CARAMELITO COOKIES WITH VANILLA WHIPPED CREAM AND CANDIED NUTS

Caramelito Cookies with Vanilla Whipped Cream and Candied Nuts image

Provided by Kara Sigle, Food Network Star Season 8 Finalist

Categories dessert

Time 45m

Yield 12 to 15 servings, depending on size of slices

Number Of Ingredients 17

2 1/2 sticks unsalted butter, melted, plus more for greasing
2 cups plus 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups oats
1 1/2 cups brown sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
12 ounces caramel sauce, from a jar
1 cup chopped semisweet chocolate
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon coarse salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup pecans
2 cups heavy cream
3 tablespoons granulated sugar, plus more if needed to sweeten
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Steps:

For the cookies: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9-by-13-inch baking dish.
In a large bowl, mix 2 cups flour, oats, brown sugar, baking soda and salt. Slowly mix in the butter until the mixture is crumbly. Transfer half of the mixture to the prepared baking dish and bake for 8 to 10 minutes. Pull from the oven let cool for a few minutes.
Mix the remaining 3 tablespoons flour with the caramel until smooth. Layer the chocolate, nuts and caramel on the baked cookie base. Add the caramel last. Add the remaining unbaked crumble on top and bake an additional 12 minutes. Pull when slightly browning on top.
For the candied nuts: In a saucepan over medium heat, reduce 1/2 cup water and the sugar until it starts to crystallize or comes close to evaporation. Stir in the cinnamon, salt and vanilla. Add the nuts and continue to mix until coated. Remove from the heat and let cool.
For the whipped cream: Using a stand mixer with a whisk attachment (or whisk by hand), whisk the heavy cream to soft peaks. Slowly add in the sugar and vanilla and whip until just stiff peaks. Adjust sweetness if necessary with more sugar.
Slice the cookie into bars and serve each piece topped with whipped cream and candied nuts.
This recipe was created by a contestant during a cooking competition. The Food Network Kitchens have not tested it for home use, therefore, we cannot make any representation as to the results.