[{"id":418136228053,"handle":"all","title":"all","updated_at":"2026-03-14T06:13:22-05:00","body_html":"","published_at":"2023-08-24T11:44:12-05:00","sort_order":"alpha-asc","template_suffix":"","disjunctive":false,"rules":[{"column":"type","relation":"not_equals","condition":"fee"}],"published_scope":"global"},{"id":489713762517,"handle":"build-a-gift-box","updated_at":"2026-03-14T06:13:22-05:00","published_at":"2025-07-25T10:42:58-05:00","sort_order":"best-selling","template_suffix":"","published_scope":"global","title":"Build a Gift Box!","body_html":"\u003cp class=\"my-0\"\u003eSurprise someone special with a personalized chocolate experience from Hill Country Chocolate. With our Build a Gift Box feature, you can handpick from our selection of artisanal, gourmet chocolates and premium treats—crafted right here in Fredericksburg, Texas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"my-0\"\u003eChoose your favorites to assemble the ultimate gift box for any occasion: birthdays, holidays, celebrations, or simply to delight your friends, family, or clients.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"my-0\"\u003eEach box is thoughtfully packed and can be personalized with a custom note for that extra special touch.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"marker:text-textOff list-disc\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"my-0\"\u003eSelect from a variety of award-winning chocolate bars, truffles, and seasonal specialties\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"my-0\"\u003eTailor your gift to fit any taste, preference, or occasion\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"my-0\"\u003eEach box is beautifully packaged for an unforgettable, indulgent surprise\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"my-0\"\u003eGive the gift of genuine Texas hospitality and craftsmanship—curate your own gift box and share the flavor of Hill Country Chocolate with those you love.\u003c\/p\u003e","image":{"created_at":"2025-07-25T20:26:02-05:00","alt":"Build a Gift Box! - Hill Country Chocolate","width":2048,"height":1365,"src":"\/\/www.hillcountrychocolate.com\/cdn\/shop\/collections\/build-a-gift-box-5836295.jpg?v=1753493163"}},{"id":413547593941,"handle":"confections","title":"Confections","updated_at":"2026-03-14T06:13:22-05:00","body_html":"","published_at":"2022-10-13T16:41:39-05:00","sort_order":"created-desc","template_suffix":"","disjunctive":false,"rules":[{"column":"tag","relation":"equals","condition":"Confections"}],"published_scope":"global"},{"id":405067497685,"handle":"hill-country-chocolate","updated_at":"2026-03-14T06:13:22-05:00","published_at":"2022-04-06T15:46:19-05:00","sort_order":"alpha-asc","template_suffix":"","published_scope":"global","title":"Hill Country Chocolate","body_html":"\u003cp\u003eChocolates \u003c\/p\u003e"},{"id":486395773141,"handle":"multi-ship-products","updated_at":"2026-03-14T06:13:22-05:00","published_at":"2025-06-06T19:23:20-05:00","sort_order":"best-selling","template_suffix":"","published_scope":"global","title":"Multi-Ship Products","body_html":""}]
Immerse yourself in the lavish delight of Hill Country Chocolate's Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Caramels. These exceptional confections are meticulously handcrafted in small batches by our skilled artisans in the heart of Texas Hill Country, ensuring unparalleled quality and flavor.
A favorite among our patrons, each piece of caramel is individually hand-shaped, resulting in a unique soft texture that beautifully combines with the caramel's rich, sweet character. The caramel is fully encased in the finest Swiss dark chocolate imported from Felchlin Switzerland, adding an additional layer of intense richness to captivate your taste buds.
The savory and mineral sea salt, known as fleur de sel, perfectly compliments the caramel and dark chocolate, creating a balance of unique and deeply satisfying flavors.
Located in Fredericksburg, Texas, the center of the Texas wine region, Hill Country Chocolate is a master artisan confectioner. We are dedicated to using premium ingredients and methods to elevate classic and beloved flavors to an extraordinary level.
Relish the rich, intense decadence of our Texas-crafted Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Caramels and understand why Hill Country Chocolate is a cherished brand in the world of artisan confections.
25 pieces.
