Caramel oatmeal cookies are a delightful treat that brings together chewy oats and sweet toffee, topped with creamy caramel. These cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual snack at home or a special dessert for gatherings. The unique combination of flavors makes them a standout choice for cookie lovers who appreciate a balance of sweetness and a touch of saltiness.

Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tools and Preparation
- Essential Tools and Equipment
- Importance of Each Tool
- Ingredients
- How to Make Caramel Oatmeal Cookies
- Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars
- Step 2: Add Egg and Vanilla
- Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
- Step 4: Form Cookie Balls
- Step 5: Prepare for Baking
- Step 6: Bake Your Cookies
- How to Serve Caramel Oatmeal Cookies
- With a Glass of Milk
- Ice Cream Sandwiches
- Drizzled with Chocolate
- On a Dessert Platter
- With Fresh Fruit
- How to Perfect Caramel Oatmeal Cookies
- Best Side Dishes for Caramel Oatmeal Cookies
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerator Storage
- Freezing Caramel Oatmeal Cookies
- Reheating Caramel Oatmeal Cookies
- Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I make my Caramel Oatmeal Cookies chewier?
- Can I substitute ingredients in the Caramel Oatmeal Cookies recipe?
- How long do Caramel Oatmeal Cookies last?
- Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to my Caramel Oatmeal Cookies?
- What should I serve with Caramel Oatmeal Cookies?
- Final Thoughts
- 📖 Recipe Card
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This recipe features simple steps that make baking accessible for everyone, from beginners to seasoned bakers.
- Deliciously Chewy: The combination of oats and toffee bits creates a wonderfully chewy texture that keeps you coming back for more.
- Versatile Treat: Perfect for any event—whether it’s a holiday celebration, birthday party, or just an afternoon snack.
- Irresistible Flavor: With the perfect blend of sweet and salty notes, these cookies are sure to satisfy your cravings.
- Make Ahead Option: The dough can be chilled for up to 24 hours, making it convenient for pre-planning your baking sessions.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking caramel oatmeal cookies, gather your tools and equipment. Having everything ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer with paddle attachment
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Cookie scoop
- Mixing bowls
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer with paddle attachment: This tool makes creaming butter and sugar quick and easy, ensuring a light and fluffy base for your cookies.
- Baking sheets: A sturdy baking sheet is essential for even baking and helps prevent cookies from spreading too much.
- Parchment paper: Using parchment paper prevents sticking, making cleanup easier and ensuring your cookies come out perfectly every time.

Ingredients
To make these delicious caramel oatmeal cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- ½ cup butter (room temperature)
- ¾ cups dark brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
- 1 tsp vanilla
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1¼ cups old-fashioned oats
- ½ cup toffee bits
- 14 caramels
- Flaked salt for topping
How to Make Caramel Oatmeal Cookies
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars
Start by placing the butter and sugars in your stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Beat on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, which should take about 3 to 4 minutes.
Step 2: Add Egg and Vanilla
Next, add the egg and vanilla extract to the mixture. Mix until smooth, which takes about 30 seconds.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
Slowly mix in the salt, baking powder, baking soda, and all-purpose flour. Be careful not to overmix; stop when there are still some flour remnants around the bowl. Then add the oats and mix on low speed until fully incorporated. Finally, fold in the toffee bits gently.
Step 4: Form Cookie Balls
Scoop the dough into balls using a cookie scoop (about 3 tablespoons each). Take one soft caramel, roll it into a ball, and place it in the center of each cookie dough ball. Ensure not to push it too far in. Chill the cookie dough for anywhere between 2 to 24 hours.
Step 5: Prepare for Baking
Preheat your oven to 365°F (185°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Arrange 6-8 cookie balls on each sheet and sprinkle them with flaked salt.
Step 6: Bake Your Cookies
Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes or until the edges start turning golden brown. After removing them from the oven, add a little extra flaked salt on top while they’re still warm.
With these steps completed, you’ll have delicious caramel oatmeal cookies ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Caramel Oatmeal Cookies
Caramel oatmeal cookies are delightful on their own, but there are many ways to enhance your serving experience. Here are some tasty ideas to enjoy these chewy treats.
With a Glass of Milk
- A classic combination that balances the sweetness of the cookies and complements the oats perfectly.
Ice Cream Sandwiches
- Sandwich a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream between two cookies for an indulgent dessert.
Drizzled with Chocolate
- Melt some dark or milk chocolate and drizzle over the cookies for an elegant touch.
On a Dessert Platter
- Arrange them alongside other desserts for a beautiful presentation at parties or gatherings.
With Fresh Fruit
- Serve with sliced apples or berries to add freshness and contrast to the sweet cookies.
