough in the shape of balls. Flatten each cookie slightly.
Set: Adda little salt on top of each cookie. This is done by sprinkling tiny flakes of sea salt on top. Then, refrigerate for about an hour for the cookies to set.
Hints for Success:
Consistency Check: Ensure that your oat mixture is slightly thickened and pourable before combining with caramel.
Cooling: Prior to adding oats in them, let your caramel mixture cool slightly to prevent melting.
Parchment Paper: Make use of parchment paper to line your baking sheet which will ensure that it does not stick and easy cleaning thereafter.
Press Firmly: Press the cookies down firmly so that they stay together well when they set.
Health Benefits:
Oats: Oats are full of fiber, iron, magnesium, and other essential nutrients that improve digestion and regulate blood sugar levels in our bodies
Almond Butter: It has healthy fats, protein and Vitamin E – supporting our heart health as well as providing us with sustained energy
Coconut Oil: Coconut oil contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) which can be beneficial when it comes to energy burning and increased metabolism
Maple Syrup: Zinc and manganese are some minerals that are present in maple syrup a natural sweetener packed with antioxidants
Nutritional Information: (Per serving size; assuming 12 cookies)
Calories…………… 200
Total Fat………… 12g
Saturated Fat……6g
Cholesterol ……..0mg
Sodium…………..80mg
Total Carbohydrates ………..20g
Dietary Fiber: 3 g
Sugars: 12 g
Protein: 4 g
Variations and Substitutions:
Nut Butters: Try cashew or peanut butter instead of almond butter.
Sweeteners: Maple syrup and honey can be replaced with agave syrup or brown rice syrup.
Add-ins: Make use of mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, and dried fruits for added texture and flavor.
Gluten-Free: If you need to shun gluten from your diet, ensure that your oats are gluten-free certified.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Can I use crunchy nut butter? Crunchy nut butter gives some texture to the cookies which is rather a nice change from soft ones.
How long do the cookies keep? These cookies may stay in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for two whole weeks.
Can I freeze these cookies? Why not. They will store well in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to three months. Defrost before serving.
Can I make these vegan? Yes, this recipe is vegan if maple syrup is used as sweetener as well as almond butter is substituted for other animal-fat-based butters like cow’s butter.
Conclusion:
No-bake salted caramel cookies are a deliciously simple way to enjoy a sweet treat without the hassle of actually baking something. With their rich caramel flavor and just the right amount of sea salt, they strike a delightful balance between tastes and textures. These delicious treats also work well as fast desserts or snacks when you are on the go. They also come with options where one chooses whatever suits his/her preference. Enjoy