Homemade Cow Tales

Every summer a little voice inside my head whispers (with sing-song inflection) “It’s time to make caramel” …to which I reply “It’s 100 degrees outside“.  My idea of fun does not include standing over a pot of boiling caramel in the dog days of summer; however, I begrudgingly heed the call… and obey.

That’s sort of how these came about.

For those not familiar, Cow Tales® (not Cow Tails) are a nostalgic treat; an 8″ length of soft caramel and creme filling.  As a kid, I loved them and was inclined to choose one over a lollipop.  I recently found them again and when I re-tasted for the first time in many years, my first thought was “this could be improved upon”.  I said it aloud. My husband accused me of food snobbery – which is simply not the case. You see, I have a special love for caramel.  I love it more than chocolate (gasp!) and I’d like to think I know a little bit about what good caramel tastes like and how to make it.

To beat the heat, I began my caramel endeavor in the a.m.  By that afternoon, perfect 8″ lengths of caramel and cream were piled on my table.  Upon my first taste-test, I literally jumped for joy.  They were one-million-times (actual number) better, but were still reminiscent of the original.

I cannot wait to make these at Christmastime (1. for gift-giving, (2. in much cooler weather, (3. while enlisting some help from the ladies in my family. This makes a lot of candy, and the process will go quicker with an assembly line of people… plus, holiday treats always taste better over good conversation with loved ones.  Right?….right.

Edit 9/15/2012:  A letter is received from Mitchell T. Goetze, president of Goetze Candy Company, Inc. requesting the placement of the registered symbol ® beside the candy’s name.  Cow Tales® are manufactured by, and is a Registered Trademark of Goetze’s Candy Company , Inc.  

Homemade Cow Tails (copycat Cow Tales)

Heather Baird
Make this nostalgic candy at home!
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 50

Equipment

  • Candy thermometer
  • Zip-top bag or disposable pastry bag
  • Parchment paper or wax paper
  • Plastic wrap
  • Rolling Pin

Ingredients
 
 

Caramel:

  • 1 cup clear corn syrup
  • 2 cups heavy cream divided
  • 2 cups white granulated sugar
  • Pinch of salt
  • 4 1/2 tbsp butter unsalted – cubed into 8 pieces
  • Extra butter for buttering pans

Creme filling:

  • 5 cups confectioners’ sugar
  • 1 cup vegetable shortening
  • 1 tsp. vanilla extract
  • 1/4 oz. packet of unflavored gelatin
  • 1/4 cup water

Assembly:

  • Confectioners’ sugar for dusting
  • Sprinkles or jimmies if desired

Instructions
 

Caramel:

  • Generously butter two 10×15 jelly-roll pans. If you don’t have this size pan you may use sizes larger than 10×15. I would not suggest using sizes smaller than 10×15. Place both the pans on two cooling racks.
  • Turn stove-eye or burner to medium heat.
  • In a large saucepan combine the corn syrup, 1 cup of the heavy cream, sugar and pinch of salt. Stir well.
  • Set pan over heat and stir constantly until the mixture comes to a bubble. This will take about 10-12 minutes. Mixture will appear milky at first, then as it heats it will slightly lose its opaqueness.
  • When mixture boils, very slowly add the remaining heavy cream stirring constantly- be careful not to disrupt the boil. Lower the heat to medium-low. Set a timer for 6 minutes and allow mixture to bubble. It will rise high and bubble quite a bit during this 6 minute stage.
  • When time is up, add butter 2-3 cubes at a time and mix until butter has melted. Repeat with remaining butter cubes.
  • Insert candy thermometer and let mixture bubble until it reaches 250 degrees. When you first insert the thermometer, the temperature will be around 200-217 degrees. It will take a good 30-40 minutes for the mixture to reach 250. Do not rush this phase by turning up the heat. It is within this time frame that the caramel takes on its amber color.
  • When 250 is reached, remove pan from heat-source and pour half of the caramel in one pan and half in the other. Allow caramel to cool to room temperature. While you’re waiting for the caramel to cool, make the creme filling.

