↑
  • Dinner Recipes
  • Breakfast Recipes
  • Dessert Recipes
  • Side Dishes
  • Recipes
    • Dinners
    • Slow Cooker
    • Appetizers and Sides
    • Breakfast
    • Dessert
    • Beverages
    • Bread
    • Holiday Recipes
    • Kid-Friendly
  • Blog View
  • About
    • Disclosure/Privacy Policy
  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • Youtube
  • Blog View
  • About
  • Privacy Policy
  • Advertise/PR
  • DISNEY
  • DINNERS
  • DRINKS
  • DESSERTS

Mom On Timeout

Serving up real food for real families!

  • Home
  • Recipes
    • Slow Cooker
    • Appetizers and Sides
    • Breakfast
    • Entree
    • Dessert
    • Beverages
    • Holiday Recipes
      • Christmas Recipes
      • Thanksgiving Recipes
      • Valentine’s Day Recipes
      • St. Patrick’s Day Recipes
      • Easter Recipes
      • Halloween Recipes
    • Bread
    • Kid-Friendly
  • 5 Ingredients
  • Appetizers
  • Favorites


free email course!

5 SECRETS TO GETTING DINNER ON THE TABLE...FAST!

You are here: Home / Recipes / Dessert / Quick and Easy Carmelitas

Quick and Easy Carmelitas

August 28, 2019

  • 1238
Jump to Recipe
quick-and-easy-carmelitas-recipe

These Quick and Easy Carmelitas use only four ingredients! A truly decadent treat, the ooey, gooey caramel center of these amazing bars is impossible to resist! Short on time? Try these quick and delicious treats: Chocolate Chip Cookie Cheesecake Bars, Peanut Butter Icebox Cake, and The Best Watergate Salad.

carmelitas stacked on a plate with oozing caramel

Carmelitas

I think we should all admit that occasionally we like to make recipes that are quick and easy. Right? I mean, we’re all busy people and as much as I adore making recipes from scratch, I have to admit, a good, quality shortcut now and then can surely make life a whole lot easier.

Today I’m bringing you a recipe that looks like it was made from scratch. I cheated and used refrigerated cookie dough and no one can tell.

Can I Use Homemade Cookie Dough and Caramel?

FOR SURE. Seriously, if I’m not in a hurry, I use one of this chocolate chip cookie dough recipe – just make sure you let the dough chill for a couple hours first.

Likewise, you can also use homemade caramel. My caramel sauce recipe is really amazing in this recipe and if you want to go the homemade route, make it. You won’t regret it. It creates a little firmer filling but is divine.

easy carmelitas recipe bars cut

Carmelitas Ingredients

Making the recipe as written below, you will need just 4 ingredients. FOUR. You guys. It just doesn’t get any easier:

  • refrigerated chocolate chip cookie dough
  • KRAFT caramels
  • evaporated milk
  • semi-sweet chocolate chips

Yep, folks, it’s really that easy.

carmelitas-ingredients

Let’s Do This!

  • First, slice the cookie dough into rounds and place them on the bottom of the 9-inch baking pan. Use your fingers or the bottom of a measure cup to make the layer as even as possible.
  • This layer gets baked and cooled slightly.

chocolate chip cookie dough pressed into baking dish

  • Next, melt caramels and evaporated milk in a glass measuring cup – in the microwave. I said easy, didn’t I?

caramels with evaporated milk in pyrex measuring cup

  • Sprinkle chocolate chips over the top of the cookie dough.
  • Pour the caramel sauce over the chocolate chips.

caramel being poured over chocolate chips

  • The remaining cookie dough is crumbled on top of the caramel layer and then back to the oven it goes for a final few minutes before it’s done.

Do Carmelitas Need To Be Chilled?

Here’s the thing with Carmelitas though – they have to be refrigerated. The caramel has to set up or the bars would be a hot mess when you cut them. You can see how even after hours in the fridge, the caramel still oozes out when you cut them.

It’s AH-MAZING. That’s what MAKES a Carmelita a Carmelita.

There is nothing more amazing that oozing caramel and sweet chocolate combined into rich, decadent bars like these. Come to mama.

carmelitas recipe with bars cut and bite taken

The really amazing and awesome thing about this recipe – besides for the fact that it’s delicious and EASY, is that these bars don’t make a huge mess like some Carmelitas can. Sure, the caramel is ooey and gooey but it doesn’t drip all over the place.

It’s perfect.

