Di's Chewy Caramel Oatmeal Cookies

These DELICIOUS cookies will have you running back for more! Great anytime, but especially good around the holidays. Make for your cookie trays, or to give to as a gift. Great for pot lucks and anytime you need to bring something sweet for an event. Good for Bake Sales too! Everybody loved em!!! Prep time includes unwrapping caramels. The cooking time is per sheet of cookies.

• Ready In: 45 mins
• Yields: 3 dozen

Ingredients

• 3  cups quick-cooking oats
• 1  cup all-purpose flour
• 1⁄2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 3⁄4 cup butter flavor shortening
• 1 1⁄4 cups brown sugar, firmly packed
• 1  large egg
• 1⁄3 cup milk
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 1⁄2 cups  nuts, chopped
• 3  dozen  caramels, unwrapped (room temperature)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375.
2. Unwrap caramels.
3. Combine oats, flour, baking soda, salt and cinnamon in a medium bowl, and set aside.
4. Combine shortening, brown sugar, egg, milk, and vanilla in large bowl, and beat at medium speed until creamy.
5. Stir in flour mixture until just blended.
6. Stir in nuts.
7. Drop by rounded tablespoon onto baking sheet 2" apart.
8. Place a caramel in the center of each (do not press down).
9. Bake 10-12 minutes, or until light brown around edges, and caramel is completely melted.
10. Transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
11. Store in sealed container.