Homemade Caramels Recipe

These Homemade Caramels are chewy and gooey and sooo delicious. You won’t want to eat just one! Perfect treat for holiday parties and holiday gifts!

Original post: December 2012 | Updated: December 2020

Part of the reason I love this season so much is because of the baking and stirring and cutting and wrapping and eating and delivering. This caramel recipe is possibly my favorite of all Christmas treats.

I remember the first time I made these, back when I was the only one who lived in my then clean but very boring home. I stood over my stove stirring for what seemed like forever, thinking, THESE BETTER BE GOOD.

When they were finished, I vowed to never complain about the cooking and stirring again because they are chewy, buttery, sugary deliciousness at its very best. So here you go, friends.

HOW TO MAKE HOMEMADE CARAMELS

STEP 1

Coat a 9×13 baking dish generously with cooking spray and set aside. In a large, heavy saucepan, combine:

• Butter
• Granulated sugar
• Light brown sugar
• Light corn syrup
• Evaporated milk
• Heavy whipping cream

STEP 2

Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until a candy thermometer reads 243 degrees F.

At first the stirring speed can be fairly slow. You can, say, stir with one hand while perusing Pinterest with your other, if that is your thing. The entire cooking process takes me somewhere around 45-50 minutes.

A little over halfway through, the stirring must become a little more vigorous, as you must make sure the mixture does not burn.

Occasionally dip the candy thermometer into the middle, being careful not to touch the bottom of the pan, until you get a reading. 243 degrees is my magic number. Any less and the caramels are too gooey. Any more, and they are too chewy.

STEP 3

When you reach the magic number, immediately remove the pan from the heat and add 1 1/2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Stir until combined, then pour the mixture into the prepared 9×13 pan. Allow the caramel to cool completely.

Cut into 1/2-inch x 1-inch pieces and wrap individually in wax paper.

RECIPE NOTES: HOMEMADE CARAMELS

• A high-quality candy thermometer is a necessity for this recipe. A Thermapen works AMAZING!
• Prepare yourself for nearly an hour of constant stirring. Have someone on standby if you need a break. TRUST ME when I say that the stirring is 100% worthwhile.

BEST COOKIES FOR HOLIDAY BAKING

Add these delicious treats to your holiday baking list, too!

• These delicious Chewy Gingersnaps are the perfect chewy treat. Plus they are super easy to make. Flavored with molasses and spices and the finishing touch – topped with simple icing!
• These are the BEST Sugar Cookies. They are super easy to make (using only seven ingredients) and they are perfect for decorating. You will never need another sugar cookie recipe again!
• Triple Chocolate Cookies with Peppermint Frosting are already a thick, perfect cookie but Nutella sets them over the edge in goodness. It’s a fun holiday flavor and they look pretty too!
• These Chocolate Kiss Cream Cheese Cookies are a great dessert for gatherings any time of the year. They are light, creamy and sugary, with just the perfect kiss of milk chocolate!
• Hot Cocoa Cookies are like enjoying a cup of hot chocolate, except in cookie form. Chocolate oozes from the centers of these marshmallow-topped treats.
• Oreo Balls are an easy no-bake dessert requiring only three ingredients! This easy dessert is great for the holidays or any time of year.
• These are the BEST Gingerbread Cookies you’ll find! Super easy to make and loved by everyone. Great for the holidays!