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Today, let's make a hard candy recipe. Give it a try, and I'm sure you'll enjoy making hard candies at home as much as I do! Hard Candy Maker (While it may seem difficult, the entire process can be completed in less than 25–30 minutes.)
What You Will Need:
- Pot
- Tin brush
- Clearwater
- Glass paper
- Funnel
So, let's get started! This homemade candy is easy and tastes wonderful for the holidays, Christmas, or any time you crave a sweet little crunch!
❤️ Why You'll Love It
For starters, nothing beats homemade candy, which is so much better than store-bought, and it's a fantastic fun thing to make.
The only thing more rewarding than making candy at home is being able to give it away! It only takes a few simple ingredients; you can create different flavors and colors according to the occasion.
This hard candy recipe can be adapted to any flavor. Choose from fruity flavors, classic peppermint, or even spicy cinnamon to make it as sour or sweet as you like.
Plus, it gives you a chance to mix things up and occasionally take time to create interesting shapes or presentations in the kitchen.
You can add edible glitter or even use molds that fit the theme of a birthday or holiday. You have infinite options, and you get a yummy treat to finish.
🧾 Ingredients
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon flavoring extract (e.g., cherry, vanilla)
- Food coloring
- Powdered sugar
🔪 Instructions
- Combine the first three ingredients in a large saucepan.
- Heat over medium flame, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Turn the heat up to high and boil until the mixture reaches 300°F (150°C) on a candy thermometer.
- Later, take it off the heat and add flavor extract (and food coloring if using).
- Spread the hot mixture onto a butter-greased sheet or pour it into candy molds.
- Remove it from the oven and let it cool completely, then break into pieces or remove them from molds.
- Sprinkle powdered sugar over the top to keep them from sticking.
Detailed Instructions:
Combine 1 cup of water, 2 cups of sugar, and 3/4 cup of light corn syrup in a large saucepan.
Stir over moderate heat until the sugar dissolves completely.
Increase the heat to medium-high and let it boil, without stirring, until it reaches 300°F (150°C) on a candy thermometer.
Once the desired temperature is achieved, remove it from heat. If desired, add flavor extract and a few drops of food coloring for the intended color.
Pour the hot candy mixture onto a greased baking sheet or into molds.
Allow it to cool completely, then break it into pieces or pop it out of molds.
Dust with powdered sugar to prevent sticking.
🥄 Equipment
- Large saucepan
- Candy thermometer
- Baking sheets or candy molds
- Grease or non-stick spray
- Stirring spoon
- Powdered sugar
Equipment Tips:
You will need a candy thermometer to get the hard
🥫 Storage
Store leftover candy in an airtight container at room temperature.
The butter keeps for weeks and will be lovely to have on hand or give as a gift.
📖 Benefits
Granulated Sugar: Provides quick energy and can be a morale booster.
Corn Syrup: Helps inhibit the formation of crystals and keeps things shiny and smooth.
Flavor Extracts: Provides the taste you can enjoy without extra calories or sugar.
💭 Tips
- Making hard candy is fun and easy if you follow these steps.
- Ensure your candy thermometer shows proper readings; otherwise, it may cause a difference.
- DO NOT TOUCH THE HOT SUGAR MIXTURE; IT CAN BURN.
- Try using different extracts and colorings for fun new varieties of homemade candy.
👩🍳 FAQs
What is hard candy?
Hard candy recipe, also known as boiled sweets, is a sugar candy prepared from one or more syrups that are boiled to a temperature of 160°C (320°F) and then cooled. It's popular for holiday treats and special occasions.
What other flavors can I use?
You can use any flavor extract that suits your taste, like cherry, lemon, or cinnamon.
Why are my candies sticking together?
Lightly coat the candy with powdered sugar to prevent sticking.
What if my candy mixture is too soft?
The candy must be heated to 300°F (150°C) to achieve the right hardness. If it’s too soft, it might not have boiled long enough.
Can I use silicone molds?
Yes, silicone molds are ideal for making hard candy and making removal easier.
How do I store hard candy?
Place the candy in an airtight container at room temperature to keep it fresh.
What about natural food coloring?
Natural food coloring can be used but may not be as vibrant as synthetic colors.
📞 The Last Word
Making your hard candy recipe is not just about creating a sweet treat but also enjoying the process. With this simple recipe, you could be the hero at any get-together with these homemade candies.
Take pride in making something from scratch and enjoy the sweet rewards!
Hard Candy Recipe
Equipment
- Large saucepan
- Candy thermometer
- Baking sheet or candy molds
- Grease or non-stick spray
- Stirring spoon
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Ingredients
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon flavor extract e.g., cherry, vanilla
- Food coloring optional
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, combine 2 cups granulated sugar, 3/4 cup light corn syrup, and 1 cup water. Stir over medium heat until the sugar has dissolved completely.
- Raise the heat to medium-high and let the mixture boil without stirring until it reaches a temperature of 300°F (150°C) on a candy thermometer.
- Once it reaches the correct temperature, remove the saucepan from the heat. Add your choice of flavor extract and a few drops of food coloring if you want to add some color.
- Pour the hot candy mixture carefully onto a greased baking sheet or into candy molds. Let it cool until it hardens completely.
- After the candy has cooled, break it into pieces or pop it out of molds. To keep the candy from sticking together, lightly dust with powdered sugar.