How do people get their M&Ms so neat on caramel apples?

"How do people get their m and ms so neat on caramel apples?"

It is not neat hands, it is timing. I make these at home here in Calgary, and the M&Ms slide for one simple reason: the caramel is still too wet and warm when they go on, so they just skate down the side.

Dip the apple, then walk away. Let the caramel set for 2 to 3 minutes, until it is just tacky to the touch, not runny and not hard. Chilled apples help here, because the cold skin firms the caramel up faster.

Then press the M&Ms on one by one, and hold each one for a few seconds before you let go. On tacky caramel they grab and stay put, and that is how you get the tidy rows instead of a pile at the bottom.

Asked on r/AskBaking

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