Homemade Christmas Caramels
Ingredients:
1 cup unsalted butter
2 1/4 cups packed brown sugar
1 cup light corn syrup
1 can 14 oz sweetened condensed milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
Optional: sea salt for sprinkling
Instructions:
Prepare the Pan: Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing extra paper to overhang the sides for easy removal. Lightly grease the parchment paper.
Melt the Butter: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
Combine Ingredients: Add the brown sugar, corn syrup, sweetened condensed milk, and salt to the melted butter. Stir continuously until everything is well combined.
Cook the Caramel: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Continue cooking and stirring frequently until the mixture reaches 245F 118C on a candy thermometer firm ball stage. This will take about 10-15 minutes.
Add Vanilla: Once the caramel reaches the correct temperature, remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
Pour and Set: Carefully pour the hot caramel mixture into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly. Allow the caramel to cool at room temperature for at least 2 hours, or until fully set.
Cut and Serve: Once set, lift the parchment paper out of the pan and cut the caramel into small squares with a sharp knife.
Optional Finishing Touch: For an extra touch of flavor, sprinkle with sea salt if desired.
These caramels make perfect holiday treats or gifts!
Nutritional Information:
Prep Time: 10 minutes Cooking Time: 15 minutes Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
Approx. 60 kcal per caramel Servings: 36 caramels