Carmelita Cookies are warmly cozy cookie bars that layer gooey caramel, melty chocolate, and a golden, buttery oat crust into one legendary dessert. If you’re a fan of chewy, crumbly, and decadently sweet treats—all with a touch of nostalgia—these bars are essentially happiness in cookie form. Whether you’re making a batch for a cozy night in, a holiday tray, or just to make any weekday special, this recipe delivers pure comfort and will have everyone asking for seconds (or thirds!).

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

It’s amazing how a handful of basic pantry ingredients can come together to create something absolutely irresistible. Every scoop, sprinkle, and drizzle in these Carmelita Cookies brings a crucial layer of flavor or texture to the final bar. Here’s what you’ll need, with a few notes on why each item matters.

Butter (1 cup, melted): Provides rich flavor and helps bind the crust into a golden, chewy base.
Brown Sugar (1 cup, packed): Adds signature moisture and deep, caramelly sweetness to every bite.
All-Purpose Flour (1 cup): Forms the structure of the cookie base and topping for just the right bite.
Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats (1 cup): Delivers that lovely chew and rustic texture that makes Carmelita Cookies shine.
Baking Soda (1 teaspoon): Gives a little lift so the bars stay plush, not dense.
Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and brings out the full flavor of all the ingredients.
Caramel Sauce (1 cup, store-bought or homemade): The star of the show! Drizzle generously for gooey melt-in-your-mouth layers.
Semisweet Chocolate Chips (1 cup): Pockets of chocolate take these bars totally over the top.
Chopped Pecans (1/2 cup, optional): For crunch and a little nuttiness—perfect for those who adore a bit of contrast in every bite.

How to Make Carmelita Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Ingredients

Kick things off by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper—make sure you leave a little overhang so the bars are super easy to lift out later! Melt the butter and let it cool for a moment while you gather all the remaining ingredients for quick, seamless assembly.

Step 2: Mix the Oat Crust

In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, packed brown sugar, flour, oats, baking soda, and salt. Stir until everything is evenly moistened with buttery goodness. This mixture is the backbone of your Carmelita Cookies: half forms a solid base, the other half gets crumbled on top for that signature soft crumble.

Step 3: Bake the Bottom Layer

Press half of the oat mixture firmly and as evenly as possible into the bottom of your prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes—this sets the base so it holds up to all the gooey layers you’re about to add.

Step 4: Add the Chocolate, Nuts, and Caramel

Sprinkle the warm crust with semisweet chocolate chips and chopped pecans if you’re using them. Next, grab your caramel sauce and drizzle generously over everything, making sure every nook and cranny has a swirl of caramel goodness. The aroma at this point is heavenly!

Step 5: Top and Bake Again

Crumble the remaining oat mixture over the top, gently pressing it down so it sticks but still looks rustic and crumbly. Slide the pan back into the oven, and bake for another 15 to 20 minutes. When the top is golden brown and the caramel is bubbling, your Carmelita Cookies are nearly magic!

Step 6: Cool and Slice

The hardest part—the wait! Let the bars cool completely in the pan so the caramel sets and your squares hold together. For super clean cuts, pop the cooled bars into the fridge for an hour before slicing into indulgent, neat bars.

How to Serve Carmelita Cookies

Garnishes

Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt right after baking for a grown-up twist, or dust with a little powdered sugar for a pretty finish. A drizzle of extra caramel over the top never hurts, either!

Side Dishes

Carmelita Cookies pair perfectly with a scoop of vanilla or salted caramel ice cream. For coffee lovers, serve alongside a hot, creamy latte or an iced coffee. The rich flavors also work beautifully with fresh berries on the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Try layering cut bars in a glass trifle bowl with whipped cream and more caramel for a showstopper dessert, or wrap them individually in wax paper for sweet lunchbox surprises. For parties, cut into bite-size squares and pile onto a pretty dessert platter!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your cooled Carmelita Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They stay remarkably soft and fresh, thanks to the caramel and brown sugar.

Freezing

Carmelita Cookies freeze wonderfully. Wrap bars individually or layer them with parchment in a freezer-safe container. Thaw at room temperature when you’re ready for a sweet treat—they’ll taste just as delicious as fresh-baked!

Reheating

If you crave a warm, gooey bite, microwave a bar for 10–15 seconds. The chocolate and caramel will melt slightly, giving you that fresh-from-the-oven sensation all over again.

FAQs

Can I use a different nut instead of pecans?

Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds are fantastic alternatives, or you can leave nuts out entirely if you prefer. The bars are still totally delicious and chewy without them.

What kind of caramel sauce works best for Carmelita Cookies?

A thick, good quality store-bought caramel sauce is easiest, but if you have a homemade favorite, that’s wonderful too! Just be sure it isn’t too runny so your bars set up nicely.

Can I make Carmelita Cookies gluten-free?

Yes, simply swap in your favorite 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and be sure to use certified gluten-free oats. Your bars will still have great texture and flavor!

Why do the bars need to cool before slicing?

Letting them cool ensures the caramel and chocolate firm up, so you get perfectly neat, stackable bars instead of a gooey mess—patience really pays off here!

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

For sure! Just bake in two pans rather than one extra-large pan, so the bars cook evenly. Carmelita Cookies never last long at gatherings, and a double batch is always a hit.

Final Thoughts

There’s truly nothing like the magical, sweet layers of Carmelita Cookies to bring instant smiles and happy sighs all around the table. I hope you give this classic recipe a try—there’s every chance it’ll become a bake-it-again favorite in your house, too!

Carmelita Cookies Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 18 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 24 bars 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in these decadent Carmelita Cookies that combine the rich flavors of caramel, chocolate, and oats in every bite. These bars are a perfect treat for any occasion!

Ingredients

Scale

Oat Mixture:

1 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt

Toppings:

1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Mix the Oat Mixture: In a large bowl, combine melted butter, brown sugar, flour, oats, baking soda, and salt. Mix well.
Press the Base: Press half of the oat mixture into the prepared pan and bake for 10 minutes.
Add Toppings: Sprinkle chocolate chips and pecans over the crust, then drizzle caramel sauce. Crumble the rest of the oat mixture on top.
Bake: Bake for another 15-20 minutes until golden and bubbly. Cool completely before cutting into squares.