If you’re looking for a sweet treat that’s comforting, quick to make, and utterly delicious, then you’ve just found your new favorite: the No-Bake Oatmeal Scotchies Recipe. These chewy, buttery cookies with their perfect balance of rich butterscotch and hearty oats come together in no time and without ever turning on the oven. Whether you’re craving a last-minute snack or something to share with friends, these little bites of joy will hit the spot every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this No-Bake Oatmeal Scotchies Recipe is delightfully simple, and what’s better is that every ingredient plays a crucial role. From the chewy texture of old-fashioned oats to the creamy sweetness of butterscotch chips, each component brings something special to the mix.
- 2 cups old-fashioned oats: Provide that hearty, chewy base and wonderful texture you expect in a cookie.
- 1 cup butterscotch chips: Bursts of rich, caramel-like flavor that melt beautifully into the oats.
- 1/2 cup butter: Adds creaminess and helps bind the cookies while giving a luscious mouthfeel.
- 1/4 cup milk: Keeps the mixture smooth and helps combine the dry and wet ingredients perfectly.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar: Offers deep sweetness with a hint of molasses to enhance the butterscotch.
How to Make No-Bake Oatmeal Scotchies Recipe
Step 1: Melt the sweet base
Start by gently melting the butter, milk, and brown sugar together over medium heat. Stir this mixture occasionally so the sugar dissolves fully and everything becomes silky smooth. This warm, creamy base is what will hold your cookies together and give them that irresistible gooeyness.
Step 2: Combine oats and butterscotch chips
Once your buttery mixture is luscious and smooth, stir in the old-fashioned oats and butterscotch chips. Mix until every oat is coated and the butterscotch chips are evenly distributed, starting to soften but still holding their shape. This is where the magic really starts to happen—those oats and chips working in harmony!
Step 3: Shape the cookies
Using a spoon, drop dollops of the sticky mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Give each cookie about an inch of space around it because even though no baking is involved, they still need room to chill and set properly.
Step 4: Chill to perfection
Pop your tray into the refrigerator for about an hour. This is crucial, as the chill time lets the cookies firm up and develop that perfect chewy texture you’re looking for. If you try to eat them too soon, they’ll be delicious but a little too soft to handle.
Step 5: Serve and savor
Once firm, these No-Bake Oatmeal Scotchies are ready to enjoy! Their chewyness and sweet bursts of butterscotch will have you coming back for more with every bite.
How to Serve No-Bake Oatmeal Scotchies Recipe
Garnishes
While they’re wonderful on their own, sprinkling a pinch of flaky sea salt over the cookies just before chilling can elevate the butterscotch flavor beautifully. For an extra touch, a light dusting of powdered sugar adds a pretty finish and a subtle hint of sweetness.
Side Dishes
Pair these scrumptious No-Bake Oatmeal Scotchies with a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of coffee for a cozy treat. They also make a fantastic addition to a dessert platter alongside fresh fruit or classic chocolate chip cookies.
Creative Ways to Present
Transform these treats into delightful gifts by arranging them in a decorative box lined with parchment paper. You can also sandwich a spread of cream cheese frosting between two cookies for a fun twist that everyone will love at parties or family gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your No-Bake Oatmeal Scotchies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge. They will stay chewy and delicious for up to a week, making them perfect for snacking whenever the craving hits.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these treats later, pop them in a freezer-safe container. Frozen usage can extend their life up to 2 months. Just let them thaw at room temperature for about 20 minutes before enjoying their perfect texture again.
Reheating
Since these cookies don’t require baking, there’s no need to reheat them. If you prefer them a little softer, simply place a cookie in your hand for a minute and the warmth will bring out that gooey butterscotch goodness.
FAQs
Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?
While quick oats can be used in a pinch, old-fashioned oats give the best texture and chewiness that make this No-Bake Oatmeal Scotchies Recipe so special. Quick oats tend to be finer and may result in a less sturdy cookie.
What if I don’t have butterscotch chips?
If butterscotch chips aren’t available, try substituting with white chocolate chips or butterscotch-flavored baking chunks for a similar sweet richness, though the flavor will slightly differ from the original.
Can I make these cookies vegan?
Absolutely! Substitute the butter with a plant-based spread, use non-dairy milk, and make sure your butterscotch chips are dairy-free. The rest of the recipe stays the same, and you’ll still get chewy, delicious cookies.
How long do these no-bake cookies take to set?
The cookies need about an hour in the fridge to firm up properly. If you want them extra firm, you can chill them longer, but they start to set nicely after that initial hour.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
Oats themselves are gluten-free, but many oats are processed in facilities that handle wheat, so make sure to use certified gluten-free oats if you need to avoid gluten. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this No-Bake Oatmeal Scotchies Recipe enough—its simplicity, delightful chewiness, and rich butterscotch flavor make it a true crowd-pleaser. Next time you need a quick dessert or an anytime snack, whip these up and share the joy with your loved ones. You’ll wonder why you ever bothered with anything else!
Print
No-Bake Oatmeal Scotchies Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 16 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
These No-Bake Oatmeal Scotchies are quick, easy, and delicious cookies that combine the chewy goodness of oats with the rich sweetness of butterscotch chips. Perfect for when you want a sweet treat without turning on the oven.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 cups old-fashioned oats
- 1 cup butterscotch chips
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
Instructions
- Melt the base ingredients: In a medium saucepan, melt butter, milk, and brown sugar over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth.
- Combine with oats and chips: Once melted, stir in oats and butterscotch chips, mixing until everything is well combined.
- Shape the cookies: Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart to prevent sticking.
- Chill to set: Refrigerate the cookies for about 1 hour, or until they have set firm.
- Serve and enjoy: Remove from the refrigerator and serve these tasty no-bake cookies immediately or store them in an airtight container.
Notes
- Use old-fashioned oats for the best texture. Quick oats will result in a less chewy cookie.
- You can swap milk for a non-dairy alternative to make them dairy-free.
- Make sure the cookies are completely set before removing from the parchment paper to avoid crumbling.
- Store the cookies in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or freeze for longer storage.
- If you prefer, add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.
