When I was home visiting Mumma a few weekends ago, I came across Kraft's Premium Caramel Bits at the grocery store. I had never seen these before, so I picked up a couple bags. A cookie baker's pantry is never too full.
Caramel can be a tricky cookie ingredient because it's soft and gooey when your cookies are fresh from the oven, but it turns really hard and crunchy when your cookies have cooled completely. To avoid causing any damage to my real-life cookie tasters' dental work, I've used Rollo candies in my caramel cookies. The caramel centers of the Rollos stay soft and runny at room temperature, so you don't have to worry about someone busting a tooth or ripping out a crown. (And that gooey center is encased in chocolate. Who could ask for more?)
These caramel pieces feel pretty solid, but I'll give them a try. Stay tuned for caramel apple cookies!
These look great!! I'll have to look for them at my local supermarket.
Posted by: Lorraine | June 15, 2009 at 01:50 PM
Hi, Lorraine! I'll have to send you some of these guys when I make 'em. :-)
Posted by: Oatmeal Cookie Guy | June 15, 2009 at 04:05 PM
I've used the caramel bits a number of times. They ARE hard after they've baked in something. Just so you know.
Posted by: Katrina | June 15, 2009 at 05:30 PM
I found these last year in the stores. I make a fudge that calls for 30 caramels pieces. I hated cutting/quartering that many pieces into. I have used these in the recipe and they work just fine. Good Luck with yours!!!
Posted by: nunu | June 16, 2009 at 09:15 AM
I've used these also, and they're ok. I tried adding them to cake batter too, but they didn't melt like I wanted. I did melt some and add a swirl to some brownies the other day, which was delicious. I think a caramel swirl in batter would be fantastic.
I'm interested to see how you make them work!
Posted by: Em | June 16, 2009 at 01:09 PM
Hi, Katrina. Thanks for the heads-up! I'm trying to come up with a method for putting these bits to use. If I'm not too lazy tonight, I'll do some experimenting. :-)
Posted by: Oatmeal Cookie Guy | June 18, 2009 at 09:11 AM
Hi, Nunu. Chopping caramels is really hard. And I'm always afraid I'm not going to get all those pesky clear plastic wrappers off completely. These bits are a good shortcut for that whole process. I'm still thinking about how to put them to use...
Posted by: Oatmeal Cookie Guy | June 18, 2009 at 09:13 AM
Hi, Em. I like the swirl idea...brilliant!
Posted by: Oatmeal Cookie Guy | June 18, 2009 at 09:14 AM