Mexican Vanilla Caramels

Chewy Mexican vanilla caramels with rich, buttery flavor and a smooth bite. This easy homemade candy is perfect for gifting, dessert trays, or a sweet treat worth slowing down for.

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Course: Dessert

Cuisine: Mexican

Keyword: Chewy Candy Recipes, Easy Edible Gifts, Gluten Free Desserts, Holiday Candy Ideas, Homemade Candy Recipes, Make Ahead Sweets, Old Fashioned Candy

Prep Time: 10

Cook Time: 45

Total Time: 55

Servings: pieces

Calories: 146kcal

Author: Jennifer Locklin

Equipment

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Ingredients

1 cup salted butter
2 ¼ cups white sugar
½ cup brown sugar not packed
¼ teaspoon cinnamon
¼ cup corn syrup
2 cups whole goat milk
1 teaspoon Kosher salt
2 teaspoons Mexican vanilla
Sea Salt Flakes for sprinkling

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Instructions

Prepare the Pan

Butter the bottom and sides of a 9-by-13-inch glass baking dish.
Set the dish on hot pads or a trivet.

Cook the Caramel Base

In a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the butter, white sugar, brown sugar, corn syrup, cinnamon, salt, and 1 cup of goat milk.
1 cup salted butter, 2 ¼ cups white sugar, ½ cup brown sugar, ¼ teaspoon cinnamon, ¼ cup corn syrup, 1 teaspoon Kosher salt, 2 cups whole goat milk
Cook over medium heat, stirring until the sugars dissolve.

Boil and Bring to Temperature

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
Add the remaining 1 cup of goat milk.
Attach a candy thermometer, ensuring it does not touch the bottom of the pan.
Continue cooking to 252°F, stirring every 5–10 minutes to prevent scorching and watching closely for boil overs.

Finish and Set the Caramels

When the mixture reaches 252°F, remove from heat.
Stir in the Mexican vanilla.
2 teaspoons Mexican vanilla
Immediately pour the caramel into the prepared baking dish.
Let it cool slightly, then sprinkle lightly with sea salt flakes.
Sea Salt Flakes
Refrigerate until fully set.

Cut and Wrap

Cut into 2-by-2-inch squares.
Wrap each caramel in candy wrappers or waxed paper and store in the refrigerator.

Notes

Substitutions

•Whole goat milk: Whole cow’s milk can be used, but cook carefully as it may scorch more quickly.

•Mexican vanilla: Plain vanilla extract may be substituted.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

•Serve as part of a holiday candy tray.

•Package individually wrapped caramels in small bags or tins for gifting.

Storage

•Store wrapped caramels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

•For longer storage, freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Nutrition

*Nutrition information is automatically calculated based on ingredient data and should be considered an estimate. When multiple ingredient options are provided, the first listed is used for calculation. Optional ingredients and garnishes are not included in the nutrition analysis.