Christmas Caramels
Rich, buttery caramel candies with a hint of vanilla, perfect for holiday gifting or festive gatherings, offering a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture and classic sweet flavor.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine sugar, salt, light corn syrup, and one-third of the light cream in a saucepan.
- Stir over moderate heat until the sugar dissolves, then reduce heat and cook without stirring until a candy thermometer reaches 236°F.
- While the syrup is cooking, heat the remaining light cream over hot water in a double boiler.
- When the syrup reaches 236°F, slowly add half of the warm cream and let it reach 236°F again.
- Add the remaining warm cream and cook, stirring, until the temperature reaches 242°F to 244°F.
Tips & Substitutions
To achieve a smooth texture, ensure you continuously stir the mixture while adding the cream. If you don't have light corn syrup, you can substitute with equal parts of honey or maple syrup, though it may slightly alter the flavor. Use a candy thermometer for precise temperature readings, as accuracy is crucial for perfect caramels.
Serving Suggestions
These Christmas caramels make a wonderful holiday treat on their own or can be wrapped as gifts. They pair beautifully with a hot cup of cocoa or coffee. Consider serving alongside a rich dessert like the Elegant Dessert for a delightful end to your holiday meal.
Storage & Reheating
Once cooled and set, store the caramels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them, but allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Christmas Caramels contains roughly 138 calories, with 1g protein, 18g carbohydrates, and 5g 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 caramels are too hard?
If your caramels turn out too hard, it may be due to cooking them at too high a temperature. For future batches, keep a closer eye on the thermometer and remove them from heat once they reach 242°F to 244°F. You can also try adding a bit of cream to the batch to soften them when reheating.
Can I add flavor variations to these caramels?
Absolutely! You can infuse the cream with flavors like espresso, peppermint, or even citrus zest before adding it to the sugar mixture. Just strain out any solids before combining the cream with the syrup to keep the caramels smooth.
Is it possible to make these caramels vegan?
Yes, you can make a vegan version by substituting the light cream with coconut cream or a non-dairy milk alternative, and using a vegan sugar substitute. Be sure to adjust the cooking times if necessary, as different ingredients may affect the consistency.
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).