Forktionary

Hard Candy Recipe

Create dazzling, homemade hard candies perfect for holiday parties! This easy recipe yields beautiful, flavorful sweets that will impress your guests. Learn how to make vibrant, crystal-clear candy in just 50 minutes.

Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 50 mins
Calories 1018.3 kcal
Protein 0g
Rating 1.0 (1 Reviews)
Hard Candy

Recipe Actions

Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Passionate home cook & Forktionary contributor.

Ingredients for Hard Candy

  • Sugar
  • Water
  • Karo Light Corn Syrup
  • Peppermint Extract

How to Make Hard Candy

  1. In a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar, corn syrup, water, and salt.
  2. Stir gently until the sugar dissolves completely.
  3. Clip a candy thermometer to the side of the pan, making sure it doesn't touch the bottom.
  4. Bring the mixture to a boil without stirring. Continue to cook, swirling the pan occasionally, until the candy reaches 300°F (150°C) – the hard-crack stage.
  5. Remove from heat and carefully stir in your chosen flavoring (peppermint extract) and food coloring (if using).
  6. Quickly pour the hot candy onto a parchment-lined baking sheet or silicone mat.
  7. Let the candy cool completely and harden undisturbed. This may take 30-45 minutes.
  8. Once hardened, break the candy into desired shapes and sizes. Enjoy your delicious, homemade hard candies!

Chef's Tip for Extra Flavor

Want to unlock deeper, more complex flavors? Try toasting your whole spices before grinding them, or blooming ground spices in a little warm oil to enhance their aroma. Deglazing your pan with a bit of stock, wine, or even water after browning ingredients can capture those tasty caramelized bits, adding richness to your dish.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

2 g

Sugar

891g

Fat

0g

Carbs

88g

Recipe Categories (Choose a category and find related recipes!)

60 Minutes Or Less Time To Make Course Preparation Low Protein Healthy 5 Ingredients Or Less Desserts Easy Low Fat Candy Dietary Low Sodium Low Cholesterol Low Saturated Fat Low In Something