Absolutely! 🍬 Whether you want soft, chewy bites or firm, buttery squares, homemade caramel candies are surprisingly easy to make — just a few ingredients and a little patience.
🍯 Classic Soft Caramel Candies
Makes: ~60 small pieces | Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time: 20–30 mins | Cool Time: ~2 hours
🛒 Ingredients:
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1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)
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2 ¼ cups light brown sugar, packed
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1 cup light corn syrup
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1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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¼ tsp salt
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Optional: flaked sea salt for topping
🧂 Equipment:
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Candy thermometer
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9×9-inch or 8×8-inch baking pan
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Parchment paper
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Heavy-bottomed saucepan
👩🍳 Instructions:
1. Prep the Pan
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Line your baking pan with parchment paper and lightly butter the sides.
2. Melt Butter & Combine Ingredients
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In a heavy saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
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Stir in brown sugar, corn syrup, and sweetened condensed milk.
3. Cook the Caramel
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Stir constantly as the mixture comes to a boil.
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Clip on your candy thermometer. Continue stirring gently and cook until the mixture reaches:
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238–240°F (soft caramels)
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245°F (firmer caramels)
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This takes about 20–25 minutes. Be patient — don’t rush it.
4. Finish It
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Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and salt.
5. Pour and Cool
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Carefully pour hot caramel into prepared pan and spread evenly.
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Optional: sprinkle flaked sea salt on top.
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Let cool at room temperature for 1–2 hours, until fully set.
6. Cut & Wrap
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Once firm, lift out the parchment, cut caramels into small squares, and wrap individually in wax paper or cellophane.
🍫 Variations:
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Chocolate-dipped: dip cooled caramels in melted chocolate
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Nutty caramel: stir in chopped pecans or almonds
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Spiced caramel: add a pinch of cinnamon or cayenne
Would you like a microwave shortcut version, or a salted caramel sauce recipe to go with it?
