
Looking to add a little heat and spice into your Valentine’s Day treats? Just need some candy in house? (Me too!) These sweet and spicy soft chews are the perfect balance and a surprising treat.
Ingredients
This recipe is pretty easy with only a few ingredients!
- Vegetable oil for dish
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2 1/4 cups sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut in small pieces
- 1 1/4 cups light corn syrup
- 3-4 habaneros
- 1/2 teaspoon course salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
Equipment
- 13×9 pan
- Parchment paper
- Candy thermometer
- Mesh strainer
Directions
Start by greasing a 13 x 9 pan. Line with parchment paper and leave a little overhang. Grease the parchment. Set aside.
Prepare the habaneros by cutting slits into the pepper. Don’t cut all the way through.

Bring cream, sugar, butter, corn syrup and habaneros to a boil over high heat until sugar dissolves. Reduce the heat to medium-high until caramel reaches 248°. This will take about 15 minutes.

Remove from heat and use the mesh trainer to remove the habaneros. Stir in salt and vanilla. Pour into the prepared pan and let sit, uncovered, until room temperature.

Cut the caramels into small pieces – this can be tricky! I found using a bench scraper works well!

Wrap into parchment paper or wax paper.

These caramels can be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw before surviving. Beware – these caramels are SPICY.
Xo love Kim