Irresistibly Chewy Coconut Oatmeal Cookie Sandwiches with Luxurious Salted Caramel Buttercream

Let’s set the record straight: I generally stand firm in my belief that cookies, in their purest form, are best enjoyed unadorned. Frosting, in my culinary philosophy, is typically reserved for the grander stages of cakes and cupcakes. However, rules are sometimes meant to be deliciously broken, and these exceptionally chewy coconut oatmeal cookie sandwiches didn’t just break my rule—they obliterated it! This recipe delivers a dessert experience so phenomenal, so utterly captivating, that it convinced even a frosting skeptic like myself of its undeniable brilliance.

The inspiration for this divine creation struck during July, a month dedicated to celebrating all things ice cream. Specifically, I found myself captivated by a unique Ben & Jerry’s flavor: “Coconuts for Caramel.” The idea of combining the tropical sweetness of coconut with the rich, buttery depth of caramel was too enticing to ignore. What better way to honor this inspiration than by creating a homemade cookie sandwich that captures the essence of this delightful ice cream? The result is a truly spectacular dessert featuring fluffy, perfectly balanced salted caramel buttercream nestled between two soft, chewy coconut oatmeal cookies. Be warned: these aren’t just good; they are **dangerously good**, possessing an addictive quality that makes them incredibly hard to resist.

Crafting the Perfect Chewy Coconut Oatmeal Cookies

The journey to these sensational cookie sandwiches begins with baking the cookies themselves. Achieving that coveted chewy texture is paramount, and it requires a few key techniques and ingredient choices. First and foremost, you must bake the cookies and allow them to cool completely before even thinking about adding the frosting. This crucial step prevents the buttercream from melting and creating a messy situation, ensuring your cookie sandwiches remain structurally sound and visually appealing.

One of my favorite secrets to a truly exceptional oatmeal cookie is the strategic combination of two types of oats: quick-cooking oats and old-fashioned rolled oats. The quick-cooking variety contributes to that delightful, almost fudgy chewiness that makes these cookies so irresistible. Meanwhile, the old-fashioned rolled oats add a wonderful, rustic texture and substance, providing a satisfying bite without being overly dense. This harmonious blend ensures a cookie that is both soft and substantial, a perfect foundation for our salted caramel filling. To further guarantee that ideal chewiness, I always advocate for slightly underbaking my cookies. A minute or two less in the oven can make all the difference, resulting in cookies that are soft in the center and perfectly chewy once cooled, rather than dry and crisp. For consistent baking and uniform sandwiching, I highly recommend using a cookie scoop to portion out the dough. This ensures that all your cookies are relatively the same size, leading to even baking and beautifully matched pairs for your sandwiches.

Tips for Perfect Cookie Baking:

• Ingredient Quality: Use fresh ingredients. Good quality butter, oats, and coconut oil will significantly impact the flavor and texture of your homemade cookies.
• Room Temperature Butter and Coconut Oil: Ensure both are properly softened. This allows them to cream together effectively with the sugars, creating a light and airy base for your cookie dough.
• Don’t Overmix Dry Ingredients: Once you add the dry ingredients to the wet, mix just until combined. Overmixing can develop too much gluten in the bread flour, leading to a tougher cookie rather than a chewy one.
• Chill Your Dough: This step is non-negotiable for perfectly shaped and chewy cookies. Chilling solidifies the fats, preventing the cookies from spreading too much in the oven. It also allows the flavors to meld, resulting in a richer taste. At least an hour in the fridge, or 30 minutes in the freezer, is ideal.
• Parchment Paper is Your Friend: Always line your baking sheets with parchment paper. It prevents sticking, promotes even baking, and makes cleanup a breeze.
• Watch Your Oven: Every oven is different. Keep a close eye on your cookies, especially during the last few minutes. They should look set around the edges but still appear slightly soft in the center when you remove them.

Whipping Up the Fluffy Salted Caramel Buttercream

While your freshly baked coconut oatmeal cookies are cooling to perfection, it’s the ideal time to prepare the star of the show: the salted caramel buttercream. This luscious filling is what truly elevates these cookie sandwiches, adding a layer of creamy, sweet, and salty indulgence. I often have a supply of homemade salted caramel on hand, perhaps left over from decadent Nanaimo bars, which works wonderfully here. However, if you’re short on time or prefer convenience, a good quality store-bought jar of salted caramel can absolutely be used – just be sure to check your local gourmet food stores for the best options. The beauty of this buttercream is its simplicity and adaptability.

