How many ingredients do you need for a batch of no-bake cookies? For these Butterscotch Cookies, you only need 3! I don’t think I’ve made cookies this easy before.
We’re entering that time of year again. It is cookie exchange time! And while I typically like to make more complex recipes, this butterscotch cookie recipe is a great option for those weeks when there’s just not enough hours in the day.
And, honestly, since becoming a mom, those weeks happen far more often than not. So let’s give these simple cookies that don’t require an oven pre-heat a high five.
Butterscotch No-Bake Cookies are similar to another no-bake classic, Haystack cookies. Instead of using chocolate, they feature a mixture of butterscotch cups and peanut butter to make a buttery candy crust. Instead of chow mein noodles, you are using flaky corn cereal.
Corn flakes were invented back in 1894 by John Harvey Kellog and thank goodness for that. These flakes hold up perfectly to give you that crisp crunch you are looking for. If they aren’t your cup of tea or you need the recipe to be gluten-free, try it with Rice Krispies instead.
In fact, the process is somewhat similar to making Rice Krispie treats. Warm up the base ingredients coat and you’re done. The added element of chilling is the only main difference here.
If I’m making a batch of these for a crowd, I will sometimes split the batch between plain Butterscotch Cookies and those with a topping or a mix-in.
For some, the butterscotch can be a bit too sweet. If you feel similarly, try topping this recipe with some chopped up pretzel sticks for a great finish. A pinch of flaky sea salt on top of each cookie before they set will also do the trick.
These Butterscotch No Bake Cookies are a true delight and nice alternative to sweet, dough-based cookies when you just don’t have the time. They’re crunchy, peanut-buttery, and bonafide delicious.
Butterscotch No Bake Cookies Ingredients
The best part of this cookies are the simple ingredients. They can all easily be found at your local grocery store.
- Butterscotch chips – The flavor of butterscotch is really the star of the show for these no bake butterscotch cookies, so butterscotch morsels are a must.
- Creamy peanut butter – Although you can use crunchy peanut butter, I prefer creamy. The corn flakes add enough crunch that you don’t need it from the peanuts.
- Corn Flakes cereal – A fun way to make these delicious cookies crunchy, corn flakes cereal are perfect. They also hold these no bake treats together.
How to Make Butterscotch No Bake Cookies
Get ready because you’ll have this delicious treat in no time flat!
- Melt butterscotch chips with peanut butter. In a medium saucepan, melt butterscotch chips and creamy peanut butter until fully incorporated. You can do this in a double boiler or a microwave safe container.
- Add corn flakes to bowl. Place Corn Flakes cereal in a large mixing bowl. Try to use one larger than you think you need.
- Pour peanut butter mixture. Pour butterscotch sauce over corn flakes and toss to coat.
- Scoop onto baking sheet. Spoon 2 inch cookies onto a parchment or wax paper lined cookie sheet.
- Chill. Refrigerate until hard.
Variations
There are lots of variations that can allow you to make this easy treat your own.
- Oats – Instead of the cereal, you could swap it for quick oats to make oatmeal butterscotch cookies. It will drastically change the texture of these cookies, but they will be equally delicious.
- Flavor – A teaspoon of vanilla extract would be a great addition to this perfect treat.
- Add ins – You could stir in some whole white chocolate chips, peanut butter chips or regular chocolate chips to take these cookies up a notch.
- Sprinkles – If making these for the holiday season, you could stir in some festive sprinkles for any occasion.
Questions You Might Have
There are two reasons. The simplest is that you added too many dry ingredients without enough wet. But the second is that the sugars were overcooked. It is really more like making candy or fudge and if the mixture is overcooked and over stirred, it can get dry and crumbly.
If your cookies are failing to set up or take shape, it is likely that the mixture was no boiled long enough, letting water evaporate out and sugars to hit the soft ball stage of candy making.
It’s been said that variations of these no-bake cookies were made by wives when the preacher would come to visit because they had verstile ingredients and came together so quickly.
Storage and Freezing
Storage: You can store these butterscotch haystacks in an airtight container in the refrigerator or at room temperature for up to a week.
Freezing: These cookies also freeze really well. Stored in an airtight container, they will freeze for up to three months. Use parchment paper between layers.
More No-Bake Recipes
Butterscotch No Bake Cookies
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup butterscotch chips
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 1/2 cups Corn Flakes cereal
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, melt butterscotch chips and creamy peanut butter until fully incorporated.
- Place Corn Flakes cereal in a large mixing bowl. Try to use one larger than you think you need.
- Pour butterscotch sauce over corn flakes and toss to coat.
- Spoon 2 inch cookies onto a parchment lined cookie sheet.
- Refrigerate until hard.
- Store chilled or at room temperture for up to a week.
- If you’ve tried this recipe, come back and let us know how it went!
I tried this recipe and kids loved it! No bake recipes are so easy to follow in daily life!
So much yes going on here! I don’t have to heat the oven. So delicious! Thank you!
I’m a huge fan of no bake cookies! I usually make the chocolate oat version, but this one is just as easy and a delicious different take on them. yum
I’m a big fan of butterscotch and these crunchy, delicious bites of heaven are perfect for me.
These cookies are addictive! They are super easy to make and I love the butterscotch a change from chocolate. Delicious!
These butterscotch cookies have become one of my favorite cookie recipes, as it’s incredibly easy to make and amazingly delicious. Thanks for sharing!