Lemon Rosemary Caramels with Fresh Herbs
These artisanal caramels combine rich buttery sweetness with bright lemon zest and fragrant fresh rosemary. The amber-colored confections offer a sophisticated balance of citrus and herbal notes that make them perfect for gift-giving or elegant dessert presentation. Unlike traditional caramels, these feature a unique savory-sweet profile that appeals to adventurous palates. The careful temperature control creates a perfect chewy texture that holds the delicate herb and citrus flavors beautifully.
Ingredients
- 5 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup whipping cream
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary leaves, finely chopped
- 2 teaspoons lemon peel, gratedorange peel1:1citrus
Orange zest creates different but complementary flavor
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- ¼ cup light corn syrup
- ¼ cup water
Instructions
- 1
Line 9-inch square pan with parchment paper and spray with cooking spray
- 2
Heat butter, whipping cream and salt to boiling in 1-quart saucepan then remove from heat
- 3
Stir in rosemary and lemon peel and set aside
- 4
Mix sugar, corn syrup and water in 3-quart saucepan without stirring
- 5
Heat to boiling over medium-high heat and boil until sugar turns light golden amber color
- 6
Add cream mixture and beat with whisk until mixture reaches proper temperature
- 7
Pour into prepared pan and cool for 10 minutes
- 8
Garnish with additional rosemary and lemon peel if desired
- 9
Cool completely then cut into squares
Tips
Use a candy thermometer for accurate temperature readings to ensure proper caramel consistency and avoid burning the sugar mixture.
Chop rosemary very finely to distribute the herb flavor evenly without creating tough pieces in the finished caramels.
Line the pan with parchment paper for easy removal and clean cutting of the cooled caramels into uniform squares.
Good to Know
Store cut caramels wrapped individually in wax paper or parchment at room temperature for up to 2 weeks in airtight container
Can be made up to 2 weeks ahead and stored properly wrapped at room temperature
Serve at room temperature as individual pieces or arranged on dessert platter
Common Mistakes
Avoid stirring sugar mixture while boiling to prevent crystallization and grainy texture
Use candy thermometer for accurate temperatures to avoid soft or burnt caramels
Chop rosemary very finely to avoid tough herb pieces in finished candy
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
Orange zest creates different but complementary flavor
FAQ
Can I make these without a candy thermometer?
A candy thermometer is essential for proper caramel consistency. Visual cues alone are unreliable and may result in soft or burnt candy that won't set properly.
How long do these caramels keep?
Properly stored wrapped caramels keep for up to 2 weeks at room temperature. Avoid refrigeration as it can make them too hard and affect texture.
Can I freeze these caramels?
Yes, wrap individually and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving for best texture and flavor.