Creme filling:

  • In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together sugar,shortening and vanilla. The mixture will be dry and crumbly and you’ll probably wonder if you’ve done something wrong. Nope! You’re on the right track. Stop the mixer and scrape down the edges several times.
  • Place 1/4 cup water in a small bowl and sprinkle the gelatin over. Let stand until absorbed.
  • Microwave gelatin for 10 seconds or until clear and liquid. Add to the bowl of the running mixer.
  • The mixture will soften and become thick and doughy. Mix the heck out of it until it starts climbing the sides of the bowl. Scrape down the sides (and bottom, especially if using a Kitchen Aid) and mix again.
  • Place a portion of the dough in a disposable pastry bag or zip-top bag with the corner snipped. Make sure the hole is big enough to pipe a nice thick line of creme filling – at least 1/4″. Set aside.
  • Cover remaining creme filling with a damp towel so it doesn’t dry out.

Assembly:

  • Lay out several sheets of parchment or wax paper on a work surface – preferably a large cutting board or a surface you don’t mind cutting on.
  • Remove caramel from one of the pans. It should remove easily if you lift one corner and peel the entire slab of caramel away from the buttered pan. Place it on the paper-covered work surface.
  • Cover caramel with additional wax paper and roll it a little thinner with a rolling pin. Try to achieve an even thickness.
  • Remove paper and cut caramel into long strips, about 2-2 1/2-inches wide. Pipe a line of creme filling down one side of the length of the caramel.
  • Roll creme filling into the caramel. The caramel will fold over easily and overlap. Roll and gently stretch into a 16″ length. Cut in two 8″ pieces. Tip: The caramel rope will squeeze together when you cut it, making the ends flat. You can either squeeze it back the other way to make a round end, or refrigerate the lengths for a few minutes before cutting. The cold ropes will snap off evenly at the ends when cut with a sharp knife.
  • Repeat with remaining caramel and creme. This will take some time, as there is a lot of candy to work with.
  • Roll the candy in powdered sugar and dust off excess. Wrap each candy in a layer of plastic wrap, then in a wax paper length with the ends twisted. This helps the candies keep thier shape.
  • Alternatively, you may choose to lightly brush one end of the candy with water until tacky, then dip in chocolate jimmies or sprinkles. (I much prefer the powdered sugar.)
Keyword cow tales, homemade caramel
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
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Amy Tiemeier
Amy Tiemeier
12 years ago

I too love caramel more than chocolate and these look heavenly! Definitely will add to my "Things to Try" list. Thank you for your beautiful pictures and detailed descriptions.

Jessica @ How Sweet
Jessica @ How Sweet
12 years ago

how are you so brilliant my friend?! please be my neighbor.

Amy
Amy
12 years ago

I've never had cow tales before and they sound absolutely delicious. I don't mind standing over the hot stove to make them especially if they taste 1 million times better than what used to be your childhood favorites! šŸ™‚ Thanks for sharing the recipe and the story.

Mara Campbell
Mara Campbell
12 years ago

My husband loves caramel and this looks like something he would love! I like how you packaged them with the twisty ends. Great recipe!

Rosa's Yummy Yums
Rosa's Yummy Yums
12 years ago

Wow, very impressive! Those cow tales are so perfect, as if made professionally. A divine candy. I'd not make them during the summer, though… ;-P

Cheers,

Rosa

Sue
Sue
12 years ago

Nope, I've never heard of cow tales! Caramel and creme~sooo good! Like Mara, I love the packaging!

Kavey
Kavey
12 years ago

As they have fresh cream in (if I'm understanding heavy cream correctly, it's what we call double cream here in the UK) do you have any advice on how long these could last? Do they have to be stored in the fridge?

Thanks

Heather Baird
Heather Baird
12 years ago

Hi Kavey,
As this is a very new recipe, I don't have an accurate time frame of how long they will last. I still have lots of them on my counter-top, and they are just and fresh as day 1 (this is day 3). My advise is to store them at room temperature -or- in the refrigerator for up to three weeks (as directed in most caramel recipes). If you store them in the fridge, be sure to bring them to room temperature before they are enjoyed.

