Laced with the flavor of classic candy canes, these caramels make fantastic gifts for friends and family.

Theyre really just a mix of cooked sugar, cream, and butter.

And while their sweet flavor is lovely on its own, caramels also convey other flavors really well.

Peppermint Caramels with Some Wrapped in Wax Paper, Some Topped with Crushed Candy Cane, and Some Without Toppings, All Next to a Small Bowl of Crushed Candy Canes

Simply Recipes / Jennifer Causey

All you need is a small spoonful of extract.

In fact, the buttery sweetness of the caramels actually enhances the bright flavor of the mint.

Combined, theyre pure holiday magic.

Peppermint Caramels with Some Wrapped in Wax Paper, Some Topped with Crushed Candy Cane, and Some Without Toppings, All Next to a Small Bowl of Crushed Candy Canes

Simply Recipes / Jennifer Causey

The good news is that candy thermometers are easy to get and very easy to use.

There are essentially 2 kinds of thermometers you’re able to consider: Analog and digital.

Analog thermometers are readily available and pretty accurate.

Peppermint Caramels Squares

Simply Recipes / Jennifer Causey

Digital thermometersare generally probes with a digital reader on the end.

Water boils at 212F, while in this recipe, were cooking sugar up to 270F.

A tall-sided pot will help keep any mixture from boiling over.

Peppermint Caramels with One Wrapped in Wax Paper, One in a Bowl Small Bowl of and Topped with Crushed Candy Cane, and Some on the Counter Without Toppings

Simply Recipes / Jennifer Causey

The solution is to heat it back up so that it melts away.

After a couple of minutes, the sugar will dislodge from the bottom and side of the pot.

Spray the parchment with cooking spray.

Peppermint Caramels with Some Wrapped in Wax Paper, Some Topped with Crushed Candy Cane, and Some Without Toppings

Simply Recipes / Jennifer Causey

In a small saucepan, heat the cream and butter until the cream is steaming.

Set it aside on the back of the stove.

(If the butter hasnt fully melted, it will continue to melt as the cream sits.)

Baking Pan Lined with Parchment Paper for Peppermint Caramels Recipe

Simply Recipes / Jennifer Causey

(Keep the pastry brush and a cup of water nearby.)

Youll want to use a high-sided saucepan, but give it a test before you add the ingredients.

Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, without stirring.

Heavy Cream and Butter in a Sauce Pan on a Portable Induction Burner for Peppermint Caramel Squares

Simply Recipes / Jennifer Causey

Cook the sugar until it reaches a temperature of 270F, about 15 minutes.

Let the caramel cool for 10 minutes.

Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour.

Pastry Brush Used on Inner Edges of Sauce Pan with Boiling Sugar and Cornstarch and a Candy Thermometer for Peppermint Caramel Square Recipe

Simply Recipes / Jennifer Causey

As the caramel cools, cut your wax paper or parchment squares for wrapping the candies.

Store the caramels at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 weeks.

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Boiling Sugar, Corn Syrup, and Water in a Sauce Pan with a Candy Thermometer in It for Holiday Caramels

Simply Recipes / Jennifer Causey

Warm Cream and Butter Mixture Added to Sauce Pan with Boiling Sugar Mixture for Holiday Candy Recipe

Simply Recipes / Jennifer Causey

Caramel Boiling in a Pot with a Thermometer for Holiday Candy

Simply Recipes / Jennifer Causey

Pot of Caramel Poured into Lined Baking Pan

Simply Recipes / Jennifer Causey

Peppermint Caramels Squares Lined Together (Some Have Crushed Candy Corn Toppings and Some Don’t)

Simply Recipes / Jennifer Causey