Simple and easy caramels made in the microwave with just one bowl and no candy thermometer!  Sprinkle them with salt, dip or drizzle them with chocolate or wrap them in waxed paper to give as gifts!
caramels made in the microwave with salt on top some wrapped in paper

I’ve been making these for as long as I can remember!

These are delicious chewy little caramels that are very simple to make and no candy thermometer is required!!  They can be used in any recipe that requires you to purchase and unwrap little caramels and are just perfect enjoyed on their own.

The smaller the dish you use, the thicker the caramels will be, I like to make them in an 8×8 pan.  A larger dish will just mean a thinner caramel.

caramels made in the microwave sprinkled with salt on top

You can cut them into squares or into longer sticks. If you’re giving them as a gift, it’s nice to cut them into sticks and wrap each one in a small piece of waxed paper or pretty candy wrappers.

Once they are cut into squares, they are still quite pliable so we store them in the fridge until about an hour before serving!  They are perfect dipped or drizzled with chocolate and sprinkled with a little sea salt (or skip the chocolate for a salted caramel).

caramels made in the microwave with chocolate drizzled overtop

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6 minute caramels laid out on parchment paper
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Easy Microwave Caramels

Simple and easy caramels made in the microwave with just one bowl and no candy thermometer! Sprinkle them with salt, dip or drizzle them with chocolate or wrap them in waxed paper to give as gifts!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 6 minutes
Total Time 16 minutes
Servings 36 caramels
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Ingredients  

  • ¼ cup unsalted butter
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • ½ cup corn syrup (Karo Syrup)
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup sweetened condensed milk

Optional Toppings

  • Salt
  • Chocolate

Instructions 

  • Mix all ingredients in a large microwave safe bowl (the mixture will bubble up so make sure there is lots of room in the bowl).
  • Microwave on high for 6-7 minutes, stirring every 90 seconds.
  • Pour into a small buttered dish and allow to cool completely. Cut into small squares.
  • If desired, drizzle with chocolate and a sprinkle of sea salt.

Note: This mixture gets VERY hot. Ensure there are no children underfoot when you make this.

    Notes

    This was cooked in a 1000W microwave at 6 minutes and produced a soft yet chewy caramel.
    Nutrition calculated without salt or chocolate garnish.
    4.85 from 99 votes

    Nutrition Information

    Calories: 60 | Carbohydrates: 11g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 4mg | Sodium: 25mg | Potassium: 19mg | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 50IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 16mg

    Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

    Course Candy, Dessert
    Cuisine American

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    Recipe Adapted from Food.com
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    caramels made in the microwave with salt on top and chocolate with a title

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    About the author

    Holly Nilsson is the creator of Spend With Pennies, where she creates easy, comforting recipes made for real life. With a passion for nostalgic flavors and simplified techniques, Holly helps busy home cooks create delicious meals that always work. She is also the author of “Everyday Comfort,” which promises to inspire even more hearty, home-cooked meals.
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    Comments

    1. I’ve been making this recipe for a few years now and love it! So much better than standing over a stove stirring for 30 min! I microwave for 7.5 min but do not put in the frig. I add 1 t of vanilla before I pour the hot mixture in my 8×8 Pyrex pan. They are always soft to chew but firm enough to hold their shape.5 stars

    2. Love These!!! Great Caramels and so easy to make. My Grandchildren always request these for Christmas, they come over and have fun making them with me.5 stars