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    Home » Desserts » Cookies & Bars

    Light(er) No-Bake Cookies Recipe with Dulce de Leche, Sea Salt & Oatmeal

    Published: Sep 17, 2012 · Modified: Jun 21, 2019 by Dara · This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. · 28 Comments

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    Light(er) No-Bake Cookies Recipe with Dulce de Leche & Oatmeal

    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 ½ cup (however, they is still sugar in the dulce de leche), there are a mere 2 tablespoons of butter compared to the usual ½ 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.

    Light(er) No-Bake Cookies Recipe with Dulce de Leche & Oatmeal

    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).
    .
    Light(er) No-Bake Cookies Recipe with Dulce de Leche & Oatmeal

    Light(er) No-Bake Cookies Recipe with Dulce de Leche, Sea Salt & Oatmeal

    This lighter version of no-bake cookies stars creamy dulce de leche, topped with a little sea salt.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Desserts
    Cuisine: French
    Keyword: Cookies and Bars
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 5 minutes
    Resting Time: 4 hours
    Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
    Servings: 30 Cookies (Approximately)
    Calories: 57kcal
    Author: Dara Michalski | Cookin' Canuck

    Ingredients

    • ½ cup granulated sugar
    • 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
    • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
    • ½ cup fat-free milk
    • 3 cups oats
    • ½ cup dulce de leche
    • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
    • ½ teaspoon sea salt
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    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

    Serving: 1Cookie | Calories: 57kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 3mg | Sodium: 41mg | Potassium: 43mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 45IU | Calcium: 10mg | Iron: 0.4mg
    Tried this recipe?If you make this recipe, I'd love to see it on Instagram! Just use the hashtag #COOKINCANUCK and I'll be sure to find it.

    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.

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      Reader Interactions

      Comments

      1. Jill Roberts @ WellnessGeeky

        January 17, 2018 at 4:17 am

        5 stars
        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!

        Reply
      2. Shirley Woolwardshirley

        November 20, 2012 at 4:29 am

        These sound fabulous! Would they be okay for my gluten free relatives? Thank you for all your great recipes!

        Reply
      3. stephchows

        September 19, 2012 at 1:24 pm

        Hey at least they are healthier, that totally counts! They sound delicious!

        Reply
      4. Dede

        September 19, 2012 at 6:11 am

        I am such a nut for that little pinch of sea salt. Yum. PDHL

        Reply
      5. Amy Tong

        September 17, 2012 at 6:26 pm

        It's still super hot here in So.CA. With that said, any no-bake desserts/cookies are welcome here. Especially, these looks divine!

        Reply
      6. Brian @ A Thought For Food

        September 17, 2012 at 2:48 pm

        These are great! I'll have to try these with my niece!

        Reply
      7. Tricia @ Saving room for dessert

        September 17, 2012 at 2:08 pm

        I bet these are wonderful. I miss packing my kids a lunch - enjoy them before they grow up!

        Reply
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      Hi there! Welcome to Cookin' Canuck.

      I'm Dara, a Canadian living in the U.S. and sharing my favorite healthy recipes. My cooking motto is that healthy eating never needs to be boring!

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      Photo of Dara Michalski.

      Hi there! Welcome to Cookin' Canuck.

      I'm Dara, a Canadian living in the U.S. and sharing my favorite healthy recipes. My cooking motto is that healthy eating never needs to be boring!

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