Rolo Caramelitas
Ever since my husband and I first started talking about having another baby at the end of last year, I was hoping I’d have a girl.
With Jon David, I wanted a boy desperately. Boys are basically tiny men, which are easy to figure out. Give them good food and lots of love and they will pretty much cherish you forever.
But this go around, I wanted a girl.
Someone to dress up, and read Fancy Nancy with, and have tea parties and watch Beauty and the Beast.
Someone who (hopefully) wouldn’t abandon me for fishing trips and target practice with their dad on lazy Saturdays.
Someone who won’t roll their eyes when I want to stop by the mall to look for earrings or a cute new top.
However.
I realized something the other night that almost made me pee myself with fear (not that peeing myself these days is very difficult — I mean, I’ve found myself having to cross my legs tightly every time I sneeze).
I realized that this baby girl is going to grow up.
She’s going to grow up and want to shave her legs and wear lipstick.
Hairy boys are going to want to take her in their cars (aka DEATH TRAPS) for a date.
There will be BRA SHOPPING.
Honestly, I don’t know if I can handle this. Because if you think MEN are bad about being protective of their little girls…you haven’t met me yet.
In our house, I am the one you answer to.
I’m already planning ways to scare off potential suitors. I’d like to say that all of these plans are within the boundaries of the law, but I’m not sure how police feel about grenades and super sharp swords.
(Obviously, I plan on deleting this blog post in sixteenish years, on the off chance that some scrawny kid with a pubescent mustache and fuzzy navel wine coolers is found grenaded to death)
Is it too late to become Amish? I mean, are they taking new members? I have a ton of their cookbooks and I have to say, I am a fan. Pies and comforting casseroles are something I can definitely get behind.
Sigh.
In other, completely unrelated news, can you believe that until recently, I had NEVER had a Carmelita?
It’s a shame. They’re basically oatmeal cookies times infinity awesome. But I decided they needed Rolos. Rolos are caramel, Carmelitas are carameley…it just makes sense, yes?
These are one of the BEST and easiest treats I have made in a very long time. If you’re having company over and want tons of compliments, throw a pan of these together!!
My husband and the members of my church went CRAZY for these (and if you lie in church, you burst into flames, so I’m preeeeety sure they must have really loved these). I’ll be making them again in the very near future.Rolo Caramelitas
INGREDIENTS
- 2 cups flour
- 1 cup quick oats
- 1 cup old fashioned oats
- 1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 3 sticks (1 1/2 cups) butter, melted
- 12 oz jar caramel ice cream topping
- 8 oz bag Rolo Minis (they come already unwrapped, which saves a ton of hassle)
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 325. Coat a 9×13 glass pan with butter or spray with nonstick cooking spray.
2. In a large bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt. Add melted butter and stir with a wooden spoon until well mixed (mixture will be very thick, I mixed with my hands towards the end). Press half the mixture into your prepared pan and bake for 17 minutes.
3. Remove the pan from oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Then evenly cover with caramel sauce. Sprinkle entire bag of Rolos over the top, as evenly as possible. Crumble the rest of the oat mixture over the Rolo/caramel mixture and bake for 17 more minutes.
4. Remove from oven and cool for several hours before cutting into squares and serving.
Notes:
If you want to use regular sized Rolos, you can, they’ll just be a bit bigger and need to be unwrapped. Just use enough to get a good sprinkling across the top…you want a few in every bar.
Enjoy and have a very happy Wednesday!!
Thanks for visiting my blog! I realize you could be doing more important things with your time. Like watching the news or washing socks. I hope you stay awhile. Much more fun than socks, I promise. 
Looks delish! Caramel and rolos? I’m there!
so funny – noticed a bag of rolos today for the first time in years at the drugstore. a sign???
I’m with you on protecting the girls, grenades are the way to go. We have all boys and I’m pretty sure if we’d had a girl she would be held under lock and key. Couldn’t handle it. I’ve never had a carmelita before but yours is making me want one or twelve, right now!
I never knew mini rolos existed! Going to the store now!
True, one day they will be all growed up and hairy and stuff, but hey, you have a LONG time before that happens–plenty of time to snuggle with your cutie babies, eat these delicious caramelitas (never had them before either and THAT WILL CHANGE) and watch tv. I’m seriously so stoked for your baby to have you as a mama!
