Chocolate Caramel Spelt Oatmeal Cookies

Ingredients:

• 2 sticks unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs at room temperature
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 cups Bob's Red Mill Organic Old-fashioned Rolled Oats, divided
• 2 cups Bob's Red Mill Organic Whole Grain Spelt flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt  
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 cup chocolate chunks
• 1/2 cup chopped unsalted or salted pecans
• 16 wrapped caramels, chopped into 4 or 5 pieces each
• Flaky sea salt for sprinkling  

Optional additions:

• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or almonds
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Cream butter and sugars: Place butter and sugars in a bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment and cream together until light and fluffy (3 minutes).  
3. Add wet ingredients: With mixer running, add eggs one at a time, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. Add vanilla and mix until incorporated.  
4. Combine dry ingredients: Pour in 2 cups of oats, spelt flour, salt, and baking soda. Mix at low speed until a dough forms.
5. Add mix-ins: Remove bowl from mixer and add chocolate chunks, pecans, caramels, and optional additions (walnuts, almonds, cinnamon, nutmeg). Fold by hand until well incorporated.
6. Chill dough (optional): Chill dough for 30 minutes for thicker, chewier cookies.
7. Shape and coat cookies: Scoop out balls of dough (about 1.5 tablespoons each) and roll them in the remaining 1 cup of oats to lightly coat. Arrange 2-3 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
8. Add toppings: Press a piece of caramel and chocolate onto the tops of each cookie.
9. Bake: Bake until golden brown and set, rotating halfway through (about 15 minutes).
10. Garnish and cool: Once out of the oven, garnish with flaky sea salt and let cool slightly. Repeat with remaining cookie dough.

Optional additions:

• For extra flavor: Add chopped walnuts, almonds, cinnamon, or nutmeg.
• For a richer texture: Use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar.
• For a spicier kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.

Enjoy your delicious Chocolate Caramel Oatmeal Cookies!