The Story & Intro
There’s something magical about unwrapping a tiny piece of homemade candy during the holidays especially Salted Christmas Caramels. Every December, my kitchen turns into a warm little workshop filled with melted sugar, soft butter, and the kind of aromas that make neighbors “accidentally” drop by. But before I share this cozy recipe with you, let me tell you a bit about the girl behind the apron.
Bonjour my friends! 👋 I’m Lacamorea, a 31-year-old French girl who traded the cobblestone streets of Paris for the cozy kitchens of America 🇫🇷➡️🇺🇸. Ever since I could reach the countertop, I’ve been whisking, stirring, and sneaking tastes of cake batter when no one was looking 🍰😋. Cooking isn’t just my passion it’s my love language, my therapy, and my favorite way to make people smile.
And nothing makes people smile faster than a tray of chewy, buttery Salted Christmas Caramels.
I first learned to make caramel standing on a stool next to my grandmother in her tiny Paris kitchen. She never used a thermometer just intuition and perfect timing two things I definitely didn’t have at age seven. But I remember the joy in her eyes when the caramel turned that deep amber color, the smell that wrapped around the room like a warm hug, and the thrill of sprinkling just the right amount of sea salt on top.
Now, years later in America, I recreate that memory every holiday season. These Salted Christmas Caramels are soft, decadent, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious, with that irresistible contrast of sweetness and sparkle from a touch of flaky salt. They’re the kind of treat that turns a simple moment into a memory, the kind you share with friends, neighbors, teachers, and anyone who deserves a little sweetness.
So grab your saucepan, queue up your favorite holiday playlist, and let’s make the most unforgettable Salted Christmas Caramels together. 🎄✨
⏱️ Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
- Cooling Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: Approximately 2 hours 45 minutes
🛒 Ingredients
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 2 1/4 cups light brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt (for mixing)
- Flaky sea salt (for topping — essential for that Salted Christmas Caramels magic ✨)
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare Your Pan
Line an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving extra overhang so you can easily lift the caramels later. Lightly butter the parchment.
2. Melt the Butter
In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Use a larger pot than you think you need caramel bubbles up!
3. Add Sugar & Corn Syrup
Whisk in the brown sugar and corn syrup until fully combined and smooth.
4. Stir in the Condensed Milk
Pour in the sweetened condensed milk and stir continuously. This prevents burning and gives your Salted Christmas Caramels their signature creamy texture.
5. Cook to 240°F
Attach a candy thermometer to the pot. Cook, stirring constantly, until the caramel reaches the soft-ball stage (240°F).
At this point it should be:
- Deep amber
- Glossy
- Thick but pourable
6. Add Vanilla & Salt
Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and fine sea salt.
7. Pour and Sprinkle
Quickly pour the caramel into your prepared pan. Gently tap to release air bubbles. While still warm, sprinkle flaky sea salt over the top.
8. Cool Completely
Allow your Salted Christmas Caramels to set for at least 2 hours at room temperature. Don’t refrigerate it can make them grainy.
9. Cut & Wrap
Lift the caramel slab using the parchment. Use a sharp knife to slice into small squares. Wrap each piece in wax paper for the classic festive touch!
Serving Suggestions
Looking for cute ways to gift your Salted Christmas Caramels? Try these:
- Fill mini mason jars, tie with twine, and add a personalized tag
- Wrap in festive tins with parchment between layers
- Add them to Christmas cookie trays for variety
- Drop a piece into hot chocolate for a caramel swirl moment
These caramels make the perfect hostess gift, teacher treat, or sweet bite during a Christmas movie marathon.
📝 Notes
- Thermometer Tip: Candy thermometers can sometimes be off by a few degrees. Test yours in boiling water (should read 212°F).
- Flavor Variations:
- Add ½ teaspoon cinnamon for a warm holiday twist
- Stir in crushed peppermint for a frosty pop
- Drizzle with dark chocolate before cutting
- Storage: Keep wrapped caramels in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
- Texture Fix: If caramels are too soft, you didn’t reach 240°F. Too hard? You went over. Still delicious — break them up and sprinkle over ice cream!
🍽️ Nutrition (per piece, approx.)
- Calories: 105
- Fat: 5g
- Carbs: 14g
- Sugar: 12g
- Protein: <1g
(This will vary based on cut size.)
📜 Recipe Card
Salted Christmas Caramels 🎄✨
Ingredients:
🧈 Butter
🍯 Brown sugar
🍶 Corn syrup
🥛 Sweetened condensed milk
🧂 Salt + flaky salt
🌿 Vanilla
Instructions:
1️⃣ Melt butter
2️⃣ Add sugar + syrup
3️⃣ Stir in condensed milk
4️⃣ Cook to 240°F
5️⃣ Add vanilla + salt
6️⃣ Pour, sprinkle, cool
7️⃣ Cut & wrap
Makes: ~45–55 caramels
Best Enjoyed: With Christmas lights twinkling ✨
Short 100-Word INAYA Story Version (as required)
Hi, I’m Inaya, a 38-year-old from the beautiful island of Crete. I grew up learning how food brings people together, watching my grandmother cook dishes filled with love. My kitchen isn’t always tidy, but it’s where memories are made especially during the holidays. These Salted Christmas Caramels remind me of the warmth and laughter of family cooking together. They’re simple, sweet, and meant to be shared. Whether you’re new to candy-making or trying something festive, I hope this recipe helps you create moments that feel like home.
Conclusion
Salted Christmas Caramels aren’t just candy they’re a warm holiday hug wrapped in wax paper. Every batch brings me back to my Paris childhood, my American kitchen adventures, and the joy of sharing something made with love. Make them once, and they’ll become a yearly tradition, a sweet little ritual that brings comfort, sparkle, and smiles.
Now go make magic, mon ami. 🎄✨
