Description
Hard candy is a classic, crunchy sweet made by boiling sugar, corn syrup, and water to the hard crack stage. This easy, customizable recipe lets you create colorful, flavored candies perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2/3 cup light corn syrup
- 3/4 cup water
- 1 tsp flavoring extract (e.g., peppermint, lemon, cherry)
- Food coloring (optional)
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease candy molds.
- In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, and water.
- Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Attach a candy thermometer to the pan and stop stirring.
- Allow the mixture to boil until it reaches 300°F (hard crack stage).
- Remove from heat immediately.
- Quickly and carefully stir in flavoring and food coloring.
- Pour the hot mixture into prepared molds or onto the lined baking sheet.
- Let the candy cool completely, then break into pieces if using a sheet.
- Dust with powdered sugar if desired to prevent sticking.
Notes
Use a candy thermometer to ensure accuracy—300°F is key for proper texture.Humidity can cause candy to become sticky; store in a dry place with a moisture-absorbing packet or powdered sugar.Silicone molds make removal easy and allow for creative shapes.Use natural coloring and flavoring for a more wholesome version.Don’t stir once the sugar dissolves to avoid crystallization.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 candy
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
