Caramel Kisses
Sweet caramel kisses with rich, buttery flavor and smooth, creamy texture. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth or gifting to loved ones during special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Slowly cook sugar, corn syrup, butter, and light cream together until a thermometer reads 250°C or until a firm ball forms when a drop is placed in cold water.
- Remove from heat and add vanilla extract.
- Pour the mixture into a buttered 9-inch square pan.
- Allow to cool completely before cutting into small squares.
- Wrap each piece individually in wax paper.
Tips & Substitutions
To achieve the perfect caramel consistency, use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature accurately. If you don’t have dark corn syrup, you can substitute it with light corn syrup, but it will alter the flavor slightly. For an added twist, try incorporating a pinch of sea salt to enhance the sweetness. Make sure to keep the mixture stirring slowly to prevent burning.
Serving Suggestions
These Caramel Kisses make a delightful treat on their own or can be served alongside a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon snack. They also pair beautifully with desserts like the *Caramel Pecan Buns for an indulgent dessert platter. For a fun twist, try adding them to ice cream sundaes for added richness.
Storage & Reheating
Store the Caramel Kisses in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them, but be sure to let them come to room temperature before serving to maintain their chewy texture. Avoid stacking them directly on top of each other to prevent sticking.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Caramel Kisses contains roughly 35 calories, with 0g protein, 4g carbohydrates, and 1g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I do if my caramel is too hard?
If your caramel ends up too hard, it may have cooked past the desired temperature. You can try reheating it gently in a saucepan with a little water or cream to soften it. Stir frequently and watch carefully to avoid burning, and use it as a topping for desserts if it doesn’t return to a soft consistency.
Can I use other flavors instead of vanilla?
Yes, you can easily customize the flavor of your Caramel Kisses! Instead of vanilla, consider using almond extract or a splash of rum for a different flavor profile. Just be sure to use these extracts sparingly, as they can be quite potent.
How do I know when the caramel is ready?
The caramel is ready when it reaches a temperature of 250°F (about 121°C) or when a small drop forms a firm ball in cold water. Alternatively, if you don’t have a thermometer, you can test it by dropping a small amount into cold water and checking its consistency. A firm ball means it's ready to be removed from the heat.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).