More Must Make Desserts

  1. The Best Coconut Cream Pie
  2. Best Key Lime Pie
  3. To Die For Carrot Cake
  4. The Best Watergate Salad
  5. Cheesecake Brownies

How To Make Carmelitas

Print Pin
5 from 3 votes

Quick and Easy Carmelitas

These Quick and Easy Carmelitas use only four ingredients! A truly decadent treat, the ooey, gooey caramel center of these amazing bars is impossible to resist! An easy dessert recipe ANYONE can make!
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Keyword carmelitas
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 16 servings
Calories 377kcal
Author Trish - Mom On Timeout

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 350F. Slice a little more than half of the cookie dough into 1/4" rounds and lay in a single layer on a parchment lined 9-inch square baking pan.
  • Use your fingers to press into a single, solid, even layer.
  • Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or just until golden brown. Removed from the oven and let cool slightly.
  • Combine unwrapped caramels and evaporated milk in a microwave-safe container and heat on high for 1 minute. Stir and heat on high in 30 second intervals until caramel is completely melted.
  • Sprinkle chocolate chips over the slightly cooled chocolate chip cookie crust.
  • Drizzle caramel on top of the chocolate chips.
  • Crumble the remaining cookie dough (should be less than half remaining) over the top of the caramel. It doesn't have to be perfect or even.
  • Return the carmelitas to the oven and bake for another 12-15 minutes or until just beginning to turn golden brown.
  • Let cool to room temperature and then refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
  • Sit out for 15 minutes before cutting and serving.

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 377kcal | Carbohydrates: 54g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 9mg | Sodium: 208mg | Potassium: 196mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 37g | Vitamin A: 43IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 49mg | Iron: 2mg

Originally published August 8, 2015.

Love caramel? Make sure to try these Caramel Apple Empanadas, Caramel Apple Cupcakes, and Snickerdoodle Caramel Cookie Bars!

 These Quick and Easy Carmelitas use only four ingredients! A truly decadent treat, the ooey, gooey caramel center of these amazing bars is impossible to resist! An easy dessert recipe ANYONE can make! | MomOnTimeout.com | #recipe #easy

Trish Signature Block

For all caramel recipes, go HERE.
For all dessert recipes, go HERE.
Sign up to get emails when I post new recipes!
For even more great ideas follow me on Facebook – Pinterest – Instagram – Twitter – Bloglovin’.

Have a great day!

free email course

5 SECRETS TO GETTING DINNER ON THE TABLE...FAST!

enjoy!
  • 1238

By Trish - Mom On Timeout August 28, 2019 5 Ingredients or Less, Bars, Dessert, Favorites, Recipes

Previous article:
« Spinach Artichoke Dip with Roasted Garlic
Next article:
Homemade Dog Treats »

Comments

  1. Kristi says

    July 9, 2021 at 5:30 PM

    These were so delicious! Everyone loved them and raved!! Any idea how to incorporate peanut butter into them as well?

    Reply
    • Trish - Mom On Timeout says

      July 12, 2021 at 10:24 AM

      You could try maybe adding some to the cookie dough? I’ve never tried but I think it would work. Maybe start with 1/2 cup and go from there.

      Reply
  2. Judi says

    January 14, 2018 at 11:33 AM

    Can these be frozen, and do they have to be refrigerated?

    Reply
  3. susan says

    December 20, 2016 at 1:37 PM

    Is that correct a 30oz. roll? I have Nestle Toll House cookie dough in a roll but it is 16 1/2 oz . Where do I find a bigger one than that? Never saw one….

    Reply
    • susan says

      December 20, 2016 at 1:50 PM

      never mind … just saw them onAmazon

      Reply
    • Trish - Mom On Timeout says

      December 22, 2016 at 11:43 AM

      Target, Walmart, most grocery stores carry them. You can always buy 2 of the 16.5 oz rolls too!

      Reply
  4. Cindy Crocker says

    November 16, 2016 at 7:14 PM

    Are they freezer friendly? Sound and look delish!

    Reply
    • Trish - Mom On Timeout says

      November 16, 2016 at 7:42 PM

      I haven’t tried Cindy but I would guess that the yare. Let me know how it goes if you give it a try!

      Reply
  5. Holly says

    October 24, 2016 at 6:13 PM

    Made these for a baby shower and they were like a magic act, disappearing off the plate before our very eyes! This is as easy and delicious as anyone can imagine. THANK YOU!!!!

    Reply
  6. Pam says

    September 8, 2016 at 9:34 PM

    Made these for Labor Day BBQ…we all loved them! Super rich. Goes best with a glass of milk. Recipe works perfect. Yummy!!

    Reply
  7. Cindy says

    June 21, 2016 at 4:56 AM

    I don’t bake much, so this question may sound very beginner, but after you get them cut do they have to stay in the fridge or can they stay out on the counter?

