Description
Sweet and glossy hard candy delights taste buds with classic sugary perfection. Homemade confections glisten like jewels, promising crisp textures and pure sugary happiness you’ll savor with pure delight.
Ingredients
Scale
Candy Base:
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1/4 tsp cream of tartar
Flavoring and Coloring:
- 1 tsp flavoring extract (such as peppermint, cherry, or lemon)
- 3–4 drops food coloring
Dusting and Coating:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
Instructions
- Prepare a large baking sheet by lining it with a silicone mat or parchment paper, then dust generously with a mixture of powdered sugar and cornstarch.
- In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine granulated sugar, water, corn syrup, and cream of tartar, stirring gently to integrate ingredients.
- Position a candy thermometer on the side of the pan, ensuring it does not touch the bottom.
- Heat the mixture over medium-high heat without stirring, allowing the syrup to reach 300°F (hard crack stage), which typically takes 10-12 minutes.
- Immediately remove from heat and quickly incorporate flavoring extract and food coloring by gently swirling the pan.
- Carefully and swiftly pour the molten syrup onto the prepared baking sheet, allowing it to spread naturally without manipulating.
- Let the candy cool undisturbed for 3-5 minutes until it becomes slightly firm but still pliable.
- Using gloved hands or buttered utensils, carefully fold and stretch the cooling candy to create an even distribution of color and flavor.
- Once the candy becomes opaque and begins to stiffen, cut or break into desired shapes using clean, sharp kitchen shears or a buttered knife.
- Roll individual pieces in the remaining powdered sugar and cornstarch mixture to prevent sticking.
- Allow candies to completely cool and harden at room temperature for approximately 30 minutes before storing in an airtight container.
Notes
- Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to prevent scorching and ensure even heat distribution during candy making.
- Avoid stirring the sugar syrup while cooking to prevent crystallization, which can ruin the smooth texture of hard candy.
- Invest in a reliable candy thermometer for precise temperature control, crucial for achieving the perfect hard crack stage.
- Work quickly when adding flavors and pouring the syrup, as the mixture hardens rapidly once removed from heat.
- Protect your hands with heat-resistant gloves when handling the hot candy to prevent burns during shaping.
- Experiment with natural food colorings and extracts for unique flavor combinations and healthier alternatives.
- Store candies in a cool, dry place to maintain their crisp texture and prevent them from becoming sticky.
- Clean your cooking tools immediately with hot water to remove hardened sugar before it sets completely.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2
- Calories: 405
- Sugar: 86 g
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 101 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg