Description
This Hard Candy Recipe is perfect for holidays, creating colorful, flavorful candies that are easy to make at home. Using simple ingredients like sugar, water, and corn syrup, this recipe guides you through the process of making festive peppermint, vanilla, or fruit-flavored hard candies coated in powdered sugar to prevent sticking. Ideal for gifting or holiday treats, these candies have a delightful crunch and vibrant hues, making your celebrations even sweeter.
Ingredients
Scale
Hard Candy Base
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup water
- ⅓ cup clear corn syrup
Color and Flavor
- 42 drops food coloring (liquid works best): Green 22 drops, Red 20 drops
- Flavoring extract (such as peppermint or vanilla) or flavor oil (such as strawberry or cotton candy) – amount as desired, typically ½ to 1 teaspoon
Finishing
- Powdered sugar for coating
Instructions
- Prepare the cooking pan: Lightly grease a metal baking sheet or line it with a silicone mat to prevent the candy from sticking. Set aside.
- Combine ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup granulated sugar, ⅓ cup water, and ⅓ cup clear corn syrup. Stir over medium heat until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Boil the mixture: Attach a candy thermometer to the saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil without stirring, and continue cooking until the temperature reaches the hard crack stage, about 300°F (149°C). This step may take 10-15 minutes; watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Add colors and flavors: Remove the saucepan from heat. Quickly stir in the 42 drops of food coloring (22 green drops and 20 red drops, or adjust as desired) and your choice of flavoring extract or flavor oil. Mix thoroughly but swiftly, as the candy will start to harden.
- Pour and cool: Immediately pour the hot candy mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, spreading it out evenly and quickly to form a thin layer. Allow it to cool completely at room temperature until it hardens, which should take about 20-30 minutes.
- Break and coat: Once hardened, crack the candy into bite-sized pieces. Lightly dust the pieces with powdered sugar to prevent them from sticking together.
- Store properly: Store the finished hard candy in an airtight container at room temperature. Ensure they are kept dry to maintain crunchiness.
Notes
- Use a candy thermometer for accuracy to reach the hard crack stage essential for hard candy texture.
- Work quickly when adding color and flavor to prevent premature hardening.
- Customize colors and flavors based on your holiday theme or preference.
- Keep candies in an airtight container to prevent moisture absorption and stickiness.
- Powdered sugar coating helps keep candies separated and easy to handle.
Keywords: hard candy, holiday candy, peppermint candy, homemade candy, candy recipe, festive treats, corn syrup candy