Quick Easy Carmelitas Bars (Print-Friendly Version)
Ooey-gooey caramel bars layered with cookie dough, chocolate chips, and a rich caramel center.
# Ingredients:
01 -
30 oz refrigerated chocolate chip cookie dough
02 -
11 oz KRAFT caramels
03 -
1/4 cup evaporated milk
04 -
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
# Steps:
01 -
Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F). Slice slightly more than half of the chocolate chip cookie dough into 1/4-inch rounds and arrange in a single layer on a parchment-lined 9-inch square baking pan. Press the dough into a single, even layer using your fingers.
02 -
Bake the prepared cookie dough layer for 20 to 25 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
03 -
Unwrap the caramels and combine them with evaporated milk in a microwave-safe container. Heat on high for 1 minute, stir, and continue heating in 30-second intervals until the caramel is completely melted and smooth.
04 -
Sprinkle the chocolate chips over the slightly cooled cookie crust. Drizzle the melted caramel mixture evenly on top of the chocolate chips.
05 -
Crumble the remaining cookie dough over the caramel layer. The crumbles do not need to be even or perfectly distributed.
06 -
Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 12 to 15 minutes, or until the top begins to turn a light golden brown. Allow the bars to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
07 -
Remove the pan from the refrigerator and let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before cutting into bars and serving.
# Notes:
01 -
For best texture, let refrigerated bars sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving.