Easy Carmelitas Recipe

These little Carmelitas cookie bars are the best little buttery dessert. They have perfect combination of chocolate, caramel and brown sugar cookie topping will leave you begging for more.

Be sure to try these other easy cookie bar recipes. These M&M Cookie Bars are another big hit, these Magic Bars speak for themselves and these Reese’s peanut butter cup bars are loaded with extra yumminess!

Best Carmelitas 

They are incredibly rich with a gooey caramel center and a crumbly, buttery oat topping. I love this recipe and they are super easy to make for any occasion! 

Simply melt the caramel in the cream. After baking a base cookie crust, simply layer the caramel and chocolate chips and extra cookie topping.

Ingredients You’ll Need for These Yummy Bars

Below is a list of the ingredients you'll need to gather to make this recipe. Scroll all the way down for the full recipe card with amounts.

• Caramel – I love Kraft Caramel Bits but you can use caramel like Werther's Originals Baking Caramels (30 -35 squares)
• Light cream or heavy cream – I used light but go for extra richness with heavy cream if you want to.
• Butter, melted – I love using unsalted butter for extra buttery flavor but use salted if that’s all you have.
• Brown sugar  – you can use light or dark brown sugar.
• All-purpose flour  – just plain ole all purpose flour.
• Oat flour or old fashioned oatmeal – see my tip below for making your own oat flour really fast! You can use quick oats as well.
• Baking soda
• Semisweet chocolate chips – use milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips. We love Ghirardelli brand!

Variations

1. Add ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the crust mixture for a nutty twist.
2. Sprinkle a bit of flakey sea salt over the caramel layer for a sweet and salty flavor.
3. Use gluten-free all-purpose flour and gluten-free oats to make gluten-free carmelita bars.

How to Make Carmelita Caramel Squares:

Step 1 – Preheat oven to 350° F and spray an 8×8 baking dish with cooking spray or grease with butter.

Step 2 – Combine caramels and cream in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir until completely smooth; set aside.

Step 3 – In a separate bowl, combine melted butter, brown sugar, flours, and baking soda.

Step 4 – Spoon half of the flour mixture into an 8×8″ baking dish and press down into the bottom of the dish.

Step 5 – Bake for 10 minutes. Remove pan from oven.

Step 6 – Sprinkle chocolate chips over the cooked crust.

Step 7 – Pour caramel mixture over the chocolate chips.

Step 8 – Crumble the remaining oatmeal mixture over the melted caramel.

Step 9 – Bake for an additional 15-20 minutes.

Step 10 – Cool completely before cutting into squares.

Tips:

• Use parchment paper to line your baking dish for easy removal and cleanup.
• Cutting tip: Chill the Carmelitas in the refrigerator before cutting for cleaner slices and wipe the knife with a paper towel between cuts.
• Double the recipe and use a 9×13″ baking dish

How to Store Leftovers:

• Refrigerate: Store leftover Carmelitas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
• Freezing Instructions: Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheating Tips: Thaw frozen Carmelitas in the refrigerator overnight and warm them in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Can I use homemade caramel sauce? Yes, homemade caramel sauce can be used, but ensure it's thick enough to set properly in the bars.
2. What if I don't have oat flour? You can blend rolled oats in a food processor until fine to make your own oat flour.

If you like this recipe, please leave us a comment and rate it in the recipe card. We would love for you to join us and over 350,000 followers on Facebook and Pinterest. For more behind the scenes and everyday life, follow me on Instagram and TikTok too!