Why didn't my cookies set properly?

The most common reason is not boiling the sugar mixture long enough. Make sure to bring it to a full rolling boil and time exactly one minute of boiling. Also, avoid making these on very humid days as moisture in the air can affect setting.

Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?

While you can substitute quick oats, the texture will be different. Quick oats absorb more moisture and create a denser, less chewy cookie. For the best texture, stick with old-fashioned rolled oats.

My mixture hardened before I could form all the cookies. What happened?

This happens when the mixture cools too quickly. If this occurs, try gently reheating the mixture over low heat with a splash of evaporated milk until it becomes workable again.

Can I make these without coconut?

Absolutely! Simply omit the coconut and add an extra 1/2 cup of oats to maintain the right consistency. You could also substitute with chopped nuts or even crushed cornflakes for texture.

No-Bake Butterscotch Cookies Recipe

Name: No-Bake Butterscotch Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Main Ingredients; 1 ½ cups sugar; ½ cup salted butter; ⅔ cup evaporated milk; 1 cup butterscotch chips; 3 ½ cups old-fashioned oats; ½ cup shredded sweetened coconut

These No-Bake Butterscotch Cookies are the ultimate solution for satisfying your sweet tooth without turning on the oven! Perfectly chewy with a rich butterscotch flavor, these cookies come together in just 20 minutes. The combination of butterscotch chips, oats, and coconut creates an irresistible texture and flavor that will have everyone reaching for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

No Oven Required: Perfect for hot summer days or when you don’t want to wait for the oven to preheat. Just cook on the stovetop, drop, and let set!
Quick Preparation: From start to finish, these cookies take only 20 minutes of active time – the hardest part is waiting for them to set!
Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples you likely already have on hand, making this an easy last-minute treat.
Crowd-Pleaser: The butterscotch flavor is a delightful change from typical chocolate cookies, offering something unique that both kids and adults adore.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Sugar: The foundation of sweetness in these cookies, it also helps create the right consistency when boiled with butter and milk.
Salted Butter: Adds richness and a touch of salt that balances the sweetness perfectly. The salt in the butter enhances the butterscotch flavor.
Evaporated Milk: Creates the creamy base for the cookie mixture. Its concentrated nature gives these cookies their distinctive texture.
Butterscotch Chips: The star ingredient! They melt beautifully and provide that unmistakable butterscotch flavor that makes these cookies special.
Old-Fashioned Oats: Provides structure and a hearty chew. Don’t substitute with quick oats as they’ll give a mushier texture.
Shredded Sweetened Coconut: Adds wonderful texture and a complementary flavor that pairs beautifully with the butterscotch. The slight chewiness it brings is absolutely perfect.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Want to customize these butterscotch beauties? Here are some delicious ways to make them your own:

Add-Ins

Stir in 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts for a nutty crunch
Mix in 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips for a butterscotch-chocolate combination
Add 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon for a warm spice note

Substitutions

Replace half the butterscotch chips with peanut butter chips for a peanut butter-butterscotch flavor
Use unsweetened coconut if you prefer a less sweet cookie
Try brown sugar instead of white for a deeper molasses flavor

How to Make No-Bake Butterscotch Cookies

Step 1: Create the Base

In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, butter, and evaporated milk. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Once boiling, continue to cook for exactly 1 minute while stirring continuously.

Step 2: Add the Flavoring

Remove the pan from heat and immediately add the butterscotch chips. Stir until completely melted and smooth. The residual heat will melt the chips and create a gorgeous amber-colored mixture.

Step 3: Mix in Dry Ingredients

Add the oats and coconut to the butterscotch mixture, stirring until everything is thoroughly coated. The mixture will be thick and sticky at this point.

Step 4: Form and Set Cookies

Allow the mixture to cool for about 5 minutes – this helps the cookies hold their shape. Then drop by teaspoonfuls onto wax paper. Let the cookies set at room temperature for 2-3 hours until firm and no longer sticky to the touch.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Timing is Everything: The one-minute boil is crucial – too short and your cookies won’t set properly, too long and they’ll be too hard.
Constant Stirring: Don’t step away during the boiling process to prevent scorching the milk and sugar.
Cooling Period: Don’t skip the 5-minute cooling time before dropping onto wax paper – it allows the mixture to thicken slightly for better-shaped cookies.
Consistent Size: Use a cookie scoop or measuring spoon for uniformly sized cookies that will set at the same rate.
Storage Surface: If you don’t have wax paper, parchment paper works great too. Avoid placing directly on plates or countertops as they’ll stick.

How to Serve

These butterscotch cookies shine in so many settings! Here are my favorite ways to enjoy them:

Perfect Pairings

Serve with a cold glass of milk for the classic cookie experience
Pair with hot coffee or tea for an afternoon treat
Crumble over vanilla ice cream for a quick dessert upgrade

Presentation Ideas

Stack them in a cookie jar for grab-and-go snacking
Arrange on a platter with other no-bake treats for a dessert table
Package in cellophane bags tied with ribbon for a homemade gift

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing

These cookies freeze beautifully! Place in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially, then transfer to a freezer-safe container with parchment between layers. They’ll keep for up to 3 months.

Thawing

Simply remove from the freezer and let them come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before enjoying. The texture remains nearly identical to freshly made cookies.

FAQs

Why didn’t my cookies set properly?

The most common reason is not boiling the sugar mixture long enough. Make sure to bring it to a full rolling boil and time exactly one minute of boiling. Also, avoid making these on very humid days as moisture in the air can affect setting.
Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?

While you can substitute quick oats, the texture will be different. Quick oats absorb more moisture and create a denser, less chewy cookie. For the best texture, stick with old-fashioned rolled oats.
My mixture hardened before I could form all the cookies. What happened?

This happens when the mixture cools too quickly. If this occurs, try gently reheating the mixture over low heat with a splash of evaporated milk until it becomes workable again.
Can I make these without coconut?

Absolutely! Simply omit the coconut and add an extra 1/2 cup of oats to maintain the right consistency. You could also substitute with chopped nuts or even crushed cornflakes for texture.

Final Thoughts

These No-Bake Butterscotch Cookies are truly a treat that delivers maximum flavor with minimum effort. I love having this recipe in my back pocket for last-minute gatherings or when the sweet tooth strikes without warning. The butterscotch-oat-coconut combination offers something uniquely delicious that stands out from regular chocolate cookies. Give these a try – I promise they’ll become a regular in your dessert rotation!