So much better than store-bought candies, these homemade caramel candy recipes make special treats during the holidays or any time of year.
13 Homemade Caramel Candy Recipes
Updated on Mar. 09, 2023
Pecan Caramel Candies
Salty and sweet, these candies are the perfect little snack. Form a kitchen assembly line with your kids, and the making becomes just as fun as the eating. —Julie Wemhoff, Angola, Indiana
1/13
2/13
Creamy Caramels
Total Time
40 min
Servings
64 pieces (2-1/2 pounds)
From the Recipe Creator:
I discovered this caramel recipe in a local newspaper years ago and have made these soft buttery caramels ever since. I make them for Christmas, picnics and charity auctions—and they are so much better than store-bought caramels. Once people have a taste, they ask for the recipe. —Marcie Wolfe, Williamsburg, Virginia
Even the most seasoned candy makers will benefit from knowing the most common caramel making mistakes.
3/13
Walnut Caramels
Total Time
35 min
Servings
3-3/4 pounds (117 pieces)
From the Recipe Creator:
My grandmother was the queen of care packages. The Christmas season didn’t start until the mail carrier arrived with her anticipated box of goodies. These caramels are my father’s favorite. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah
4/13
Caramel Pretzel Bites
Total Time
45 min
Servings
6 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I created this recipe wanting to make my own version of a popular candy store pretzel log dipped in caramel, chocolate and nuts. These bites are smothered with homemade caramel. —Michilene Klaver, Grand Rapids, Michigan
5/13
Creamy Orange Caramels
Total Time
40 min
Servings
about 2-1/2 pounds (80 pieces)
From the Recipe Creator:
Each Christmas I teach myself a new candy recipe. Last year I started with my caramel recipe and added a splash of orange extract for fun. This year I just might try buttered rum extract. —Shelly Bevington-Fisher, Hermiston, Oregon
6/13
Coconut Caramels
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
4 pounds
From the Recipe Creator:
When I had an abundance of coconut milk, I came up with the idea of using it to flavor homemade caramels. They’re always among the first of my Christmas candies to disappear.—Wendy Rusch, Trego, Wisconsin
7/13
Chocolate Pecan Caramels
Total Time
35 min
Servings
about 6-3/4 dozen (1-1/2 pounds)
From the Recipe Creator:
I haven't missed a year making this candy for the holidays since a friend gave me the recipe in 1964! It is made like a pan of upside-down bars and tastes like my favorite caramel pecan candies. We are natives of the Lone Star State who moved to Ohio when my husband was transferred several years ago. —June Humphrey, Strongsville, Ohio
8/13
Soft Chewy Caramels
Total Time
25 min
Servings
about 2-1/2 pounds
From the Recipe Creator:
One of my first experiences with cooking was helping my mother make these caramels. We'd make up to 12 batches each year. Today, I do at least 95 percent of the cooking at home, but my wife does much of the baking. —Robert Sprenkle, Hurst, Texas
9/13
Beer and Pretzel Caramels
Total Time
1 hour 50 min
Servings
about 3 pounds (81 servings)
From the Recipe Creator:
Beer and pretzels are a natural combination—mix them with smooth caramel and you have an awesome candy. The guys will go wild over these crunchy, chunky chews. —Jenni Sharp, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
10/13
Chocolate Caramels
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
32 pieces (1-1/4 pounds)
From the Recipe Creator:
When I was growing up, my mom made these delicious candies every Christmas. They were my favorite then and still are today. —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
11/13
Soft 'n' Chewy Caramels
Total Time
35 min
Servings
2 pounds (108 pieces)
From the Recipe Creator:
This candy is a must at our house for Christmas. I made these caramels with my children, and now I enjoy making them with our eight grandchildren too. —Darlene Edinger, Turtle Lake, North Dakota
12/13
Licorice Caramels
Total Time
40 min
Servings
about 12 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Fans of black licorice won't be able to stop eating these gooey caramels. I appreciate their ease of preparation. —Donna Higbee, Riverton, Utah
13/13
Soft Rum Caramels
Total Time
40 min
Servings
1-1/2 pounds
From the Recipe Creator:
I adapted a family recipe to come up with these melt-in-your-mouth caramels. My husband and daughter eagerly volunteer to eat any scraps from the pan!
—Kelly-Ann Gibbons, Prince George, British Columbia
