Description
Festive Christmas Peppermints melt hearts with classic holiday cheer, bringing sweet memories of family gatherings. Delicate red and white swirls promise delightful moments you’ll treasure and share with loved ones.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup light corn syrup
- 1 tsp peppermint extract
Flavoring and Coloring:
- 1/2 tsp red food coloring
- 1/2 tsp white food coloring
Tools and Dusting:
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (for preventing sticking)
Instructions
- Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with a silicone mat or parchment paper, then dust generously with a mixture of powdered sugar and cornstarch to prevent sticking.
- Combine granulated sugar, water, and corn syrup in a heavy-bottomed saucepan, stirring gently until sugar dissolves completely.
- Heat the mixture without stirring, allowing it to reach 300°F (hard crack stage) on a candy thermometer, which typically takes 10-12 minutes.
- Immediately remove from heat and quickly stir in peppermint extract, working carefully to avoid splattering.
- Divide the molten sugar mixture into two separate portions, keeping one portion clear and adding red food coloring to the other.
- Working swiftly, pour the white and red mixtures onto the prepared baking sheet, allowing them to spread naturally.
- Use a spatula or bench scraper to gently swirl the colors together, creating a marbled effect without overmixing.
- Allow the candy to cool at room temperature for 3-5 minutes until it becomes slightly firm but still pliable.
- Wearing heat-resistant gloves, fold and stretch the candy, working quickly to prevent hardening.
- Pull and fold the candy repeatedly to create a glossy, smooth texture and distribute colors evenly.
- Once the candy becomes opaque and loses its shine, begin cutting into small pieces using clean kitchen shears.
- Let the peppermints cool completely on the dusted surface, then store in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper.
Notes
- Prep your workspace meticulously by having all tools and ingredients measured and ready before starting the candy-making process.
- Invest in a reliable candy thermometer to ensure precise temperature control, which is crucial for achieving the perfect hard crack stage.
- Use gel food coloring instead of liquid for more vibrant colors and minimal liquid interference with the sugar mixture.
- Silicone gloves are essential for protecting hands during the pulling and stretching stage, preventing burns while allowing maximum dexterity.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 56 g
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 98 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg