Carmelitas Recipe

Mak Erot

3 min read

·

Apr 04, 2025

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Carmelitas: The Ultimate Chewy, Caramel-Filled Cookie Recipe

Are you ready to embark on a delicious journey into the world of caramel-filled cookies? Then prepare yourself for the irresistible Carmelitas, a delightful treat that perfectly balances buttery shortbread, gooey caramel, and the satisfying crunch of pecans. This recipe is designed to deliver the ultimate Carmelitas experience, guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth and impress your friends and family.

Understanding the Magic Behind Carmelitas

Carmelitas aren't just cookies; they're an experience. The secret lies in the harmonious blend of textures and flavors:

• Buttery Shortbread Crust: This provides the perfect foundation, offering a delightful melt-in-your-mouth texture that contrasts beautifully with the caramel.
• Rich Caramel Filling: The heart of the Carmelitas, this gooey, intensely flavored caramel is what makes these cookies so addictive.
• Crunchy Pecans: Adding a satisfying crunch and a touch of nutty flavor, the pecans elevate the Carmelitas to another level.

The Ingredients You'll Need

Before you begin your baking adventure, ensure you have these essential ingredients on hand:

• For the Crust:
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• For the Caramel Filling:
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
  • 1 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup chopped pecans
• Optional Topping: A sprinkle of sea salt adds a delightful salty-sweet contrast.

Step-by-Step Guide to Carmelitas Perfection

Follow these easy-to-follow steps to create your own batch of heavenly Carmelitas:

Step 1: Preparing the Crust

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add the flour, mixing until just combined. Don't overmix!
5. Press the dough evenly into a greased 9x13 inch baking pan.

Step 2: Creating the Caramel Filling

1. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
2. Stir in the brown sugar and sweetened condensed milk.
3. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly.
4. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens slightly.
5. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and pecans.

Step 3: Assembling and Baking the Carmelitas

1. Pour the caramel mixture evenly over the prepared crust.
2. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and the caramel is set.
3. Let cool completely before cutting into squares. This is crucial for easy cutting and preventing the cookies from crumbling.

Step 4: The Finishing Touch (Optional)

Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the cooled Carmelitas for an extra layer of flavor complexity.

Tips for Carmelitas Success

• Use good quality ingredients: The better your ingredients, the better your Carmelitas will taste.
• Don't overbake: Overbaking will result in dry, hard cookies.
• Let them cool completely: This prevents breakage and allows the caramel to set properly.
• Experiment with variations: Try adding different nuts, such as walnuts or almonds, or using dark brown sugar for a richer flavor.

Serving and Storage

Serve your delicious Carmelitas with a glass of cold milk or your favorite beverage. Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

These Carmelitas are sure to become a family favorite! Enjoy the process of making them, and savor every bite of this incredible treat. Happy baking!