Description
Delight in these rich and chewy Fireball Whiskey Caramels, combining the warmth of spicy Fireball whiskey with the deep sweetness of brown sugar and butter. Perfect for gifting or enjoying as a sweet treat, these homemade caramels have a smooth texture and a distinctive cinnamon kick that sets them apart from classic caramels.
Ingredients
Scale
Caramel Ingredients
- 16 ounces brown sugar (about 2¼ packed cups or one 1-pound box)
- 14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup corn syrup
- 1 cup butter
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ⅓ cup Fireball whiskey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the pan: Line a 9×9 or 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring the edges extend over the sides for easy removal of the caramels later. Set aside while you prepare the caramel.
- Combine the ingredients: In a heavy-bottomed 3-quart saucepan, combine the butter, brown sugar, corn syrup, sweetened condensed milk, Fireball whiskey, and salt.
- Cook the caramel mixture: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Cook without stirring until the candy thermometer registers 246°F (firm ball stage), about 10 to 15 minutes. The mixture will darken as it cooks; if using a stainless steel pan, keep heat moderate and swirl occasionally to avoid burning.
- Add vanilla extract: Once at the right temperature, remove the pan promptly from heat. Stir in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated and smooth, which should take less than a minute.
- Pour into pan: Immediately pour the hot caramel into the prepared pan and smooth the surface with a spatula or the back of a spoon.
- Cool completely: Allow the caramel to cool undisturbed at room temperature for 2 to 4 hours until fully set and firm to the touch.
- Cut and wrap: Once cooled, lightly mark the caramel with a ruler then cut into one-inch squares using a buttered knife. Wrap each piece in wax paper to prevent sticking. Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to two weeks.
Notes
- Use a candy thermometer for accuracy to achieve the perfect caramel texture.
- Swirling the pan instead of stirring helps prevent crystallization and burning.
- Be sure to let the caramel cool completely before cutting for clean edges.
- Wrapping caramels individually in wax paper keeps them fresh and prevents sticking.
- Adjust whiskey amount slightly for a milder or stronger cinnamon flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 caramel square (approx. 15g)
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 4.5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0.5g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
