Homemade Caramels are soft, chewy, buttery, melt-in-your-mouth treats perfect for gifting, holiday tins, or cozy winter snacking.
Author:Emily
Prep Time:20 minutes
Cook Time:30 minutes
Total Time:8 hours
Yield:36 pieces 1x
Category:Candy
Method:Stovetop
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
1 cup (226g) unsalted butter
2 1/4 cups (450g) packed brown sugar
1 cup (240ml) light corn syrup
1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon salt (optional)
Flaky sea salt, for topping (optional)
Instructions
Line an 8×8 or 9×9 baking dish with parchment, leaving overhang for easy lifting.
In a heavy saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter completely.
Stir in brown sugar and corn syrup. Cook, stirring constantly, until sugar dissolves.
Slowly pour in condensed milk while stirring. Bring mixture to a gentle boil.
Continue stirring and cook until caramel reaches 238–240°F (soft-ball stage). Without a thermometer, test by dropping a bit into cold water—it should form a soft ball.
Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and optional salt.
Carefully pour caramel into prepared pan and smooth the top. Add flaky salt if desired.
Let cool at room temperature for several hours until firm.
Lift out using parchment, slice into squares, and wrap in wax paper for storage or gifting.