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Butterscotch Caramel Salty Dogs: A Sweet & Salty Indulgence

The scent of butterscotch always transports me back to my childhood. My grandmother, a woman who could seemingly conjure magic in the kitchen, always had a stash of butterscotch candies hidden in her apron pocket. As a child, those candies were more than just a treat; they were a symbol of warmth, love, and the simple joys of being with family. These Butterscotch Caramel Salty Dogs capture that nostalgic feeling, blending the comforting sweetness of butterscotch with chewy caramel and a satisfying crunch of salty peanuts. They are a playful, modern twist on a classic combination, perfect for sharing (or not!) and sparking sweet memories of your own.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yields: 22-25 pieces
Dietary Type: Vegetarian

Ingredients

1 (12 ounce) package butterscotch chips
1 cup marshmallow cream
½ cup instant nonfat dry milk powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
22-25 individual chewy caramel candies, such as Brach’s
2 tablespoons milk
2 cups salted peanuts, coarsely chopped

Equipment Needed

Medium-sized glass bowl
Microwave
Wax paper

Instructions

In a medium-sized glass bowl, melt the butterscotch chips in the microwave on high for about 2 minutes. Keep a close eye on it to avoid burning, and microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, if necessary.
Remove the bowl from the microwave and stir in the marshmallow cream and powdered milk. It is important to ensure the butterscotch chips are fully melted and smooth before adding the other ingredients, as this helps to achieve a uniform mixture.
Add the vanilla and mix well. The mixture will be very thick. This is normal! Don’t be tempted to add more liquid. The mixture will come together as you knead it.
At this point, use your hands and knead the mixture almost like bread dough. This is where the magic happens. The warmth of your hands will help the ingredients combine into a pliable dough.
Roll the mixture into walnut-sized pieces and shape them like your little finger. You can use slightly damp hands to prevent the mixture from sticking.
Place the finger shapes on wax paper to set. This will take about 10-15 minutes at room temperature, or you can speed up the process by placing them in the refrigerator for a shorter amount of time.
In a separate bowl, melt the caramels and milk together in the microwave on high for 1.5 to 2 minutes. Again, microwave in shorter intervals (30 seconds) and stir to prevent burning. The milk helps to thin the caramel, creating a smoother coating.
Remove from the microwave and stir well until the caramel is completely smooth and melted. Allow the caramel to cool slightly before rolling the butterscotch fingers.
Roll set fingers into the caramel mixture, making sure the caramel is not too hot and won’t burn your fingers. A fork can be helpful to lift and rotate the fingers in the caramel.
Once rolled in caramel, immediately roll in chopped nuts and place back on the wax paper to harden. The nuts will adhere better to the caramel while it is still warm and pliable.
Allow the Butterscotch Caramel Salty Dogs to harden completely before serving. This may take an hour or two at room temperature, or a shorter time in the refrigerator.
You can vary the yield by how large or small you make the “fingers.” Smaller fingers will result in more pieces, while larger fingers will yield fewer, but more substantial, treats.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Control the Heat: Be careful not to overheat the butterscotch or caramel in the microwave, as this can cause them to burn or become grainy. Use short bursts of time and stir frequently.
Kneading is Key: Don’t skimp on the kneading step. This is crucial for creating a smooth, cohesive dough.
Salted vs. Unsalted Peanuts: Salted peanuts are recommended for the perfect salty-sweet balance. However, if you prefer a less salty treat, you can use unsalted peanuts and add a pinch of sea salt to the finished product.
Caramel Consistency: If the caramel mixture becomes too thick while you are working, you can microwave it for a few seconds to re-melt it.
Alternative Nuts: While peanuts are the classic choice, feel free to experiment with other nuts, such as almonds, pecans, or walnuts.
Make Ahead: You can make the butterscotch fingers ahead of time and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for a day or two before dipping them in caramel and nuts.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These Butterscotch Caramel Salty Dogs are best served at room temperature, allowing the caramel to be pleasantly chewy. Arrange them artfully on a platter for a dessert buffet, or individually wrap them in cellophane for a charming homemade gift.

To store, place the hardened candies in an airtight container lined with wax paper. They can be stored at room temperature for up to a week or in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Freezing is not recommended, as the caramel may become sticky upon thawing.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	207 kcal	10%
Total Fat	11.5g	17%
Saturated Fat	4g	19%
Cholesterol	0.9mg	0%
Sodium	164mg	6%
Total Carbohydrate	23g	7%
Dietary Fiber	1.2g	4%
Sugars	17g	68%
Protein	4.7g	9%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.

Variations & Substitutions

Nut-Free Version: Substitute the peanuts with toasted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds.
Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted dark or milk chocolate over the finished candies for an extra layer of indulgence.
Spiced Caramel: Add a pinch of cinnamon, cardamom, or ginger to the caramel mixture for a warm, festive flavor.
Butterscotch Swirl: Instead of fully melting the butterscotch chips, leave some partially melted for a swirled effect in the fingers.
Different Extracts: Experiment with different extracts, such as almond, maple, or rum, to add unique flavor notes.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Why is my butterscotch mixture so thick?
A: The combination of melted butterscotch, marshmallow cream, and powdered milk creates a naturally thick mixture. This is normal and helps the candies hold their shape. Just knead it well until it becomes pliable.

Q: Can I use a different type of caramel candy?
A: Yes, you can use any type of chewy caramel candy that you like. Just be sure to adjust the amount of milk as needed to achieve a smooth, melted consistency.

Q: How can I prevent the caramel from burning in the microwave?
A: Microwave the caramel in short intervals (30 seconds) and stir frequently to prevent burning. Watch it carefully and remove it from the microwave as soon as it is melted and smooth.

Q: My candies are sticking to the wax paper. What should I do?
A: Make sure the wax paper is clean and dry. You can also lightly grease it with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Q: Can I freeze these Butterscotch Caramel Salty Dogs?
A: Freezing is not recommended, as the caramel may become sticky upon thawing. It’s best to store them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator.

Final Thoughts

These Butterscotch Caramel Salty Dogs are a delightful treat that’s sure to please both kids and adults alike. The combination of sweet butterscotch, chewy caramel, and salty peanuts is simply irresistible. Don’t be afraid to get creative with variations and substitutions to make them your own. I encourage you to try this recipe and share your feedback. Pair these with a strong cup of coffee or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the perfect ending to any meal. Happy baking!

Butterscotch Caramel Salty Dogs Recipe