Caramelitas Cookie Bars
Delicious layers of buttery oats combined with gooey caramel and melted chocolate chips, perfect for dessert lovers.
Ingredients
For the caramel layer
- 11 oz Kraft caramel bits These creamy caramel bits melt beautifully.
- 1/2 cup whipping cream Enhances the richness of the caramel.
For the oat mixture
- 1 cup quick cooking oats Provides a hearty base.
- 1 cup brown sugar Infuses the dish with deep sweetness.
- 1 cup flour Gives structure to the cookie bars.
- 1/2 tsp baking soda Helps the bars rise slightly.
- 3/4 cup melted salted butter Binds the mixture together.
For the topping
- 1-1/4 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips Creates pools of chocolate that contrast with the caramel.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine the Kraft caramel bits and whipping cream. Stir until the mixture is smooth and glossy. Remove from heat and set aside.
- In a large bowl, mix the quick oats, brown sugar, flour, and baking soda until well combined. Pour in the melted salted butter and stir until it forms a crumbly texture.
- Take half of the oat mixture and press it firmly into a greased 8x8 pan. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10 minutes until lightly golden.
- Remove the baked base from the oven and sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly over the layer.
- Drizzle the melted caramel mixture generously over the chocolate chips.
- Crumble up the remaining oat mixture and gently cover the caramel layer.
- Bake the entire mixture for another 15 minutes at 350°F.
- Allow the bars to cool for at least 4 hours on a wire rack before serving.
Notes
Consider mixing dark chocolate chips with the semi-sweet for an intense flavor or adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.