These chewy salted whisky caramels are such a special holiday treat! The best part about these rich confections is that kick of whisky in every bite. Make a double batch and give them away to friends and family as a thoughtful gift made from scratch :).
Brown the butter: In a medium saucepan, add the butter and place over medium heat. As the butter melts, stir it with a rubber spatula to encourage even cooking. Once the butter has fully melted, it will alternate between rapid large bubbles and gentle small foamy bubbles. The butter will be ready once it turns a dark golden color and the fat solids have darkened and settled at the bottom of the pan.
To the brown butter, add the brown sugar, light corn syrup, and sea salt, and stir until fully combined, about 2 minutes.
Mix in the sweetened condensed milk, and stir frequently as it comes to a boil. Once it reaches 250 degrees F, continue cooking for 3 more minutes.
Remove the pan from heat and stir in the whisky and vanilla.
Pour the caramel into the pan, tap it a few times on the counter to release any air bubbles, and allow to set for one hour at room temperature.
Sprinkle the flaky sea salt on top, then place in the fridge to chill for at least one hour.
Use a sharp knife to cut the whisky caramels into small squares or rectangles and enjoy!
Notes
Tap the pan on the counter. Once you pour the caramel into the pan, tap it on the counter to release air bubbles.
Rub butter on your knife before cutting the caramels. To prevent your knife from sticking to the caramels, rub it with a small amount of butter.