Quick and Easy Carmelitas
Welcome to the world of indulgence! If you’re craving a truly decadent treat that’s both quick and easy to make, look no further than these Quick and Easy Carmelitas. With only four ingredients, these bars boast an irresistibly gooey caramel center encased in a chocolate chip cookie crust. Whether you’re a dessert aficionado or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth and impress your taste buds.
Who Will Love This Recipe?
These Quick and Easy Carmelitas are perfect for anyone who craves a delectable dessert without the hassle of complicated recipes. Whether you’re a busy parent looking for a quick treat to satisfy your family’s sweet cravings, a college student in need of a simple yet impressive dessert for a gathering, or a dessert lover seeking the ultimate indulgence, this recipe is for you.
Why These Carmelitas Are Great
What makes these Carmelitas truly exceptional is their simplicity combined with their decadent flavor. With just four ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create a dessert that rivals those from a gourmet bakery. The ooey, gooey caramel center pairs perfectly with the rich chocolate chip cookie crust, creating a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave you craving more. Plus, the ease of preparation makes this recipe accessible to anyone, regardless of their baking experience.
Recipe Tips and Variations
- Cookie Dough: While refrigerated chocolate chip cookie dough is used in this recipe for convenience, feel free to use homemade cookie dough if preferred. Simply roll out the dough to fit the baking pan.
- Caramel: If you prefer a salted caramel flavor, consider using sea salt caramels or sprinkling a pinch of sea salt over the caramel layer before adding the chocolate chips.
- Chocolate Chips: While semi-sweet chocolate chips are recommended, you can customize the recipe by using milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips according to your preference.
- Additions: For extra indulgence, consider adding a layer of chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, between the caramel and chocolate chip layers.
Ingredients
- 30 oz refrigerated chocolate chip cookie dough (1 roll)
- 11 oz KRAFT caramels (1 bag)
- 1/4 cup evaporated milk
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
- Slice a little more than half of the cookie dough into 1/4″ rounds and arrange in a single layer on the prepared baking pan.
- Press the cookie dough rounds together to form a solid, even layer.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
- Combine unwrapped caramels and evaporated milk in a microwave-safe container. Heat on high for 1 minute, then stir and continue heating in 30-second intervals until caramel is completely melted.
- Sprinkle chocolate chips over the slightly cooled cookie crust.
- Drizzle melted caramel over the chocolate chips.
- Crumble the remaining cookie dough over the top of the caramel layer.
- Return to the oven and bake for another 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing and serving.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
To make these Quick and Easy Carmelitas, you’ll need the following kitchen equipment:
- 9-inch square baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Microwave-safe container
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftover Carmelitas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Simply thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Food and Drink Pairings
Pair these indulgent Carmelitas with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra decadent dessert experience. Serve alongside a hot cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk for a perfect balance of flavors.
FAQ
Q: Can I use homemade cookie dough instead of refrigerated dough? A: Yes, homemade cookie dough can be used. Roll out the dough to fit the baking pan.
Q: Can I add nuts to these Carmelitas? A: Absolutely! Chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, can be added between the caramel and chocolate chip layers for extra crunch and flavor.
Q: Can I use a different type of chocolate chips? A: Yes, feel free to use milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips according to your preference.
Q: How long do these Carmelitas last? A: Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, these Carmelitas will last up to 5 days.
Quick and Easy Carmelitas
Equipment
- 9-inch square baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Microwave-safe container
Ingredients
- 30 oz refrigerated chocolate chip cookie dough 1 roll
- 11 oz KRAFT caramels 1 bag
- 1/4 cup evaporated milk
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
- Slice a little more than half of the cookie dough into 1/4″ rounds and arrange in a single layer on the prepared baking pan.
- Press the cookie dough rounds together to form a solid, even layer.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
- Combine unwrapped caramels and evaporated milk in a microwave-safe container. Heat on high for 1 minute, then stir and continue heating in 30-second intervals until caramel is completely melted.
- Sprinkle chocolate chips over the slightly cooled cookie crust.
- Drizzle melted caramel over the chocolate chips.
- Crumble the remaining cookie dough over the top of the caramel layer.
- Return to the oven and bake for another 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing and serving.
Notes
Recipe Tips and Variations
- Cookie Dough: While refrigerated chocolate chip cookie dough is used in this recipe for convenience, feel free to use homemade cookie dough if preferred. Simply roll out the dough to fit the baking pan.
- Caramel: If you prefer a salted caramel flavor, consider using sea salt caramels or sprinkling a pinch of sea salt over the caramel layer before adding the chocolate chips.
- Chocolate Chips: While semi-sweet chocolate chips are recommended, you can customize the recipe by using milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips according to your preference.
- Additions: For extra indulgence, consider adding a layer of chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, between the caramel and chocolate chip layers.