Oh wow, never seen Rolos used in baking before. I will have to try these!
And while your little girl may grow up, you’ll have the best person to bake cookies with, girl chat with, watch those movies that the guys in your life aren’t interested in, read chic lit with, plan a wedding with, and etc. I’m not ready for any kids of my own right now, but I think I would much rather prefer a girl. ^_^
I feel your pain. By feel I mean *I* actually know, I have 3 kids and all are girls. I’m definitely more protective of my girls than I am boys. I have a step-son too and I love him as my own but boys take care of themselves in a way as you said… “little men”! Girls are way more sensitive and cautious. And for the record, I had to take my eldest bra shopping at just 10. She’ll 11 now and is into her B cups (gah!)
Now, onto the food. Totally up my street: Rolo’s FTW and they do mini ones?! Eeps, I’m so going to have to find them (that’s if they’ve filtered their way down the the UK, yet!) as these look amazing and I’m close to licking thr screen! Yumo. Thanks for sharing.
I have 2 boys and although I love them more than words could express, i’m still not over the fact that i will never have a mani/pedi partner… but whatever the sex we hope for happy, healthy, successful people!!
those look heavenly, but i have just recently discoverd dulce de leche sauce and it’s just creamier and richer and less sweet than the jar caramel sauce so i think i may try it with these bars!!
thanks for sharing.
I always thing that you trade one thing for the other with boys and girls. Boys are all ENERGY!!! I swear they keep going all day long. Girls are ALL DRAMA all the time. I can’t believe the stuff my 4 year old girl cries over. But the little girl is so nice!!!
I have 2 boys and am expecting again. I was hoping for a girl but then I have the same thoughts as you. I don’t want some creepy boy even looking at her. So…maybe another boy would be best for me. These look great. I will have to try them soon!!!
I made some caramelitas with caramels a few months ago…I had to unwrap like 40 of those suckers. Took me forever!
I have a 5.5 yr old little girl and she carries a pink purse, and is already fully clued into lipgloss and is just super girly :) At least she still thinks that boys are weird but sooner rather than later, I can already tell, this is going to change!
With girls you will also have tea parties, girlie movie nights, “can I paint your nails” and when they grow up, they become your best friend.
Amen.
I have three little girls (the oldest is five and the youngest will be two next week)…I love them all to pieces and we actually just all did our nails (bright red…the baby only got her toes done since she sucks her thumb still)…lots of fun, but I am already the day that they become teenagers…and I am pretty sure that my husband will leave us if we don’t put in another bathroom or three :-P
Can’t wait to try these out. The girls are baking the summer away so I might get them to help with these :-D
Congratulations on your baby girl…with an older brother though at least you will have back -up…my brothers sure were :-D
Yeah…this needs to appear in my kitchen. I’d fight for it!
Cue food coma.
What’s the saying – you have six acres, a shot gun and a shovel? ;)
I was a a girl who loved to wear frilly socks and lots of pink, but also go fishing and shooting with dad. The best of both worlds is entirely possible!
I will help you scheme to keep boys away! I’m already practicing with my 7-year old niece. The girl has BLUE eyes and DARK hair. She is a total heartbreaker! Plus, she’s super smart and confident. I’m so scared. I want to press a button and have all boys deleted from her world. Have I told you she thinks Justin Bieber is cute?? This means she likes boys. Oh no. Hold me.
Drooling over here!
I sooooo look forward to your posts mostly for what I call your witty banter & I stay for the Wondetfil recipes-thank you! I sympathize too, I have two boys so I won’t go through the stress of a teenage girl & the extra worry that brings but, I know you’ll be ready because you’ll have a fabulous relationship-bonding ovet all things Chocolate! Enjoy your little baby girl now & stress much, much later!
These look wonderful. I’m going to make some for my next family gathering. :) I totally understand your concern of having a baby girl when she grows up….I have a boy and a girl too. Well, I try not to think too much for now and just enjoy them. :) They grow up too quickly!!!
For someone who has never had a caramelita I think you just made them better than the original! Oh, and can’t wait to see the cute little outfits you have your daughter in when she is born!
My daughter will be 13 in Sept, but looks 17 easily….creeps me out. Is it wrong to want IL to pass a conceal carry law just so I can have a T-shirt made for her that says….CREEP, stop look at me…I’m 12…and my mom has a permit to carry a concealed weapon? What? Too much? Teenage boys are one thing, but NOTHING prepares you for creepy, mullet-wearing, older men checking out your daughter.
I giggled when I read your line about the kid with the pubescent mustache and fuzzy navel wine cooler! Hilarious! My little girl is almost 12 years old and started shaving her legs about a month ago. I’m not ready to have her grow up yet! But we’ll get through it together. Girls are the best! Yes there is drama, but there is also lots of shopping together, mani/pedis, cooking together, reading, talking, dancing, and tons of love. Can’t wait to try making these Caramelitas. My daughter loves Rolos!
I have two girls 21 and 25 yrs old and one son who is 23.
You better start saving lots of money because girls refuse to wear the same dress twice out in public! I tried explaining to them that dresses are NOT disposable.
Prom dresses are a FORTUNE.
Also, PMS is unbearable with daughters.
And the hardest thing about girls …..DATING! Trying to console your daughter cause some silly little boy broke up with her. You’ll share tears of joy and tears of heart aches…but through it all, daughters are FABULOUS! They truly are my BEST FRIENDS!
Ansa
Look at all of those oats…they’re practically healthy! ;)
I have never made caramelitas OR have I ever eaten one.
I feel a little left out.
btw ~ Did you see that reality show a while back when they let the Amish kids live in a house in the “real world”? I don’t think your little she-peanut would be safe, is all I’m saying.
Swords and grenades are totally the way to go. My girl is only 7 and she’s already asking for a bra and trying to stuff things down her shirt to make boobies. Of course, she’s too embarrassed to show the fake boobies to anyone but me, so that’s a plus.
I have never had a caramelita-but these look too yummy not to try!!! You could always send her to a convent to live with nun til she is 18 or am all girls boarding school-it’s a thought!
I’ve never had a carmelita, either….and that changes NOW.
PS…if Theresa can take Gia bra shopping, you and Lucy will do *just fine.* ;)
These look delcious :) Definitely pinned these for later use :)
hey, is there an easy way to share your blog link? I have a friend asking for my favorite cooking/baking blogs and I want to share your link…is there a way to add that “button” or “tab” option? Just curious!
And, girl! It’s about time you had a carmelita…your rolo addition is brilliant!!!
also, I have THREE girls and one boy…they are all protected by Mama Bear….STAY AWAY BAD SCARY BOYS/GIRLS!!!!! I’m always on guard!!! :)
did i miss a blog while i was away? are you having a girl? as the mother of 2 boys, i always “think pink”.
have a great day.
I make my littlest girl tell me on a daily basis that she will hug me and snuggle with me until she is 42. I say, even when you are 17? And she says yes! She is 5 so I’m pretty sure she means it! I don’t like to think about this growing up thing! It’s too late for my older two kiddos, but this one I thought about in advance and began the brainwashing early!
You are too funny. Love reading your takes on life. My daughter is 2.5 and already has an attitude!! Scared of how she’ll be at 16. Buttttt….girls are so much more fun than boys!!! Youll love her!!!
Dang 3 sticks of butter! No wonder they’re so good, especially with Rolos tossed in, YUM.
As for your little girl you’ll be fine. It’s all things you know about already and you or at least I did get little butterflies of excitement for her with each girlie milestone she reached. Especially when they reach puberty. The best book I ever picked up for my daughter was The American Girl book about your body. She kept it in her nightstand and would read it at night so her brother wouldn’t see it. You’ll do fine, I promise.
You are hysterical. I think it is a good idea you delete this before pulling the pin on the grenade. Just to cover your tracks! Then give me a call and I’ll defend you. :)
I don’t have children of my own yet, but being the only daughter, I understand how parents are protective! It was my Dad in our family, he always said he’d meet any boys at the door with a baseball bat! I’m not actually the kind to bring boys home and would much rather be at home reading and baking, but when I did find that one boy and brought him home, he didn’t meet him at the door with a baseball bat, he wouldn’t let him stay over, which is fine, his house, his rules etc. but they actually got on very well and I’ve now moved out of my parents & in with my boyfriend & my Dad is absolutely fine about it! But you have years of dressing up and cuddles to get through first :) And I didn’t get my first (and only) boyfriend until I was 19 so you may have that long to wait! By which time maybe grenades will be legal and you won’t have to delete this post because rolos & oats are pretty blissful and I want to eat these now… :)
I think as long as you keep your great outlook on life, you and your daughter will be fine. These caramelitas look so good. I have had regular ones, but mini rolos?! Already unwrapped?! So easy and so good!
:O) you are too funny. I grew up with all boys, so I was the tom boy in the party dress and pigtails playing with the boys in the mud. I think growing up around boys helped me know exactly how boys are which made it much easier for me when it was time to date ( I understood how boys acted with other boys and how to decipher boy speak). I knew how to throw a mean right hook and and stand up for myself all the while dressing super cute and lips shiny with cherry lip gloss. :O) Dress her all sparkly but let the hubby take you& her for target practice and fishing. :O) Don’t hide her from the boys :O) Let her hang out with boys when she is young… the boys generally have an innate instinct to protect :O) If you teach her to be strong and walk with her head held high she will be fine. Just love that little baby and cherish every single minute :O)
Oh these look yuMMy!
How much do I love Fancy Nancy!
Every time I pass the books I wish for a PINK loving little girl in my life!
I’m so delighted that you’re having a little girl Kristan!
How PERFECT is that!
Whatchabet Jon David is snuggled right up there beside you when you’re reading those Fancy Nancy books!
Hugs and lots of LOVE to you!
Congrats on the little girl!
I can just see her with a pink Easy Bake Oven…and lots of glitter!
xo
Good luck with the whole girl thing, I am glad I have a boy. I THINK I can handle that, and what I can’t I can pass on to my husband, right?
I have never had a caramelita before either. Guess I need to make these! We are moving this weekend, the help might just love these!
Oh!
I’ve never had a Carmelita either!
xo
And I spelled that wrong!
Whoopsie~Daisy! xo
I’ve never had a carmelita either… until tonight. Even though it’s a gazillion degrees, I’ll cook a small batch in my little electric oven.
ha! I always thought I wanted a girl, but never considered the fact that she’d grow up… I like to say that God has a sense of humor proven by the fact that he blessed me with a boy (about Jon David’s age, so you understand). Me, a girly girl trying to raise a boy!!! (daddy is out of the picture now). I didn’t care what He sent me, I just wanted a baby, and didn’t know what I was having until he was rushed out to the NICU and I asked, “so… what is it??” and the doctor on call looked back at me with one eyebrow raised and answered, “a boy.” and I thought, “… a boy…. OH BOY!”
omg, I literally laughed out loud AND I might have also snorted a little at the “fuzzy navel wine cooler” mention. Can’t wait to try this recipe – YUM!
I LOL several times reading this post. The end of the month can’t get here fast enough. Now I’ll be super happy if we are having a girl!
I never made or ate CARAMELITAS before. Do I really need to use 2 types of oats? I only have Quick Oates and do not want to purchase regular oats if they’re really not necessary. Is there a difference in taste or texture between the two? THANKS!!!
You could use all quick oats…I prefer a little of both so I get the texture, but they’ll be great either way!!
They look super yummy!! That’s why I never wanted a girl, bra shopping, clothes shopping, PINK, I would be in charge of “the talk”. I’m not a girly girl, I’m much better suited to being a mum to boys. Gross, sticky boys, that like to play video games & go to that super boring Lowes/Home Depo.
I am already DREADING dating & my son just turns 14 today. I’m forming a tribunal with my bff & 2 of our other really good girl friends to help me vet any girls who wish to date my baby boys. Hopefully they will catch a “crazy” if I miss her.
I’ve never even heard of Carmelitas. Thank you for the introduction, and for the addition of Rolos. Interesting, mixing quick oats and old fashioned oats.
Keep writing…
I have totally the same fears and I have two girls and one boy…. Your Rolo Carmelitas look fabulous! Can’t wait to try it!
Are you KIDDING me???? I love those oatmeal bars with caramel, and putting
Rolos in them is SHEER GENIUS. Gotta get myself some Rolos. Will
DEFINITELY be making this. Thank you!!!!