How to Perfect Caramel Oatmeal Cookies
Achieving the perfect caramel oatmeal cookies requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure they turn out amazing every time.
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and egg are at room temperature. This helps create a smooth batter for better texture.
Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mix until just combined when adding flour and oats. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
Chill the Dough: Allowing the dough to chill for at least 2 hours helps improve flavor and prevents spreading during baking.
Check Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies while baking; they should be golden around the edges but soft in the middle for that chewy texture.
Best Side Dishes for Caramel Oatmeal Cookies
Pairing side dishes with caramel oatmeal cookies can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some fantastic options to consider.
Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream is a perfect way to balance the sweet flavors of the cookies.
Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits provides a light counterpart to the rich cookies.
Chocolate Milkshake: A thick chocolate milkshake adds a fun twist, making it a delightful pairing with every bite.
Whipped Cream: Lightly sweetened whipped cream can be served alongside, adding an airy contrast.
Coffee or Espresso: A warm cup of coffee or espresso enhances the flavors and offers a comforting complement.
Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fruit for a balanced snack that contrasts with the sweetness of the cookies.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When baking Caramel Oatmeal Cookies, it’s easy to make a few slip-ups. Here are some common mistakes that can affect your cookie game.
- Bold butter usage: Using cold butter instead of room temperature can lead to dense cookies. Make sure your butter is at room temperature for the ideal texture.
- Bold measuring flour: Not measuring flour correctly can ruin the consistency. Always use the spoon and level method for accurate measurements.
- Bold overmixing dough: Overmixing after adding flour can result in tough cookies. Mix just until combined for a soft, chewy texture.
- Bold skipping chilling time: Not chilling the dough can cause cookies to spread too much while baking. Chill for at least 2 hours to maintain shape and enhance flavor.
- Bold ignoring oven temperature: Baking at an incorrect temperature can lead to uneven baking. Always preheat your oven and use an oven thermometer for accuracy.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to avoid sticking.
Freezing Caramel Oatmeal Cookies
- Freeze unbaked cookie dough balls in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
- Baked cookies can also be frozen in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Reheating Caramel Oatmeal Cookies
- Bold Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm cookies on a baking sheet for about 5-7 minutes.
- Bold Microwave: Heat on medium power for 10-15 seconds until warm. Avoid overheating, as they may become tough.
- Bold Stovetop: Place cookies in a pan over low heat for a few minutes, flipping occasionally, until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Caramel Oatmeal Cookies that you might find helpful.
How do I make my Caramel Oatmeal Cookies chewier?
To achieve chewier cookies, ensure you don’t overbake them. Remove them from the oven when the edges are golden but the center remains soft.
Can I substitute ingredients in the Caramel Oatmeal Cookies recipe?
Yes! You can replace butter with coconut oil or use different types of sugar like coconut sugar for a unique flavor profile.
How long do Caramel Oatmeal Cookies last?
When stored properly in an airtight container, these cookies remain fresh for about one week at room temperature and up to three months if frozen.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to my Caramel Oatmeal Cookies?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize your recipe by adding nuts or chocolate chips according to your taste preferences.
What should I serve with Caramel Oatmeal Cookies?
These delightful cookies pair well with milk, coffee, or tea. They make a great addition to dessert platters or party treats!
Final Thoughts
Caramel Oatmeal Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile. Their chewy texture combined with sweet caramel makes them irresistible. Feel free to customize them by adding nuts or different flavors of chips to match your cravings. Don’t hesitate; give this recipe a try today!
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
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Caramel Oatmeal Cookies
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: About 24 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful world of Caramel Oatmeal Cookies, where chewy oats meet rich toffee and a luscious caramel center. These cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether enjoyed as a casual snack or presented at special gatherings. With their unique blend of sweet and salty flavors, they’re sure to be a hit among cookie lovers. Plus, this easy-to-follow recipe makes baking accessible for all skill levels. So gather your ingredients and get ready to create these irresistible treats that promise to satisfy your cravings!
Ingredients
- ½ cup butter (room temperature)
- ¾ cup dark brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1¼ cups old-fashioned oats
- ½ cup toffee bits
- 14 caramels
- Flaked salt for topping
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 365°F (185°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a stand mixer, cream the room temperature butter with dark brown and granulated sugars until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).
- Add the egg and vanilla extract; mix until smooth (about 30 seconds).
- Gradually incorporate baking powder, baking soda, salt, and flour until just combined, then fold in oats and toffee bits gently.
- Scoop dough into balls (about 3 tablespoons each), placing a soft caramel in the center of each ball without pushing it too far in.
- Chill the cookie dough for at least 2 hours.
- Arrange chilled cookie balls on prepared sheets, sprinkle with flaked salt, and bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are golden brown.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg





