This Cinnamon Caramels recipe comes together in about 30 minutes and does all the hard work in one pot for a quick and easy sweet treat that your family will love! You can easily switch up the ingredients, think about adding nuts or even chocolate pieces, or use it as a ‘clean out the fridge’ meal to mix and match whatever you have on hand. Perfect for those surprise guests or when you’ve got a sweet tooth that won’t quit!
Ingredients for the Best Cinnamon Caramels
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this deliciously sweet treat. Don’t worry; it’s pretty simple, and most of these ingredients are staples in your pantry!
- 2 cups white sugar : Your classic sweetener that gives these caramels that signature sweetness.
- 1 ½ cups light corn syrup : This ingredient helps keep the caramels nice and chewy.
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream : Adds richness and creaminess that makes these caramels truly indulgent.
- 1 cup butter : It’s got to be the real deal! Butter makes everything better, right?
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon oil : Here’s where the magic happens! This ingredient gives these caramels their amazing cinnamon flavor.
- 1 teaspoon red food color gel (optional) : Just for a fun twist!
- Pinch of sea salt (optional) : I like to throw in a couple pinches because, honestly, it really enhances the sweet flavors.
- Nuts or chocolate pieces (optional) : Feel free to mix and match for your taste!
Let’s Get Cooking on These Sweet Treats!
Now, I promise you, making Cinnamon Caramels is way easier than you think. Here’s how it’s done!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare Your Pan : Butter a 9×13 inch pan. Trust me on this, you want your caramels to come out easily, and a little butter goes a long way!
Combine the Base : In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar, corn syrup, heavy cream, and butter. Stir until all the ingredients are nicely combined.
Cook the Mixture : Stay close! Cook the mixture while stirring almost constantly until it reaches 240 degrees Fahrenheit. This could take about 20-30 minutes, and you’ll see it start to bubble up and turn that lovely golden brown color. Don’t leave it unattended, no one likes burnt sugar!
Flavor Your Caramels : Remove the pot from heat. Now, let’s add the cinnamon oil and food coloring if you choose to use it. Stir it in until everything is well mixed and until fragrant oh, the aroma is divine!
Pour and Cool : Carefully pour the caramel into your buttered pan. Keep the pan level and let it cool at room temperature. This part is crucial because if you refrigerate it too soon, it may not set properly.
Chill and Cut : After about 10-15 minutes at room temperature, you can pop it into the fridge to set completely. Once it’s firm (usually takes about 1-2 hours), take it out and cut the caramels into little squares. I recommend wrapping each piece in wax paper to keep them fresh and easy to grab.
Why I Love This Recipe
Okay, let me just say, this is my go-to recipe when I want something sweet but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Cinnamon Caramels are the ultimate comfort food for me and my kiddos. I’m a real sucker for all things caramel seriously, sprinkle a little sea salt on top, and I am a goner!
The best part is, this isn’t just a recipe; it’s versatile. You can use whatever you have on hand, be it nuts or chocolate, which makes it perfect for that random Saturday when the pantry is looking a little bare. Plus, these caramels are always a hit, every time I make them, my kids are begging for seconds!
If you loved this Cinnamon Caramels, be sure to check out my Cherry Pie Bites, my Classic Cherry Delight, or my Divinity Candy! Each one is a family favorite that will bring everyone together around the table.
Why This Recipe Works
Quick & Easy
- This recipe is a total time-saver. It comes together in under 30 minutes, which means you’ll have a delightful dessert without a huge time commitment. Perfect for those moments when you need something sweet in a pinch!
Minimal Cleanup
- One pot. Yep, you heard that right! This Cinnamon Caramels recipe is all about simplicity and convenience, which means less time cleaning and more time enjoying with your family.
Customizable
- You can mix it up! Got some nuts? Toss ’em in. Prefer vanilla over cinnamon? Change up the flavor! The sky is the limit here, and honestly, that keeps this recipe fun and fresh.
Comfort Food
- This is comfort food at its finest, loaded with richness and sweetness that makes it an instant crowd-pleaser. These caramels are like little bites of happiness that melt in your mouth!
Make-Ahead Friendly
- You can whip these up ahead of time, allowing for a stress-free dessert ready to go whenever you need it. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a make-ahead treat?
Serving Suggestions
You might be wondering, “How can I serve these little treasures?” Well, here are a few ideas:
- Enjoy them as is for a delightful treat after dinner or as a simple dessert.
- Package them up in cute little bags to give away as gifts, especially during the holidays!
- Cut them into smaller pieces and toss them on a bowl of ice cream trust me, it’s a game changer.
Storage Tips
- Storage: These caramels will last a week or two in an airtight container at room temperature. Refrigerate them if you want to keep them longer, just remember to let them sit at room temperature for a bit before serving for that perfect chewy texture.
- Reheating: If they harden up too much in the fridge, simply pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to soften them up before serving.
- Freezer Friendly: Yep, you can freeze them! Just wrap them well and they’ll keep for up to three months. Allow them to thaw in the fridge overnight before enjoying them.
So, there you have it! A recipe that’s quick and easy, versatile, and oh-so-delicious! And if you’re like me, it gives you a bit of that cozy home cooking vibe. Can’t wait for you to whip these up and let me know how your family loves them! Happy cooking! For more Recipes Follow Us in our Pinterest.
Print
Cinnamon Caramels
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 pieces 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful and quick treat that comes together in about 30 minutes, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth or impressing guests.
Ingredients
- 2 cups white sugar
- 1 ½ cups light corn syrup
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup butter
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon oil
- 1 teaspoon red food color gel (optional)
- Pinch of sea salt (optional)
- Nuts or chocolate pieces (optional)
Instructions
- Butter a 9×13 inch pan.
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar, corn syrup, heavy cream, and butter. Stir until well combined.
- Cook the mixture while stirring almost constantly until it reaches 240 degrees Fahrenheit, about 20-30 minutes.
- Remove from heat and add cinnamon oil and food coloring, stirring until well mixed.
- Carefully pour the caramel into the buttered pan and let it cool at room temperature.
- After 10-15 minutes, refrigerate to set completely (usually takes about 1-2 hours), then cut into squares and wrap in wax paper.
Notes
These caramels are versatile; feel free to add nuts or chocolate pieces as desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
