There’s an undeniable comfort found in the warm, gooey embrace of cookies fresh from the oven, and my love for Carmelita Cookies truly exemplifies that. One bite sends me spiraling into a delightful combination of chewy oatmeal, luxurious chocolate chunks, and a sweet kiss of caramel that creamy drizzles over the top. It’s amazing how such simple ingredients can transform into a dessert that feels both indulgent and homey.
Whether you’re hosting friends, craving something sweet after dinner, or just looking for a cozy treat to enjoy with your afternoon coffee, these cookies check all the boxes. Packed with flavor and a generous dose of nostalgia, my Carmelita Cookies promise to be a hit with everyone—from the cookie connoisseur to the occasional snack seeker. Let’s dive into this irresistible recipe that brings smiles as easily as it brings flavor!
Why will you Crave Carmelita Cookies?
Indulging in these Carmelita Cookies will elevate your dessert game in ways you never imagined!
- Irresistible Flavor: The blend of chewy oats, rich chocolate, and gooey caramel creates an explosion of taste in every bite.
- Quick and Easy: With simple steps and familiar ingredients, these cookies come together swiftly for a stress-free baking experience.
- Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Perfect for gatherings or family nights, they are sure to delight guests of all ages.
- Customizable Goodness: Add your favorite mix-ins or try different sauces to make them uniquely yours.
- Nostalgic Comfort: This recipe takes you back to those cozy moments, enhancing the homey feel of your kitchen.
Crammed with Flavor: Crave Carmelita Cookies Ingredients
-
For the Dough
-
Salted Butter – Adds richness and moisture; if you only have unsalted, toss in a pinch of salt.
-
Light Brown Sugar – Provides sweetness and a hint of molasses for ultimate chewiness.
-
Granulated Sugar – Contributes necessary sweetness and structure to the cookies.
-
Eggs – Binds ingredients together and enhances moisture; use 2 large eggs for the best result.
-
All-Purpose Flour – Serves as the backbone of the cookies, giving them structure.
-
Cornstarch – Enhances texture, making these cookies delightfully soft; mix with flour for a cake flour substitute.
-
Rolled Oats – Provides a hearty texture; opt for old-fashioned oats for the perfect chew.
-
Baking Soda – Helps the cookies rise and spread beautifully.
-
Cinnamon – Adds a warming spiced note that balances the sweetness.
-
Salt – Enhances the overall flavor and balances sweetness.
-
For the Fillings
-
Semisweet Chocolate Chunks – Provides rich chocolate flavor; swap in a chocolate bar or chips if preferred.
-
Kraft Caramel Bits – Chewy caramel pieces that ensure a delicious texture even after baking.
-
For the Topping
-
Ghirardelli Caramel Sauce – Drizzle over the cookies for a sweet, gooey finish that compliments the flavors.
Now that you have the Crave Carmelita Cookies ingredients, it’s time to bring these delightful treats to life in your kitchen!
How to Make Carmelita Cookies
-
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). This step ensures your cookies bake evenly and perfectly golden when they’re ready.
-
Cream together softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar in a mixing bowl until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. This creates a smooth base for your cookies.
-
Add eggs one at a time, mixing slowly until fully combined. This helps to bind your ingredients together, ensuring delightful moisture.
-
Combine dry ingredients by mixing all-purpose flour, cornstarch, oats, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually add the dry mix to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined to keep your cookies chewy.
-
Fold in semisweet chocolate chunks and caramel bits gently until evenly distributed. This adds those delicious pockets of gooey goodness throughout your cookies.
-
Portion out the dough into 1/3 cup balls and place them on a lined baking sheet, leaving adequate space between each one to allow for spreading.
-
Bake for 13-15 minutes until cookies are spread and the edges turn golden brown. Watch for a slight shimmer to ensure they’re perfectly baked!
-
Cool on the sheet for 15-20 minutes, allowing them to firm up before drizzling with Ghirardelli caramel sauce. This step is crucial for holding their beautiful shape.
-
Serve warm for the best texture and flavor, and savor the delightful aroma and taste that fills your kitchen!
Optional: Sprinkle with sea salt for an added flavor contrast.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Storage Tips for Carmelita Cookies
-
Room Temperature: Store your Carmelita Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their chewy texture and delicious flavors.
-
Fridge: If you want to extend their freshness, refrigerate the cookies in an airtight container for up to a week; they’ll still taste delightful!
-
Freezer: Baked cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag.
-
Reheating: To enjoy that freshly baked taste, reheat frozen cookies in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 3 minutes before serving.
Tips for the Best Carmelita Cookies
-
Proper Mixing: Avoid overmixing the dough after adding flour; it keeps your cookies chewy and prevents them from turning cakey.
-
Cooling Time: Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 15-20 minutes; this helps them firm up without crumbling when transferred.
-
Portion Size: For smaller cookies, use 3 tablespoons of dough each and bake for 9-11 minutes; this ensures even baking and perfect texture.
-
Ingredient Temperature: Make sure your butter is softened, not melted; this creates the right creamy texture for a consistent dough.
-
Don’t Skip the Caramel: Use a generous drizzle of Ghirardelli caramel sauce on top; it enhances the flavor and takes your crave Carmelita cookies to the next level!
