These chocolate caramel vanilla wafer sandwiches are everything I love in a dessert: sweet, chewy, crunchy, and ridiculously easy.

With just three ingredients, they come together in minutes—no baking required! Perfect for parties, after-school snacks, or edible gifts.

Why I Love This Recipe

Only 3 ingredients—you might already have them!

No oven needed—great for summer or quick treats

Perfect balance of creamy caramel, crisp cookie, and rich chocolate

Great for kids to help assemble

Festive and versatile—customize for holidays or themes

What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)

Vanilla wafers – light, crisp cookies that hold everything together

Soft caramels – Kraft or Werther’s work best and are easy to flatten

Chocolate candy melts – for a glossy, smooth finish and sweet shell

Pro Tips Before You Start

Soften caramels slightly if needed for easier flattening (a few seconds in the microwave helps)

Use gloves or damp hands to flatten the caramel without sticking

Don’t overheat the chocolate—melt slowly in short bursts and stir well

Pipe or spread chocolate quickly before it cools for easy sandwiching

Let the cookies set on parchment for clean, mess-free bottoms

How to Make Chocolate Caramel Vanilla Wafer Sandwiches

Step 1: Flatten the Caramels
Unwrap each caramel and use clean hands to press and shape into discs about the size of a vanilla wafer.

Step 2: Melt the Chocolate
Place chocolate candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl.

Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring each time until fully melted and smooth.

Step 3: Prepare to Pipe
Transfer melted chocolate into a piping bag or a zip-top bag with one corner snipped off.

Step 4: Assemble the Sandwiches
Pipe a small amount of melted chocolate onto the flat side of two vanilla wafers.

Step 5: Add Caramel & Seal
Place a flattened caramel between the two chocolate-coated wafers.

Press gently to sandwich.

Step 6: Let Set
Place assembled cookies on parchment or wax paper.

Let the chocolate harden fully before serving or packaging.

Serving Suggestions

Serve as an after-school treat or party platter addition

Pack in lunchboxes for a surprise snack

Wrap in cellophane for edible gifts or favors

Variations & Add-Ins

Use dark chocolate melts for a more intense flavor

Add sea salt on top of the chocolate for a salty-sweet twist

Try with mint chocolate, peanut butter chips, or white chocolate drizzle

Swap vanilla wafers for gingersnaps or shortbread cookies

Storage & Leftovers

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 3–4 days

Refrigerate if your kitchen is warm, but allow to come to room temp before eating

Freeze in layers between wax paper for up to 1 month

FAQs

Can I use homemade caramel instead of store-bought?
Yes, but make sure it’s firm enough to hold shape between the cookies.

What kind of chocolate works best?
Candy melts are easiest, but you can also use semi-sweet or milk chocolate with a teaspoon of coconut oil for smoothness.

Are these good for make-ahead?
Absolutely! They store well and actually taste better the next day.

Can kids help with this recipe?
Yes! Flattening caramels and assembling sandwiches is a fun, safe step for little hands.

Do I need to temper the chocolate?
Nope! Using candy melts avoids that step and still gives a glossy, firm finish.

What’s the best way to package them for gifts?
Place each sandwich in a mini cupcake liner inside a cellophane bag or small gift box.

Can I double or triple this recipe?
Definitely. Just keep the melted chocolate warm between batches or work in sections.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a fun, quick, and delicious treat with almost no effort, these chocolate caramel vanilla wafer sandwiches are your answer.

They’re sweet, chewy, a little crunchy, and always a hit with everyone from kids to grown-ups.

No oven, no stress—just pure joy in each bite.