To begin, ensure your unsalted butter is softened to room temperature. This is key for achieving that light, fluffy texture that makes buttercream so delightful. Beat the butter until it’s pale and airy, then gradually incorporate the powdered sugar. This ensures a smooth consistency without lumps. Once combined, the magic happens with the addition of the salted caramel. Start with two tablespoons and beat it into the buttercream. At this point, it’s crucial to taste. The level of caramel flavor and saltiness is a matter of personal preference. If you desire a more pronounced caramel kick, don’t hesitate to add another tablespoon, or even a bit more, until you reach your perfect balance. The goal is a buttercream that is rich, sweet, subtly salty, and incredibly smooth – a perfect complement to the robust flavor of the oatmeal cookies.

Assembling Your Delicious Cookie Sandwiches

With your perfectly cooled cookies and a batch of irresistible salted caramel buttercream ready, it’s time for the most enjoyable part: assembling your chewy coconut oatmeal cookie sandwiches. This is where the individual components come together to form a truly harmonious and mouthwatering dessert. The process is straightforward, allowing you to customize each sandwich to your liking.

Take one of your cooled coconut oatmeal cookies and spread a generous amount of the salted caramel buttercream onto its flat side. I typically use about a tablespoon of frosting per cookie, ensuring a satisfying layer without being overwhelming. The amount, however, is entirely up to your personal preference – some like a thin, subtle layer, while others prefer a thick, creamy center. Once the buttercream is spread, gently place another cookie on top, flat side down, and press lightly to form a sandwich. The slight give of the chewy cookies will allow the buttercream to spread evenly to the edges, creating a beautifully uniform dessert. And just like that, you have it: magnificent, chewy coconut oatmeal cookie sandwiches. They might appear deceptively simple, but believe me when I say, **they were amazing** – a true testament to the power of well-chosen flavors and textures.

The Verdict: A Taste Sensation

The reception these cookie sandwiches received was nothing short of rave reviews. My brother, a discerning critic of my culinary creations, emphatically declared these, alongside my Nanaimo bars, to be **the best desserts I’ve made so far this summer.** High praise indeed, and well-deserved. On their own, the coconut oatmeal cookies are a delight – perfectly chewy with a gentle, fragrant coconut flavor that is present without being overpowering. They are comforting and satisfying, a classic with a tropical twist.

However, when these delightful cookies are paired with the rich, fluffy, and subtly salty caramel buttercream, the entire experience ascends to **a whole new level of delicious**. The textures play beautifully together: the soft, yielding chew of the cookie, the creamy, airy fluffiness of the frosting, and the subtle bite from the oats and desiccated coconut. Each bite offers a harmonious blend of sweet and salty, rich and comforting. It’s a dessert that demands to be savored, each mouthful a complex symphony of flavors that leaves you wanting more, yet also encourages you to linger on the exquisite taste. It’s a true indulgence, perfect for a special treat or simply to brighten an ordinary day.

Variations and Storage

While the coconut and salted caramel combination is undeniably divine, I understand that not everyone is a fan of coconut. If you prefer to skip the tropical flair, you can easily adapt this recipe. Simply omit the desiccated coconut from the cookie dough for a classic, plain oatmeal cookie. Or, for another timeless favorite, consider baking a batch of chewy oatmeal raisin cookies and sandwiching them with the salted caramel buttercream – they’re just as chewy and equally delicious! You could also experiment with other buttercream flavors, such as classic vanilla, chocolate, or even a cream cheese frosting for a tangy contrast.

To store your freshly made cookie sandwiches, place them in an airtight container. They will keep well at room temperature for up to 2-3 days, though they are often best enjoyed within the first day or two for optimal chewiness and buttercream texture. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. If refrigerating, allow them to come to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving to ensure the buttercream is soft and creamy. You can also freeze the assembled cookie sandwiches for up to a month. To do so, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours before indulging.

These chewy coconut oatmeal cookie sandwiches with salted caramel buttercream are more than just a dessert; they’re an experience. They embody comfort, indulgence, and a delightful journey of flavors and textures. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or simply to treat yourself, prepare to be completely won over by their dangerously good charm!