Heather Baird
Heather Baird
12 years ago

Oh, and yes- you can use double cream for heavy cream. I think double cream has slightly more milk fat than our American heavy cream, but all the better. It will certainly work!

Lauren at Keep It Sweet
Lauren at Keep It Sweet
12 years ago

My sister used to love cow tales! I may have to make these for her:-)

Michelle
Michelle
12 years ago

I looove cow tales and they don't sell them here! I cannot wait to make this!!

Michelle
http://www.kissedbysweets.com

Unknown
Unknown
12 years ago

Cow Tales! I've never heard or even seen these. I love when someone introduces something new. They look yummy. My husband and kids are still talking about your previous post…the book cake. It was just spectacular.

Unknown
Unknown
12 years ago

One of my all-time favorite candies! Can't believe you came up with a homemade version. I'm impressed!

Anonymous
Anonymous
12 years ago

oh how we love cow tales! And you know if you want to make flavored one..we love banana..you could just replace the vanilla with flavoring of choice. I am printing this recipe out and keeping it for the holidays..soooo excited!

In Katrina's Kitchen
In Katrina's Kitchen
12 years ago

OMG OMG OMG SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO going to make these! I have held off buying a candy themometer. It just jumped up to the want to the need list. O.M.G.

Rachel
Rachel
12 years ago

Believing cow tails (although delicious and classic) could be improved upon is not food snobbery; I thought the very same thing the last time I had one! They just don't taste as caramel-y as they used to… or maybe I expect more because I love caramel so much.

My husband's mouth was watering looking at these so I'll have to make them. Well, as soon as it cools down a bit. Thnks for another excellent idea!

cookies and cups
cookies and cups
12 years ago

Please come to my house and make those..please? I will be your bff and make you scrambled eggs and give you a hug…deal?

Cookbook Queen
Cookbook Queen
12 years ago

These are one of my favorite treats of all time.

ALL TIME!!

Cannot wait to try them.

Are they in the mail for me?

Patty Price
Patty Price
12 years ago

Remarkable treat with such an interesting name, thanks for sharing;-)

Heather
Heather
12 years ago

awesome!

Kristen - Dine & Dish
Kristen - Dine & Dish
12 years ago

These are brilliant – and I want to come help you make them during the holidays, ok? šŸ™‚ Thanks for tempting this caramel loving girl this morning!

Amy from She Wears Many Hats
Amy from She Wears Many Hats
12 years ago

So cool!

By the way, I feel like a dork asking, but what is that silver thing with the powdered sugar on it? It seems vaguely familiar…

Zelda
Zelda
11 months ago

That is a knife. She is showing where to cut for rolling.

marla {family fresh cooking}
marla {family fresh cooking}
12 years ago

I have never heard of Cow Tales until now. Sounds like I have been missing out- they look amazing!

Wenderly
Wenderly
12 years ago

What a lovely site you have! I was just introduced to you by my sweet friend Kristan (confessions of a cookbook queen) and I am thrilled to pieces! Everything is so beautiful & ethereal…the photos, recipes & storys! I can't wait to come back!

BreAna {Sugar and Spice and All Things Iced}
BreAna {Sugar and Spice and All Things Iced}
12 years ago

AMAZING!! These look fantastic!! I love caramel and would definitely choose it over chocolate too!! Can't wait to try this this fall/winter!

Tamara
Tamara
12 years ago

fantastic!! love your recipe!

jenny santiago
jenny santiago
12 years ago

i was looking for a new treat for my kids stockings at christmas. this is it!

Nourhan @ Miss Anthropist's Kitchen
Nourhan @ Miss Anthropist's Kitchen
12 years ago

So great of you to make these–thanks for sharing!

Heather Libbey
Heather Libbey
12 years ago

Hi Heather–this is excellent! This recipe is putting me in the mood for fall. I am your newest follower–perhaps we can share recipes.

