Easy Carmalitas
Sweet and gooey caramelitas combine chocolate chip cookie dough, caramel, and chocolate morsels for a decadent treat perfect for sharing at gatherings or indulgent afternoons.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Press the cookie dough into the bottom of a well-greased 9 by 13-inch baking dish.
- Top the cookie dough evenly with unwrapped caramels.
- Sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate morsels evenly over the caramels.
- Bake for 30 minutes or until golden and bubbly.
- Allow to cool, then cut into squares and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, allow the cookie dough to soften slightly before pressing it into the baking dish. If you want a more intense chocolate flavor, consider using dark chocolate morsels instead of semi-sweet. You can also substitute homemade cookie dough if you prefer baking from scratch. For a fun twist, try adding nuts or sea salt on top before baking.
Serving Suggestions
These Easy Carmalitas are perfect for parties or as a sweet treat after dinner. They pair beautifully with Hot Chocolate Dry Mix for a cozy dessert experience. Consider serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for an indulgent touch. They also make a delightful addition to a dessert platter alongside cookies or brownies.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, place a square in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, just enough to warm it without melting the chocolate completely.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy Carmalitas contains roughly 817 calories, with 7g protein, 111g carbohydrates, and 38g fat. It is a good source of iron (19% of the Daily Value) and protein (14% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 574mg per serving (25% of the Daily Value).
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of cookie dough?
Yes, you can use any flavor of refrigerated cookie dough, including sugar cookie or snickerdoodle for a different taste. Just ensure the dough is firm enough to hold the caramels and chocolate. Adjust baking time as needed if you use a dough with different moisture content.
What can I do if I can't find unwrapped caramels?
If you can't find unwrapped caramels, you can use caramel sauce as a substitute. Drizzle it over the cookie layer before adding the chocolate morsels. Just be cautious with the amount, as too much can make the dish overly gooey. Alternatively, you can unwrap the caramels yourself before using them.
Can I make these vegan?
To make vegan Easy Carmalitas, substitute the chocolate chip cookie dough with a vegan version and ensure your chocolate morsels are dairy-free. Also, check that the caramels are vegan-friendly or use a homemade caramel recipe. These adjustments will allow you to enjoy a delicious vegan treat.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).