Autumn Spice Caramels

The first time I made these autumn spice caramels, my whole kitchen smelled like fall. Sweet butter, warm cinnamon, and a little hint of nutmeg filled the air. It felt cozy and comforting right away.

I love how soft and chewy they turn out. Each bite has that perfect mix of sweetness and spice. They remind me of crisp leaves and cool evenings.

These caramels make great little gifts too. I wrap them up in wax paper, and everyone always asks for more. They’re simple to make but taste like something from a candy shop.

So grab your saucepan and those fall spices. Let’s make a batch of these soft, buttery caramels that taste just like the season.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Reader Favorite: “These caramels are a must-try! Perfectly soft, chewy, and full of warm spices. I can’t stop eating them!”
• Seasonal Delight: With flavors like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, these caramels are a celebration of autumn in every bite.
• Easy to Make: You don’t need to be a candy-making expert to make these delicious caramels—just follow a few simple steps, and you’ll be amazed by the results.
• Soft & Chewy: These caramels have the perfect texture—not too hard, not too soft—but just right to melt in your mouth.
• Perfect for Gifting: Whether it’s for a special occasion or just because, these caramels make a thoughtful homemade gift. Wrap them up in wax paper and share the joy!

Required Kitchen Tools

Before diving into the recipe, make sure you have the following tools:

• 8-inch Square Baking Pan: This is the perfect size to shape your caramels evenly.
• Parchment Paper: To line your baking pan for easy removal of the caramels after they cool.
• Large Heavy-Duty Saucepan: For cooking the caramel mixture. Make sure it’s large enough to accommodate the ingredients as they bubble up.
• Candy Thermometer: An essential tool to make sure your caramel reaches the right temperature for that perfect chewy consistency.
• Spatula: Use a heatproof spatula to stir the caramel and ensure it doesn’t stick to the pan.
• Cutting Board: For slicing your cooled caramels into perfect squares.
• Wax Paper: To wrap the caramels and keep them fresh, plus they make great little gifts!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create these delightful caramels:

• 1 cup unsalted butter: Adds richness and depth to the caramel.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: This is the main sweetener that will give your caramels their classic sugary taste.
• 1 cup brown sugar (packed): Brown sugar helps to bring in a bit of molasses flavor and deepens the caramel’s color.
• 1 cup light corn syrup: This keeps the caramels smooth and prevents them from crystallizing.
• 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk: Gives the caramels their creamy texture.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: The warm vanilla flavor enhances the caramel base.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: The signature fall spice that makes these caramels irresistible.
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Nutmeg brings a warm, aromatic flavor that perfectly complements the cinnamon.
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger: Adds just the right hint of spiciness.
• Pinch of salt: Elevates the sweetness and balances the flavors.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Autumn Spice Caramels

Making homemade caramels may seem intimidating at first, but with the right tools and a little patience, it’s a breeze. Follow these detailed instructions to create the perfect batch of Autumn Spice Caramels!

1. Prepare the Baking Pan

Start by preparing your 8-inch square baking pan. Line it with parchment paper, allowing some overhang on the sides to make it easier to remove the caramels once they cool. Lightly grease the parchment paper to ensure the caramels don’t stick.

2. Melt Butter and Combine the Sugars

In a large heavy-duty saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. Once the butter is melted, add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and corn syrup. Stir everything together until the sugar dissolves.

3. Add Sweetened Condensed Milk and Spices

Pour in the sweetened condensed milk and add the ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground ginger, and a pinch of salt. Stir continuously to combine. You should begin to smell the lovely spice mixture at this point—it’s like autumn in a pot!

4. Heat the Mixture

Turn the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil. Stir it constantly to prevent burning, scraping the sides of the pan if necessary. Attach your candy thermometer to the side of the pan, making sure it doesn’t touch the bottom. Continue to cook the caramel mixture, stirring occasionally, until it reaches 245°F (118°C) on the thermometer. This is the “firm ball” stage, which gives you that perfect chewy caramel texture.

5. Stir in Vanilla

Once your caramel reaches the correct temperature, remove the saucepan from the heat. Carefully stir in the vanilla extract. Be cautious, as the caramel will bubble up a bit when you add the vanilla.

6. Pour the Caramel into the Prepared Pan

Quickly pour the hot caramel mixture into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to smooth it into an even layer. Be careful not to burn yourself with the hot caramel!

7. Cool and Set

Let the caramel cool at room temperature for about 1-2 hours. Once it’s mostly cooled, transfer it to the refrigerator and let it chill completely for 4-6 hours, or overnight for the best results. The caramels should be firm but still chewy.

8. Cut the Caramels

Once the caramels are fully set, use the parchment paper to lift them out of the pan. Place the block of caramel onto a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to slice it into small squares (about 1 inch each). If you want perfect cuts, you can also lightly warm the knife with hot water to make the process easier.

9. Wrap the Caramels

Cut small pieces of wax paper and wrap each caramel individually. Twist the ends of the wax paper to secure them. This keeps the caramels fresh and makes them perfect for sharing or gifting.

Variations for Autumn Spice Caramels

While these Autumn Spice Caramels are already packed with delicious flavors, you can easily make them your own with a few tweaks. Here are some variations to consider:

• Salted Caramels: Add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top of the caramels once they’ve set for a salted caramel twist.
• Chocolate-Dipped Caramels: Dip the cooled caramels halfway into melted dark or milk chocolate for a rich, indulgent treat.
• Nuts: Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the caramel mixture for some added texture and flavor.
• Maple Caramels: Substitute the corn syrup with maple syrup for a deeper, more natural sweetness.

How to Serve Autumn Spice Caramels

These Autumn Spice Caramels are perfect for a variety of occasions:

• As a Fall Snack: Enjoy them with a hot cup of cider, tea, or coffee during cozy fall afternoons.
• For Gifting: Package them in pretty boxes or jars and give them as gifts for birthdays, holidays, or just because.
• In Desserts: Use the caramels in your fall-themed cakes, cookies, or even as an ice cream topping.
• On a Dessert Table: They make a great addition to any dessert spread for Thanksgiving, Halloween, or other autumn celebrations.

Storing Autumn Spice Caramels

To keep your caramels fresh and chewy:

• Room Temperature: Store the wrapped caramels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
• Refrigeration: If you want them to last longer, store them in the fridge for up to 3-4 weeks. Let them come to room temperature before serving to ensure they’re soft and chewy.

Nutrition (Per Serving)

Here’s a rough idea of the nutritional breakdown for these Autumn Spice Caramels:

Nutrient	Amount per Serving (1 piece)
Calories	70-80 kcal
Total Fat	3-4 g
Saturated Fat	2-3 g
Carbohydrates	11-12 g
Sugars	9-10 g
Protein	<1 g
Fiber	0 g

Conclusion

These Autumn Spice Caramels are the ultimate fall treat. The blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger makes them the perfect way to celebrate the flavors of the season. Whether you’re making them for yourself, as a gift, or for a festive gathering, these caramels are sure to impress. The best part? They’re easy to make and packed with that comforting autumn flavor we all crave. So, grab your saucepan, heat things up, and get ready to indulge in the sweetest fall treat around!