During the holiday season, the aroma of freshly baked goods fills homes with warmth and joy. German Christmas baking is a tradition that brings families together to create delicious treats that embody the spirit of the season. One such delightful recipe is the “Karamellstangen Caramel Sticks.” These sweet and crunchy treats are perfect for adding a touch of indulgence to your holiday dessert spread. With a buttery caramel flavor and a hint of spice, these caramel sticks are sure to become a favorite among your loved ones. Let’s dive into the recipe to spread some holiday cheer with these delightful treats!
Karamellstangen Caramel Sticks
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/4 cup sugar
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 1/4 cup chopped almonds
– 1/2 cup caramel candies, unwrapped
– 2 tbsp heavy cream
– 1/4 cup chocolate chips, for drizzling (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set it aside.
2. In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, sugar, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt until smooth and well combined.
3. Gradually add the flour to the mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms. Fold in the chopped almonds until evenly distributed.
4. Take a small amount of dough and roll it into a thin stick shape, about 4 inches long. Place it on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining dough, spacing the sticks about an inch apart.
5. Bake the caramel sticks in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until they turn golden brown. Remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.
6. While the sticks are cooling, prepare the caramel sauce. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the unwrapped caramel candies and heavy cream. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the caramel is smooth and melted.
7. Dip each caramel stick halfway into the melted caramel sauce, allowing any excess to drip off. Place the dipped sticks back on the parchment paper to set.
8. If desired, melt the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-second intervals until smooth. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the caramel sticks for an extra touch of sweetness.
9. Let the caramel sticks sit until the caramel and chocolate set before serving. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature.
Enjoy these Karamellstangen Caramel Sticks as a festive addition to your holiday gatherings. The perfect balance of buttery dough, crunchy almonds, sweet caramel, and decadent chocolate makes them a delightful treat for both children and adults. Whether you gift them to friends or savor them with a cup of hot cocoa by the fireplace, these caramel sticks are bound to become a cherished part of your holiday traditions. Try making a batch today and let the sweet flavors of the season fill your home with joy!
