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Homemade Christmas Caramels Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 3.9 from 66 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
  • Yield: 64 small caramels
  • Category: Candy
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Delight in these rich and buttery Homemade Christmas Caramels, perfectly soft and chewy with a hint of sea salt for that extra festive touch. Made from scratch with simple ingredients like brown sugar, butter, and sweetened condensed milk, these classic sweets are ideal for gifting or sharing during the holidays.

Ingredients

Caramel Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 2 1/4 cups packed brown sugar
  • 1 cup light corn syrup
  • 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Optional Topping

  • Sea salt for sprinkling on top

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pan: Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on each side for easy removal. Lightly grease the parchment with butter to prevent sticking.
  2. Melt Butter: In a large saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat, making sure not to brown it, which could alter the caramel’s flavor.
  3. Combine Ingredients: Add the packed brown sugar, light corn syrup, sweetened condensed milk, and salt to the melted butter. Stir until everything is fully combined and smooth.
  4. Cook Caramel: Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Then reduce the heat to medium-low and attach a candy thermometer. Continue cooking and stirring the mixture until the temperature reaches 245°F (118°C), which ensures the perfect chewy texture.
  5. Flavor the Caramel: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract thoroughly for a lovely aroma and enhanced flavor.
  6. Pour and Cool: Pour the hot caramel mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan. Spread it out smoothly with a spatula. Allow it to cool completely at room temperature for at least 2 hours to set properly.
  7. Cut into Squares: Once set, carefully lift the caramel block out of the pan using the parchment overhangs and cut into approximately 64 small squares for easy serving.
  8. Optional Sea Salt: For an added flavor dimension, sprinkle sea salt over the caramels just before they are fully set to enhance the sweetness with a subtle salty crunch.

Notes

  • Use a reliable candy thermometer to accurately monitor the caramel temperature for perfect texture.
  • Line the pan with parchment paper for easy removal and clean-up.
  • Store caramels in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain softness.
  • Cut the caramels into bite-sized pieces for easier portioning and gifting.
  • Sea salt topping is optional but highly recommended for a gourmet finish.

Find it online: https://slsrecipes.com/homemade-christmas-caramels-recipe/