Macadamia & Coconut Caramels

Name: Macadamia & Coconut Caramels
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 64 pieces (1-1/2 pounds).
Cuisine: Comfort Food Desserts, Comfort Food Recipes
Ingredients: 1 teaspoon plus 1/2 cup butter, divided; 1 cup packed light brown sugar; 1/2 cup light corn syrup; 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar; 3/4 cup sweetened condensed milk; 1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut; 1/2 cup chopped macadamia nuts; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

I collect cookbooks from all over the world and use them to create new dishes. These smooth caramels have a scrumptious and exotic flavor. —Sharon Delaney-Chronis, South Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Ingredients

1 teaspoon plus 1/2 cup butter, divided
1 cup packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
3/4 cup sweetened condensed milk
1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut
1/2 cup chopped macadamia nuts
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

Line an 8-in. square baking dish with foil and grease the foil with 1 teaspoon butter; set aside.
In a large heavy saucepan, combine the brown sugar, corn syrup, cream of tartar and remaining butter; bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Remove from the heat; gradually stir in milk. Cook and stir over medium-low heat until a candy thermometer reads 244° (firm-ball stage).
Remove from the heat; stir in remaining ingredients. Pour into prepared dish. Refrigerate until set, at least 2 hours.
Using foil, lift candy out of dish. Gently peel off foil; cut caramel into 1-in. squares. Wrap individually in waxed paper; twist ends. Store in an airtight container.

Editor's Note

We recommend that you test your candy thermometer before each use by bringing water to a boil; the thermometer should read 212°. Adjust your recipe temperature up or down based on your test.

Nutrition Facts

1 piece: 56 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 23mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.

Originally published as Macadamia n Coconut Caramels in Taste of Home December/January 2012

Reviews

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Average Rating:

DebbieT

Feb 8, 2019

These are SO good! I’m not even a big fan of coconut or caramel, but I love these! I will be making them for gifts!
sj55

Dec 14, 2012

LOVED these and so does everyone else!!
MizVickiB

Dec 4, 2012

I made these last year to take to holiday gatherings and everyone loved them. Can't wait to make them this holiday season. Mailed them to my best friend in Florida as a gift and she called asking for more! Definitely my newest annual tradition.
dongreenfield

Dec 21, 2011

Very excellent! I have made caramels using a recipe that has been passed down and was very concerned about using this one that used sweetened condensed milk. But was I surprised at the taste of these. WOW! I have since made 4 more batches and have given them away as gifts - with everyone loving them.
cjburton

Dec 15, 2011

easy to make and awesome :)
ubu

Dec 7, 2011

These are the best caramels!! Firm enough to cut, yet soft enough for the caramel to stretch as you bite into them. I've received so many compliments already.