Carmelita Cookies Variations
Feel free to explore and personalize these delightful cookies with an array of flavorful twists that will make your treats uniquely yours!
-
Nutty Delight: Add chopped pecans or walnuts for a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the caramel.
-
Vegan Bliss: Swap the butter for coconut oil and use dairy-free chocolate chips to create a plant-based version that doesn’t compromise on taste.
-
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder into the mix for a surprising heat that complements the sweetness, creating a delightful contrast.
-
Fruit Fusion: Fold in dried cranberries or cherries for a fruity touch that adds tang and vibrancy to the chewy cookies.
-
Dark Chocolate Decadence: Replace semisweet chocolate chunks with dark chocolate for a richer, deeper chocolate flavor that will satisfy any chocolate lover’s cravings.
-
Caramel Sauce Variation: Experiment with different types of caramel sauces, like sea salt caramel or chocolate caramel, to elevate the cookie experience.
-
Oatmeal Raisin Twist: Mix in plump raisins along with the oats for a nostalgic flavor reminiscent of classic oatmeal raisin cookies.
-
Coconut Crunch: Incorporate shredded unsweetened coconut into the dough for a tropical taste and extra texture that pairs wonderfully with the caramel.
What to Serve with Carmelita Cookies?
Indulging in the gooey goodness of these cookies is just the beginning of a delightful experience!
- Tall Glass of Milk: This classic pairing complements the rich chocolate and caramel, adding a satisfying creaminess that enhances each bite.
- Freshly Brewed Coffee: The warm, aromatic notes of coffee balance the sweetness of the cookies, creating a cozy afternoon treat that’s hard to resist.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of smooth, creamy vanilla ice cream melting over these cookies creates a luscious dessert experience that’s simply divine.
- Hot Chocolate: The richness of hot chocolate adds another layer of sweetness while providing a comforting beverage for chilly nights.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits contrasts the richness of the cookies, offering a bright and juicy element to your dessert spread.
- Chai Tea: The spiced flavors of chai tea enhance the warm notes of cinnamon in the cookies, making for a soothing pairing that warms the soul.
- Nut or Caramel Sauce Drizzle: Elevate your cookies even further with a drizzle of your favorite nut or caramel sauce for extra gooeyness and richness.
Each of these suggestions beautifully complements the chewy, sweet indulgence of Carmelita Cookies, ensuring a memorable culinary experience!
Make Ahead Options
These Carmelita Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time without sacrificing flavor! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance by mixing all the ingredients and storing the dough in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To maintain that fresh-baked quality, make sure to cover the dough tightly to prevent drying out. When you’re ready to bake, simply scoop the chilled dough onto a lined baking sheet and bake as directed. For even more convenience, baked cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Enjoy warm, gooey cookies with minimal effort and maximum delight!
Carmelita Cookies Recipe FAQs
How can I choose the best oats for Carmelita Cookies?
When making Carmelita Cookies, using old-fashioned rolled oats is highly recommended! These offer the perfect chewy texture and heartiness to the dough. Avoid quick oats, as they can get mushy and change the cookie’s intended texture.
What’s the best way to store my Carmelita Cookies?
Store your Carmelita Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, refrigerate them for up to a week. For optimal freshness, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. This way, they’ll maintain their delightful chewy goodness!
Can I freeze Carmelita Cookies, and how should I do it?
Absolutely! To freeze your Carmelita Cookies, first place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer the cookies to an airtight freezer bag, making sure to label them with the date. You can freeze them for up to 3 months for a convenient sweet treat. Just reheat them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 3 minutes to enjoy that fresh-from-the-oven experience!
What should I do if my cookies turn out too cakey?
If your Carmelita Cookies turn out cakey, it might be due to overmixing the dough after adding the flour. Be sure to mix until just combined, as overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to a cake-like texture. If this happens, next time, consider mixing by hand with a spatula for better control over the texture.
Are there any dietary considerations for making Carmelita Cookies?
Yes, if you are baking for someone with allergies, keep in mind that Carmelita Cookies contain common allergens like butter, eggs, and gluten (from all-purpose flour). For a dairy-free option, you can substitute coconut oil for butter and use dairy-free chocolate. Always check ingredient labels to ensure they are safe to consume based on dietary needs.
What if I want to add nuts or other mix-ins?
The more the merrier! Feel free to add nuts like chopped pecans or walnuts to your Carmelita Cookies for an extra crunch. Just keep the total mix-ins (including chocolate and caramel) to about 1 to 1.5 cups to maintain the cookie’s texture. Get creative and try unique additions like dried fruits or different chocolate types for a delicious twist!
Crave Carmelita Cookies: Your New Must-Try Chewy Treat
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream together butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing slowly until fully combined.
- Combine all-purpose flour, cornstarch, oats, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually add the dry mix to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in chocolate chunks and caramel bits until evenly distributed.
- Portion out the dough into 1/3 cup balls on a lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 13-15 minutes until spread and the edges turn golden brown.
- Cool on the sheet for 15-20 minutes before drizzling with caramel sauce.
- Serve warm for the best texture and flavor.