Description
Delight in these rich and creamy homemade Christmas caramels, perfectly soft and buttery with a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture. This classic holiday treat combines brown sugar, butter, sweetened condensed milk, and a touch of vanilla to create the perfect sweet indulgence to share or gift during festive celebrations.
Ingredients
Scale
Main 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
- Sea salt for sprinkling on top
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Pan: Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on each side for easy removal later. Lightly grease the parchment paper with butter to prevent sticking.
- Melt the Butter: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter carefully. Avoid browning it for a smooth caramel flavor.
- Combine Ingredients: To the melted butter, add the packed brown sugar, light corn syrup, sweetened condensed milk, and salt. Stir continuously until the mixture is fully combined.
- Bring to a Boil: Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Then reduce the heat to medium-low. Attach a candy thermometer and cook, stirring frequently, until the temperature reaches 245°F (118°C), indicating the correct caramel stage.
- Add Vanilla: Remove the mixture from heat and quickly stir in the vanilla extract to infuse flavor.
- Pour and Set: Pour the hot caramel mixture into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Let the caramel cool and set at room temperature for at least 2 hours until firm.
- Cut the Caramels: Once fully set, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the caramel from the pan. Cut into desired square pieces, and optionally sprinkle with sea salt on top for an enhanced flavor contrast.
Notes
- Use a candy thermometer to ensure caramel reaches the perfect soft-ball stage for ideal texture.
- Do not let the butter brown to avoid a bitter taste.
- Caramels can be wrapped individually in wax paper for gifting or storage.
- Store caramels at room temperature in an airtight container for up to two weeks.
- For a vegan version, substitute sweetened condensed coconut milk and a plant-based butter alternative.
