Caramel Oatmeal Cookies are perfectly chewy, warmly spiced, and loaded with gooey caramel bits that make every bite irresistible. This easy recipe is simple to whip up, bakes beautifully, and is sure to become a family favorite for holidays, after-school snacks, or cozy baking days.
Recipe Highlights
- Chewy and Soft with a Caramel Twist: These Caramel Oatmeal Cookies are perfectly chewy thanks to the oats, with bursts of gooey caramel bits in every bite. They strike the ideal balance between hearty and indulgent.
- Simple Pantry Ingredients: You probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry, like oats, flour, and sugar. Adding caramel bits makes them feel special without requiring a trip to a specialty store.
- Great for Sharing: This recipe makes about 4 dozen cookies, making it perfect for bake sales, potlucks, or just keeping your family’s cookie jar stocked.
- Warm and Comforting Flavors: With cinnamon and brown sugar blended in, these cookies give off cozy, comforting flavors that pair wonderfully with caramel.
- Freezer-Friendly: These cookies freeze beautifully, so you can bake ahead and enjoy them anytime a craving hits.
Ingredients in Caramel Oatmeal Cookies
- Butter – Provides richness and helps create a soft, chewy texture.
- Sugar and Brown Sugar – A mix of both gives sweetness, depth of flavor, and just the right chewiness.
- Eggs and Vanilla – Help bind the dough and enhance the cookie’s flavor.
- Flour, Baking Soda, Cinnamon, and Salt – The dry ingredients create structure and add warmth and balance to the cookies.
- Old-Fashioned Oats – Give these cookies their hearty, chewy texture and make them feel wholesome.
- Kraft Caramel Bits – The star ingredient that adds gooey, sweet bursts of caramel throughout each cookie.
Helpful Tips
Full instructions for making Caramel Oatmeal Cookies can be found on the recipe card below, but here are a few helpful tips.
- Don’t Overbake. The cookies will continue to set as they cool. Pull them out when the edges are golden but the centers still look slightly underbaked.
- Use Old-Fashioned Oats. Quick oats won’t give the same hearty, chewy texture. Stick with old-fashioned oats for the best results.
- Caramel Bits vs. Caramels. Kraft Caramel Bits are perfect because they melt just enough without disappearing completely. Regular caramels can be chopped, but they tend to melt into the cookies.
- Cool Before Storing. Make sure cookies are completely cooled before storing, or the caramel may cause them to stick together.
- Freeze for Later. Freeze baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm briefly in the microwave.
Storage Instructions
- Room Temperature: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4–5 days. For best freshness, place a slice of bread in the container to help maintain softness.
- Freezer (Baked Cookies): Freeze baked cookies in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep well for up to 3 months. To serve, thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave for 10–15 seconds.
- Freezer (Cookie Dough): Scoop the dough onto a tray and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding 1–2 extra minutes to the bake time. This way, you can enjoy freshly baked cookies anytime!
FAQs
Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?
Quick oats will change the texture, making the cookies less chewy. Old-fashioned oats are highly recommended for the best results.
Do the caramel bits stay soft after baking?
Yes, the caramel bits melt slightly during baking but remain chewy in the finished cookies, adding delicious pockets of sweetness.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or chocolate chips pair wonderfully with caramel and oats.
Do I need to chill the dough before baking?
No chilling is required for this recipe, which makes it quick and convenient.
What’s the best way to keep cookies soft?
Store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread to help maintain moisture.
More delicious caramel cookie recipes to try:
- Caramel Thumbprint Cookies are buttery shortbread rolled in pecans, baked to perfection, and finished with a sweet caramel center that makes them a holiday favorite.
- Soft, chewy, and bursting with fresh apples and caramel chips, Caramel Apple Oatmeal Cookies are the perfect fall dessert.
- Everything you love about a traditional chocolate chip cookie gets an upgrade in Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies, which are stuffed with gooey caramel and baked until golden brown.
- Quick and delicious, Caramel Oatmeal No-Bake Cookies come together in under 5 minutes with just a few pantry staples like oats and melted caramel.
- Perfectly spiced with cinnamon and filled with gooey caramel, Caramel Stuffed Pumpkin Snickerdoodles are a fall cookie recipe everyone will crave.
Caramel Oatmeal Cookies are the perfect balance of cozy comfort and gooey indulgence. With hearty oats, warm cinnamon, and sweet caramel bits, these cookies are sure to become a family favorite!
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