Flavors
Dark Chocolate and Caramel
Nutrition Facts
CORN SYRUP, DARK CHOCOLATE(cacao, sugar, cocoa butter, lecithin(soy), natural vanilla flavor, milk), SUGAR, HEAVY CREAM, EVAPORATED MILK, BUTTER, VANILLA EXTRACT, SALT, BAKING SODA
Our sea salt caramels are what confectioners call "stand-up caramels"—each piece has perfectly straight sides rather than the slumped shape you see in most commercial caramels. Achieving this requires precision at every step. We cook our caramel in small batches, monitoring the temperature and color until the Maillard reaction creates that deep amber hue and complex, almost smoky sweetness that separates artisan caramel from the ordinary kind.
While the caramel is still warm, we trowel it into silicone molds by hand, scraping the tops flat so each piece is uniform. The molds rest on temperature-controlled tables that cool the caramel evenly. We pop the caramels out just before enrobing them in Felchlin Swiss dark chocolate—timing matters here, because the chocolate needs to seal against the caramel while it's still slightly tacky. The final touch is a sprinkle of fleur de sel, the French sea salt harvested by hand from coastal evaporation ponds. Its mineral complexity and delicate crunch elevate the entire experience.
How We Make Our Caramels:
Cooked in small batches using real butter, heavy cream, and pure vanilla—no shortcuts or artificial flavors
Hand-molded using silicone forms and temperature-controlled cooling tables to achieve the signature "stand-up" shape
Each caramel is enrobed (fully coated) in premium Felchlin Swiss dark chocolate, not dipped
Finished with fleur de sel sea salt from France, known for its grey hue, high mineral content, and delicate flavor
The extended cooking time triggers the Maillard reaction, which creates the caramel's rich color and depth of flavor
Soft, chewy texture is calibrated to yield without sticking to your teeth
Product FAQs
How should I store sea salt caramels?
Store caramels in a cool, dry place between 60-70°F. Keep them in an airtight container to prevent the caramel from drying out or absorbing odors. Avoid refrigeration—cold temperatures harden the caramel and can cause the chocolate to bloom (develop white streaks). If your home is warm, a wine refrigerator set to 55-60°F works well.
What is the shelf life of Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Caramels?
Our caramels stay fresh for 4-6 weeks when stored properly. The chocolate coating helps preserve the caramel inside by creating a moisture barrier. You'll find a "best by" date on each box. The texture is best within the first month—after that, the caramel may begin to firm up slightly.
Are these caramels a good gift?
Yes—sea salt caramels are consistently one of our top-selling gift items. The combination of sweet, salty, and rich chocolate appeals to nearly everyone, and the elegant presentation requires no additional wrapping. Available in 15-piece and 25-piece boxes, they work equally well for personal gifts, hostess presents, and corporate gifting.
What wine pairs well with dark chocolate sea salt caramels?
The salty-sweet profile pairs exceptionally well with dessert wines. Try a tawny port, Madeira, or late-harvest Muscat. For Texas Hill Country wines, a Tempranillo or Tannat with fruit-forward notes complements the dark chocolate without overwhelming the caramel. Sparkling wines also work beautifully—the effervescence cuts through the richness.
What makes fleur de sel different from regular sea salt?
Fleur de sel (French for "flower of salt") is hand-harvested from the surface of salt ponds along the French coast. It has a delicate, flaky texture and a slightly grey color from its mineral content. Unlike table salt, which is sharp and one-dimensional, fleur de sel adds a subtle crunch and complex, briny finish that enhances the caramel's sweetness rather than just making it salty.
What's the texture of these caramels—soft or chewy?
Our caramels are soft and yielding with a satisfying chew. They shouldn't stick to your teeth or require excessive effort to eat. The texture is calibrated to be firm enough to hold the stand-up shape but soft enough to melt on your tongue as you eat. If they've been stored in a cool environment, let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before enjoying.
Can I order these in a custom gift box?
Yes. Our Build Your Own Box feature lets you combine sea salt caramels with bonbons, toffee, or other confections to create a personalized gift. Caramels are one of the most versatile items for custom boxes because they pair well with nearly everything in our collection.