Anonymous
Anonymous
12 years ago

My husband and I like to buy cow tails when we are on vacation. hah, these look amazing!

Anonymous
Anonymous
12 years ago

This. is. genius! I love cow tails!!

Kathryn | Dramatic Pancake
Kathryn | Dramatic Pancake
12 years ago

I had never heard of these before, but they look so, so good — there's nothing like home-made caramel.

Kelly
Kelly
12 years ago

Ooh Heather, these look fantastic! They remind me of the Goetze's candies. http://www.goetzecandy.com/ My dad always loved those and it reminds me of him. I guess you could just make the same thing and then just slice them into candy pieces. Maybe I'll have to get over my fear of using a recipe that requires a candy thermometer!

Unknown
Unknown
12 years ago

I totally remember these, and i LOVED them. Great Idea, a must try during the holidays.

Katrina
Katrina
12 years ago

IS the filling in these marshmallow-y? My favorite see's candy is a scotch kiss, which is basically a marshmallow in caramel. I would LOVE to be able to make something similar at home.

Debbie
Debbie
12 years ago

I agree with Kelly about the Goetze's. My dad and I used to share a 10 pack when I was little. Have to try these, will bring back wonderful memories….thanks for sharing!!

Unknown
Unknown
12 years ago

oh god. LOVE.

Anonymous
Anonymous
12 years ago

I've never seen those sweets before! But i love it, looks nice and your photos are great!

Sheri W.
Sheri W.
12 years ago

I haven't heard of them but I love caramel…homemade caramel not the stuff in a cube. Unfortunately I will have to wait until the weather cools considerably to make them in my neck of the woods!

Anonymous
Anonymous
12 years ago

hi your are my fav person ATM..hehe i look forward to you recipes. i am from down under

SweetxCatastrophe
SweetxCatastrophe
12 years ago

Heather, you know I love you. You know I do. I've told you on many accounts how amazing you are. But this post right here is just unacceptable! HOW do you expect me to go through life not making these? HOW did you know that Cow Tails are my favorite thing in all of creation?!

You, my lovely and darling blog friend are slowly making me become fat by all of these delicious recipes. And you know what?

I love it!!!! Thank you!!!!

lora
lora
12 years ago

My caramel cravings know no seasonal boundaries but bravo to you from braving these in this heat. They look simply scrumptious!

Lili
Lili
12 years ago

These are our 2 daughters' favorite candy, I am so excited to make these and surprise them with it. My favorite candy growing up was a caramel bullseye, which is a variation of these and of course they were no good unless they were soft and fresh! xoxo ~Lili

Unknown
Unknown
12 years ago

love these! and the commercial ones are not gluten-free… so thank you, kindly, for once again bringing cow tails into my life.

Julie
Julie
12 years ago

These look so awesome! I have a craving now šŸ™‚

Ryan @ Ryan's Baking Blog
Ryan @ Ryan's Baking Blog
12 years ago

Cow Tales are also one of my favorite candies and these look amazing. I feel like I could probably polish off 50 of these no problem.

The Blue-Eyed Bakers
The Blue-Eyed Bakers
12 years ago

Lady you are seriously our most favorite person in the world right about now. These are insanely adorable and look AMAZING. We want!

Anonymous
Anonymous
12 years ago

These are soo lovely Heather. Have you ever had a Caramel Apple Cow Tale? I wonder if there is a way to flavor the cream to taste more like an authentic apple–that would be awesome for October!

Thanks for the inspiration!

Heather Baird
Heather Baird
12 years ago

To Amy- Sorry for my slow response! The instrument in the picture is a flour wand. I use it more for powdered sugar than flour.

onlicannoli – I saw some apple flavoring on the King Arthur Flour store site, I bet that would work! (great idea btw!)

Katrina
Katrina
12 years ago

I love Cow Tales. A couple months ago I tried finding a homemade recipe for them and didn't find what I as really looking for–which is this post-an exact replica of them! Thanks.