[...] Rolo Carmelitas from Confessions of a Cookbook Queen [...]
Girls are the BEST!! Well… so far anyway. Mine’s only 2. I’ll let you know how the rest of it goes ;)
These look so fantastic! Pinning right now.
Kristan-
I just made these bars and am waiting for them to cool to put in the refrigerator. I have a few questions about the recipe:
1. In step 2 of Instructions, it mentions to add salt but there is no salt listed in Ingredients. I added 1/2 tsp.
2. You used a glass baking pan and had the oven temp at 325. I used a metal 9″ x 13″ pan that I lined with foil and sprayed with Pam. I baked it at 325, but it would not brown, so I had to turn oven temp up to 350 for last few minutes. Could I have baked it at 350 the entire time? Is the 1st layer suppose to brown for crispness or does it not matter since it’s covered with caramel?
3. I “researched” the difference in the 2 types of Oates and if they are interchangable in baking. Basically, the regular oates will be VISABLE as oates in the final product. The quick oates will not be VISABLY distinguishable.
The regular oates will add a crunchy texture . I DID use both types of oates.
I used Mrs. Richardson’s Caramel Ice Cream Topping. Have you ever tasted this? It is INCREDIBLE!!! I could use a spoon and “taste” it all night & the next day!!! Seriously, this is a dangerous product to have in my house!!
Tomorrow, I’ll let you know how these bars tasted and the “verdict” from my family!
Thanks for the recipe and thanks for any info you can shed on above questions.
Hey Karen,
Sorry about the salt…it was 1/2 teaspoon…I’ll go back and edit it in.
As for the baking, I think 350 would be okay. Mine just browned right around the edges. And yes, you can totally use either type of oat in these, but I like a little of both. For me, all old-fashioned is too crunchy, but I like the texture it adds when I use half!!
Kristan-
OMG THESE ARE SOOOOOOOOOOO GOOD!!!!!! I can’t believe that this was the 1st time I had these!!!
My family LOVED them!!! I left some out on the counter on a plate and put the rest in the refrig. Everyone preferred them cold, straight out of the refrig. When they’re cold, they hold their shape better and you really can taste a solid layer of caramel. The Mrs. Richardson’s Butterscotch Caramel made these taste like a caramel “candy bar!”
I DEFINITELY will be making these again!!!! Thanks for sharing this TO DIE FOR recipe!!!!
Congrats on having a girl!! And umm, I’m dying over these. I rediscovered rolos last year at a Bunko party and I don’t buy them because they will go like that. I might need to buy them so I can make these!
Believe me. Girls = stress later on.
But they’re so lovely. Really. They are.
You are so cute :) When I think about future kids I find myself wanting girls because I want to dress them up and play dolls and do girl-y things. But you’re right, I don’t really think beyond the kindergarten stage… and yes, these carmelitas look amazing!
LOL. Your worries are totally understandable! aha
& I`ve never had a caramelita either, but this sure makes me want some!
These look Y*U*M*M*Y! Good luck with your baby girl : ) I have 4 girls – now all teenagers (14, 16, 17 and 18) . . . . . enjoy all the sweet baby years and store those memories as safeguards for those hormonal, emotional days that are bound to come. Luckily (hopefully) those “lost” days are few because they are REALLY hard on your mom heart. And all those “found” days – they make your mom heart proud and grow a million times!
OH MY. I made these last night before some friends came over and I had one EVERY time I went through the kitchen. I may have even been inventing reasons to go through the kitchen, but whatever. My point is these are the absolute best bars/squares I have ever had.
Thank you for sharing!
Oh wow, these sound awesome. Dang food blogs, make me so hungry!
I made this both with the regular sized and with the mini sized … and I actually prefer the full size Rolos … they were amazing – great recipe!
I pinned these awhile ago and had the chance to make them for the first time last weekend for my famiy – they loved them! So much so that I’m making them again this weekend :) Thanks for such a tasty and easy recipe!
[...] friend Kristan made some not too long ago with Rolo Candies, which I thought was a pretty inspired [...]
Hey! These are fabulous!!! I made them for Bible study last night and people were loving them. One thing I noticed is the salt….how much is needed? I just put a pinch because I didn’t know the exact amount.
PS…Lucy is adorable!