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There’s something magical about homemade caramels. The buttery sweetness, the melt-in-your-mouth texture—absolute bliss! Add a fiery cinnamon whiskey twist, and you’ve got a candy that’s sure to steal the show. These Fireball Whiskey Caramels are easy to make, irresistibly delicious, and ideal for gifting or indulging in yourself.
Whether you’re a seasoned candy maker or trying your hand at caramel for the first time, this recipe is your ticket to confectionery perfection. Let’s dive in!
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Buy Now →Why You’ll Love These Fireball Whiskey Caramels
1. Bold and Unique Flavor
The subtle warmth of Fireball whiskey pairs beautifully with the rich, buttery sweetness of the caramel. It’s a combination that feels festive and indulgent, perfect for holiday gatherings or simply treating yourself.
2. Simple to Make
With just a handful of ingredients and basic tools, these caramels come together effortlessly. Even if you’re new to candy-making, this step-by-step recipe will guide you to success.
3. Perfect for Gifting
Wrapped in wax paper, these caramels look as delightful as they taste. Whether tucked into holiday gift boxes or shared at parties, they’re always a hit.
What Do Fireball Whiskey Caramels Taste Like?
Imagine the classic, buttery sweetness of caramel enhanced with a spicy cinnamon note from Fireball whiskey. The warmth lingers just enough to complement the sweetness, creating a perfectly balanced treat. Add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top for a touch of elegance and extra flavor contrast.
Ingredients
- 16 ounces brown sugar (use a one-pound box or 2¼ packed cups)
- 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup corn syrup
- 1 cup butter
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ⅓ cup Fireball whiskey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
Tools You’ll Need
- 3-quart heavy-bottomed saucepan
- Candy thermometer
- Wax paper (for wrapping caramels)
- 9×9 or 8×8 baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Buttered knife (for cutting caramels)
How to Make Fireball Whiskey Caramels
Step 1: Prepare the Pan
Line a 9×9 or 8×8 baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring the edges extend slightly over the sides for easy removal. Set aside.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
In a 3-quart, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine butter, brown sugar, corn syrup, sweetened condensed milk, Fireball whiskey, and salt.
Step 3: Cook the Mixture
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Without stirring, cook until the candy thermometer reads 246°F (firm ball stage). This process takes about 10-15 minutes. Gently swirl the pan occasionally to prevent crystallization, and watch as the mixture darkens to a beautiful caramel hue.
Step 4: Add Vanilla
Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and bubbling subsides.
Step 5: Pour and Cool
Pour the hot caramel into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the surface. Let it cool completely at room temperature, undisturbed, for 2 to 4 hours. This ensures a smooth, firm caramel texture.
Step 6: Cut and Wrap
Once cooled, use a buttered knife to cut the caramel into one-inch squares. For uniform pieces, lightly mark the caramel with a ruler before cutting. Wrap each square in wax paper to prevent sticking.
Tips for Perfect Fireball Whiskey Caramels
- Have everything measured and ready before you start cooking. The caramel process moves quickly, and preparation is key.
- Use soft, room-temperature butter to ensure a smoother mixture.
- Spray your measuring cup with nonstick spray before measuring corn syrup for easy pouring.
- Use a wooden spoon to stir the caramel mixture, as it won’t get too hot or alter the flavor.
- If you’re short on time, let the caramels cool at room temperature for an hour, then refrigerate for another hour. Avoid freezing, as this can make the caramels too hard to cut.
- Sprinkle flaky sea salt on the caramel immediately after pouring it into the pan for a sophisticated finish.
What to Serve with Fireball Whiskey Caramels
These caramels are delightful on their own, but they also pair well with:
- A warm cup of coffee or spiced tea
- Vanilla ice cream as a topping
- A festive cocktail with complementary flavors, like a cinnamon-spiced old fashioned
Storage Instructions
Store the wrapped caramels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator, but allow them to come to room temperature before enjoying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use a Different Whiskey?
Absolutely! While Fireball adds a unique cinnamon flavor, any whiskey will work. Experiment with your favorite for a custom twist.
Why Didn’t My Caramel Set Properly?
If your caramels are too soft, they may not have reached the firm ball stage. Double-check your candy thermometer’s calibration to ensure accuracy.
Can I Skip the Alcohol?
Yes! Simply omit the Fireball whiskey for classic buttery caramels.
Related Recipes to Try
Looking for more sweet treats? Check out these recipes:
- Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Balls: A Sweet Vintage Treat
- Maple Nut Fudge: A Sweet No-Fuss Treat for Any Occasion
- Classic Vanilla Fudge: A Rich Homemade Candy Shop Delight
Share Your Creations
We’d love to see how your Fireball Whiskey Caramels turn out! Share your photos and tag us on Pinterest at Emma Recipes.
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Wrap-Up
With their bold flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture, these Fireball Whiskey Caramels are a must-try for anyone who loves homemade candy. Whether you’re gifting them or keeping them all to yourself, they’re guaranteed to bring a smile with every bite.
Enjoy, and don’t forget to explore our other candy recipes for more inspiration!
Fireball Whiskey Caramels: Sweet, Buttery, and Perfect for Gifting
- Total Time: 4 hours 35 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 64 caramels 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Sweet, buttery caramels with a warm cinnamon whiskey kick! These easy-to-make treats are perfect for gifting, sharing at gatherings, or satisfying your sweet tooth.
Ingredients
- 16 ounces brown sugar (use a one-pound box or 2¼ packed cups)
- 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup corn syrup
- 1 cup butter
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ⅓ cup Fireball whiskey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
Instructions
- Line a 9×9 or 8×8 baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring the edges extend for easy removal. Set aside.
- In a 3-quart heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine butter, brown sugar, corn syrup, sweetened condensed milk, Fireball whiskey, and salt.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat and cook without stirring until a candy thermometer reads 246°F (firm ball stage). This takes about 10-15 minutes. Gently swirl the pan occasionally.
- Remove the pan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and bubbling subsides.
- Pour the caramel into the prepared pan and smooth the surface. Let it cool undisturbed at room temperature for 2 to 4 hours.
- Once cooled, use a buttered knife to cut into one-inch squares. Wrap each square in wax paper.
Notes
- Have all your ingredients measured and ready before starting, as the process moves quickly.
- To prevent sticking, lightly coat your knife with butter before cutting.
- Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top for a sweet-salty flavor boost.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- chill time: 4 hours
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: stovetop
- Cuisine: american
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 caramel square
- Calories: 85
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 35mg
- Fat: 4.5g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 0.5g
- Cholesterol: 10mg