    Reply
  8. GailA says

    May 23, 2016 at 4:57 PM

    Just made these. Quick and easy! Refrigerated for two hours and these were like cutting into a rock! Hoping if I let them get back to room temp, they will be easier to cut otherwise, might be throwing it all. Also, wish I would have sprayed the entire dish. Was hard to cut away from the edges, Sure hoping I’ll be able to cut them once they’re room temp. These are very rich – suggest cutting into small bars.

    Reply
    • Trish - Mom On Timeout says

      May 24, 2016 at 7:42 AM

      Hey Gail! They do get pretty hard in the fridge but just let them come to room temperature and they’ll be easy to cut. And oh my goodness yes they ARE rich 🙂 Smaller pieces are perfect!

      Reply
  9. Meredith says

    October 31, 2015 at 10:05 AM

    Do you think if I doubled the recipe I could use a 9×13 pan? Or should I use two 9×9 pans?

    Reply
    • Trish - Mom On Timeout says

      November 2, 2015 at 8:58 AM

      I would use two 9x9s if you can. If you did it in a 9×13 they would be really thick.

      Reply
  10. Minna says

    October 20, 2015 at 8:16 PM

    Hello! Those caramelitas look amazing and soooo delicious!! I really need to cake them. I was wondering, if there’s any substitute for those kraft karamels since I’m not sure if they’re available in my country.

    Reply
    • Trish - Mom On Timeout says

      October 21, 2015 at 10:02 AM

      Thank you Minna! I don’t know if there’s a substitute but you can order them from Amazon OR make caramel from scratch. http://amzn.to/1jB6Gmw

      Reply
      • Minna says

        October 24, 2015 at 12:07 AM

        Ohh right.. Amazon 😀 didn’t remember it existed… thank you!

        Reply
        • LeAnn says

          December 16, 2015 at 8:23 PM

          I have substituted a jar of good quality caramel ice cream topping in a pinch with great results!

          Good luck

          Reply
  11. Julie @ Julie's Eats & Treats says

    August 12, 2015 at 12:12 PM

    Seriously every time I see these pictures I want to face plant in my computer, then I stop and why the drool off my keyboard. Home run Trish! Love the easiness of these!

    Reply
  12. Joan Hayes says

    August 10, 2015 at 12:35 PM

    Trish, these look RIDICULOUS, I am all over them! I plan on making them very soon, and maaaaaybe sharing. ;P

    Reply
  13. Laura @ Laura's Culinary Adventures says

    August 10, 2015 at 8:10 AM

    These are one of my favorite kinds of bar cookies! It’s wonderful and a little scary just how easily I can make a pan of these and stuff my face with this recipe 🙂

    Reply
  14. Mir says

    August 9, 2015 at 3:55 AM

    This is my favorite cheat ever. You can bet I’m making these! I love your brilliant dessert mind, Trish!

    Reply
    • Trish - Mom On Timeout says

      August 9, 2015 at 1:02 PM

      LOL! Thanks Mir!

      Reply
  15. Crystal says

    August 8, 2015 at 7:30 PM

    How super simple and yet so delicious!! This is the perfect recipe when you want something “homemade” that is simple, quick, easy and yummy! Thanks for the great recipe 🙂

    Reply
    • Trish - Mom On Timeout says

      August 9, 2015 at 1:03 PM

      Exactly Crystal! Thanks so much for stopping by 🙂

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Hi, I’m Trish!

Welcome to Mom On Timeout where I’m serving up real food for real families! Dinners, desserts, and everything in between!
Read More…

categories

archives

Popular Posts

white bowl with handles filled with zuppa toscana soup and topped with cheese. Kale, sausage and bacon can be seen in the soup.
crockpot chili in a ladle held above the crockpot and the rest of the chili.
chicken-stir-fry
best-tater-tot-casserole-recipe-hamburger-green-beans

Some of my favorites…

mini cheesecakes sitting on a gray plate topped with whipped cream, raspberries and mint leaves.
cake made with cinnamon rolls on a white cake stand and topped with cream cheese frosting and mini cinnamon rolls.
one slice of lemon meringue cheesecake sitting on a white plate with the rest of the cheesecake seen in the background next to a small bottle of milk. lemon slices near the front of the plate.
Three creamsicle cookies stacked with the top cookie has a bite taken out of it.
top down view of three coconuts scones stacked on top of each other and topped with coconut icing and chocolate shavings.

Copyright ©2023, Mom On Timeout. All Rights Reserved.
Design by Pixel Me Designs
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest