Chocolate Caramel Critters

Name: Chocolate Caramel Critters
Prep time: 40 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 36 critters
Ingredients: Caramel; 1/2 cup sugar; 1/2 cup Land O Lakes® Heavy Whipping Cream; 1/4 cup Land O Lakes® Butter cut into chunks; 1/4 cup light corn syrup; 14 cup firmly packed brown sugar; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; Decorations; 36 flat pretzel-shaped crisps; String licorice, cut into 2-inch pieces, if desired; 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips; 1 teaspoon shortening; Mini candy-covered chocolate pieces; Slivered almonds

Salty and sweet, chewy and crunchy, these critters are sure to please.

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40 min

Prep Time

40 min

Total Time

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Ingredients

Caramel

¹/₂ cup sugar

¹/₂ cup Land O Lakes® Heavy Whipping Cream

¹/₄ cup Land O Lakes® Butter, cut into chunks

¹/₄ cup light corn syrup

14 cup firmly packed brown sugar

¹/₂ teaspoon vanilla extract

Decorations

36 flat pretzel-shaped crisps

String licorice, cut into 2-inch pieces, if desired

¹/₂ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

1 teaspoon shortening

Mini candy-covered chocolate pieces

Slivered almonds

How to make

STEP 1

Combine all caramel ingredients except vanilla in heavy, nonstick 1-quart saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, 11-15 minutes or until butter is melted and mixture comes to a boil.
STEP 2

Continue cooking until candy thermometer reaches 240°F to 244°F. Remove from heat; stir in vanilla. Pour hot caramel mixture into small heat resistant measuring cup or bowl. Let cool 5-10 minutes or until firm enough to spoon.
STEP 3

Line 2 baking sheets with parchment or waxed paper. Lay 18 pretzel crisps on each baking sheet. Spoon about 1 teaspoon caramel on top of each pretzel crisp. Immediately insert licorice pieces into caramel for legs. Let stand 10 minutes or until caramel is cool and almost firm.
STEP 4

Combine chocolate chips and shortening in bowl. Microwave 1 minute; stir until chocolate is melted and smooth. Spread 1/4 teaspoon chocolate near top of each caramel critter. Top with 2 chocolate pieces for eyes and 2 almond halves for teeth.
STEP 5

Make edible spider web by drawing outline of spider web using your favorite white frosting. Set Chocolate Caramel Critters on top.