Before we move onto these no-bake cookies (did I mention there’s dulce de leche – caramel! – involved?), I have to tell you that we are very excited to be announcing our new challenge over at the Red Faced Runners site. The first challenge was a big success (see many red-faced pictures here) and we can’t wait to see what you accomplish with the second challenge.
Now onto the cookies. I always like to slip a little treat into my boys’ lunch boxes, but I don’t want to rely on pre-packaged candy from the store. A homemade cookie, along with a a note telling them that I’m thinking of them, is always welcome.
Of course, I don’t always have time to bake a big batch of cookies, waiting for each batch to turn perfectly golden brown on the edges. That’s where these easy no-bake cookies come in. Besides boiling the skim milk, sugar, butter and cocoa butter for a few minutes, there is no cooking involved. All that’s left to do is stir in the canned dulce de leche (usually found by the condensed milk in the supermarket) and oats, and drop the dough onto waxed paper. Let them set and they’re ready to enjoy.
Now, I know I claimed that these are lighter than the regular no-bake cookies. Let’s be completely honest here. These cookies still can’t be considered “healthy”, but they are certainly lighter than the usual version. The sugar is decreased from 2 cups to only 1/2 cup (however, they is still sugar in the dulce de leche), there are a mere 2 tablespoons of butter compared to the usual 1/2 cup (and the peanut butter is eliminated altogether), and non-fat milk substitutes for full-fat milk. Okay, still not light, but definitely light-er.
Now, these cookies aren’t as solid as usual baked cookies and will fall apart a little as handled, but they’re easily popped into your mouth in a couple of bites. I found that the texture was the best after the cookies sat out to dry for about 4 hours.
The recipe:
In a medium saucepan set over medium-low heat, combine sugar, cocoa powder, butter and milk. Bring to a boil and allow it to boil for 2 minutes.
Remove from the heat and stir in the oats, dulce de leche and vanilla.
Drop by the tablespoonful onto waxed paper. If you prefer, slightly flatten with a spatula or roll into a ball.
Sprinkle each cookie with several grains of sea salt. Allow to set for at least 1 hour (I found that the texture was the best after the cookies sat out to dry for about 4 hours).
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Light(er) No-Bake Cookies Recipe with Dulce de Leche, Sea Salt & Oatmeal
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup fat-free milk
- 3 cups oats
- 1/2 cup dulce de leche
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan set over medium-low heat, combine sugar, cocoa powder, butter and milk.
- Bring to a boil and allow it to boil for 2 minutes.
- Remove from the heat and stir in the oats, dulce de leche and vanilla.
- Drop by the tablespoonful onto waxed paper. If you prefer, slightly flatten with a spatula or roll into a ball.
- Sprinkle each cookie with several grains of sea salt.
- Allow to set for at least 1 hour (I found that the texture was the best after the cookies sat out to dry for about 4 hours).
Nutrition
Disclosure: I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
Kare @ Kitchen Treaty
How inventive are these? No-bake cookies are my downfall … well, one of many downfalls. Yum. Love the idea of dulce de leche and Nutella … and sea salt … and justification to eat more because they’re lightened up … good gracious!
Katrina @ In Katrina's Kitchen
The perfect lunchbox treat from Mom! 🙂
bellini
No bake means that these will show up in my kitchen!
Jessica
I can’t wait to try these out!! The original recipe holds many wonderful memories with my momma and I in the kitchen! Thanks for this twist 🙂
Jen @ Savory Simple
These look incredible!
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How I wish I had a dozen of those right now. They sound so so good!
Deborah
Only 13-ish weeks until I can join in on the red faced runners – I can’t wait to get back into shape! And I love these cookies – especially that they are lighter!
Dara (Cookin' Canuck)
I can’t wait for you to join us, Deb!
Hayley @ The Domestic Rebel
The photos are stunning and these look incredible! Anything caramel-y with sea-salt involved is game in my book!
Living The Sweet Life
Mmmm…. these look great!! And how cute is it, that your boys get notes in their lunch — that’s so sweet 🙂
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Dara, you had me at “dulce” and the healthy-ER version is a definite bonus!
Cassie
I am so thrilled to see a lighter version of these – one of my favorite cookies ever. I love the addition of dulce de leche!
foodwanderings
These Dulce de Leche no bake cookies look so good Dara. I didn’t know you started a fit and exercise blog as well. Many congrats. Love that you make this alternative to commercial candy for school lunches!
Anna @ Crunchy Creamy Sweet
LOVE these for two reasons: dulce de leche and “lighter”. YUM!
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Oh, I love the addition of dulce de leche!
Denise
Dara, these sound so good. My mom use to make a no-bake cookie that was loaded with oats, but she did not use dulce de leche. Instead her version was loaded with sugar. I like that you cut the sugar back and let the caramel naturally sweeten the cookie. Definitely going to be trying this one out!
Annalise
Love this recipe! I’ve been thinking about no-bake cookies a lot lately, how to reinvent them, etc. and I love what you’ve got going on in these with the dulce de leche and absence of peanut butter. Also love that they are lighter!
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My mom always put something sweet and homemade in my lunch box, and I still remember the joy it gave me each day when I discovered it. These cookies look delightful, and I bet your sons feel so lucky to have a mom like you!
Julia {The Roasted Root}
No bake is fine by me! Just cuts down the amount of time I have to wait in order to consume the treat! Dulce de leche is absolutely wonderful, so I imagine these cookies are awesome! Your kids are lucky to get them in the lunch box!!
addie @ culicurious
Great idea! Good way to get some oats in the diet too 🙂
Laura (Tutti Dolci)
I love Dulce de Leche! In a no-bake cookie is even better 🙂
Tricia @ Saving room for dessert
I bet these are wonderful. I miss packing my kids a lunch – enjoy them before they grow up!
Brian @ A Thought For Food
These are great! I’ll have to try these with my niece!
Amy Tong
It’s still super hot here in So.CA. With that said, any no-bake desserts/cookies are welcome here. Especially, these looks divine!
Dede
I am such a nut for that little pinch of sea salt. Yum. PDHL
stephchows
Hey at least they are healthier, that totally counts! They sound delicious!
Shirley Woolwardshirley
These sound fabulous! Would they be okay for my gluten free relatives? Thank you for all your great recipes!
Jill Roberts @ WellnessGeeky
Absolutely love your creative idea with no bake cookies! Never seen something like this! Definitely i will try to make it too! Thx for sharing Dara!