Cookies come in all shapes and sizes. Some cookies are dainty and beautiful; some cookies are big and rustic. Some are crunchy; some are chewy, and some are soft and cakey. At times it’s difficult to decide what kind to make. Of course it’s better when our homemade cookies look uniformly alike, which is usually accomplished with a scoop, or painstaking rolling into balls, or even a mold. The following cookies, however, are really ugly, no matter how you shape them, but they are a little crunchy with oatmeal and nuts and have a fairly soft texture. They have bits of caramel that run out the sides, making them chewy, too. Oatmeal Uglies are not for fancy gatherings, but they are perfect to serve with ice cream or to take on picnics. Kids will love them with milk after school, and adults will love the melty chocolate paired with the chewy caramel.

Oatmeal Uglies are a win-win for everyone, and may very well become a favorite. This recipe was loosely adapted from an excellent cookbook – caramel lovers will especially love it - Caramel, Caramel, & More Caramel by Michal Moses and Ivana Nitzen.

6 dozen cookies

1 1/3 cups butter
1 1/2 cups brown sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla
2 tablespoons corn syrup

2 1/2 cups oatmeal
2 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt

2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup finely chopped pecans
1 1/2 cups caramel chunks, cut from a block of prepared caramel such as Peter's (1/4" chunks)

1. Preheat oven to 350°.
2. Line several baking sheets with parchment.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar; beat in the eggs, vanilla, and corn syrup.
4. Place the oatmeal in the food processor and process until very fine; add to the butter/sugar mixture.
5. Measure the flour, baking soda, and salt into a fine strainer set over the mixture.
6. Shake through; with the mixer turned to low, mix well.
7. Stir in the chocolate chips, pecans, and caramel pieces.
8. Scoop tablespoonfuls onto the prepared baking sheets.
9. Bake 12-15 minutes or until the edges are browned.
10. Let sit on the sheets at least 5 minutes before placing them on cooling racks.
11. Store in an airtight container with parchment or waxed paper in between each layer to prevent sticking.

Amount Per Serving
Calories 112 Calories from Fat 59
Percent Total Calories From: Fat 53% Protein 4% Carb. 43%

Nutrient Amount per Cookie
Total Fat 7 g
Saturated Fat 3 g
Cholesterol 15 mg
Sodium 93 mg
Total Carbohydrate 12 g
Dietary Fiber 0 g
Sugars 0 g
Protein 1 g

Vitamin A 3% Vitamin C 0% Calcium 0% Iron 2%


Caramel, Caramel, & More Caramel can be purchased on Amazon:
Caramel, Caramel & More Caramel!: Sweet and Savory Recipes for Creative Caramel Cuisine