Hard candy, a sweet and brittle confectionery delight, has captivated taste buds for centuries. Its glassy texture and vibrant colors have made it a staple in candy jars and sweet shops around the world. Whether you're a seasoned confectioner or a novice cook looking to try your hand at candy making, crafting hard candy at home is a fun and rewarding experience. With the right ingredients, a few simple steps, and a bit of patience, you can create an array of tantalizing hard candies that will impress your friends and family. From classic flavors like peppermint and lemon to unique infusions of spices and herbs, the possibilities are endless. So let's embark on a sweet journey and discover the best recipes for creating delicious hard candies that will satisfy your sweet cravings and bring joy to any occasion.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
HARD CANDY
An easy recipe for hard candy. The hardest part is waiting for the sugar to reach the proper temperature. Be patient and use a candy thermometer for perfect candy. This recipe can easily be adjusted by using different flavored extracts and food colorings.
Provided by JUDITH SYNESAEL
Categories Desserts Candy Recipes
Time 45m
Yield 36
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- In a medium saucepan, stir together the white sugar, corn syrup, and water. Cook, stirring, over medium heat until sugar dissolves, then bring to a boil. Without stirring, heat to 300 to 310 degrees F (149 to 154 degrees C), or until a small amount of syrup dropped into cold water forms hard, brittle threads.
- Remove from heat and stir in flavored extract and food coloring, if desired. Pour onto a greased cookie sheet, and dust the top with confectioners' sugar. Let cool, and break into pieces. Store in an airtight container.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 123.6 calories, Carbohydrate 32.2 g, Sodium 8.5 mg, Sugar 25.3 g
OLD FASHIONED HARD CANDY
Home made hard candy is a great gift idea! Use different colors and flavorings to match the season.
Provided by YVETTE MOORE
Categories Desserts Candy Recipes
Time 45m
Yield 16
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Generously coat a cookie sheet with confectioners' sugar, and set aside.
- In a heavy bottomed saucepan, stir together the white sugar, water and corn syrup until sugar has dissolved. Bring to a boil over medium-high and cook to a temperature of 300 to 310 degrees F (149 to 154 degrees C), or until a small amount of syrup dropped into cold water forms hard, brittle threads. Remove from heat, and stir in the flavored oil and food coloring.
- Immediately pour the sugar mixture onto the prepared cookie sheet in a thin stream (this helps it cool). When the candy is cool enough for the outer edge to hold its shape, cut into bite size pieces with scissors. Let cool completely, then store in an airtight container.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 150.1 calories, Carbohydrate 39.2 g, Sodium 8.5 mg, Sugar 32.3 g
CINNAMON HARD CANDY
My Amish aunt made dozens of these spicy red squares for holiday gatherings when I was a tot. I'd always look for them glowing among the other candies she'd carry in! Nowadays, I stir up her recipe for my family.
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Desserts
Time 35m
Yield 1 pound.
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- In a large heavy saucepan, combine sugar, water and corn syrup. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Cover and cook for 3 minutes. Uncover and cook over medium-high heat, without stirring, until a candy thermometer reads 310° (hard-crack stage). Remove from the heat; stir in oil and food coloring, keeping face away from the mixture as the odor with be very strong. , Immediately pour onto a greased baking sheet. Quickly spread into a 13-in. x 9-in. rectangle. Using a sharp knife, score into 1-in. squares. Re-cut rectangle along scored lines until candy is cut into squares. Let stand at room temperature until dry. Separate into squares, using a knife if necessary.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 126 calories, Fat 0 fat (0 saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 13mg sodium, Carbohydrate 33g carbohydrate (29g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 0 protein.
HARD CANDY
Every evening for a week in December, my husband and I mix up several batches of this soothing candy. When we finish, we have all our favorite flavors and a rainbow of colors. The pieces look lovely in a clear candy dish or jar.
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Desserts
Time 45m
Yield 3/4 pound.
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Fill a 15x10x1-in. pan with confectioners' sugar to a depth of 1/2 in. Using the handle of a wooden spoon, make a continuous curved-line indentation in the sugar; set pan aside. , In a large heavy saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup and water. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Cover and continue cooking for 3 minutes to dissolve any sugar crystals., Uncover and cook on medium-high heat, without stirring, until a candy thermometer reads 300° (hard-crack stage). Remove from the heat; stir in extract and food coloring if desired. , Carefully pour into a glass measuring cup. Working quickly, pour into prepared indentation in pan. Cover candy with confectioners' sugar. When candy is cool enough to handle, cut into pieces with a scissors. Store in a covered container.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 383 calories, Fat 0 fat (0 saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 26mg sodium, Carbohydrate 99g carbohydrate (89g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 0 protein.
OLD-FASHIONED HOMEMADE HARD CANDY
This is an old recipe from my childhood. Many people have memories of cutting this candy with their mother's and grandmothers. I have passed it on and am now posting here for all to share in this classic Christmas tradition!
Provided by Tami L. Smith
Categories Desserts Candy Recipes
Yield 20
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- In a heavy 2 quart saucepan, combine the sugar, water and corn syrup. Cook, stirring constantly until the sugar is dissolved; then cook without stirring, lowering the heat and cooking more slowly during the last few minutes, to the hard crack stage (300 degrees F), If sugar crystals form on sides of pan, wipe them off with a damp brush.
- Remove from heat, add oil flavoring and enough food coloring to color; stir only to mix. Pour into 2 well buttered 9 inch pans. Set one pan of candy over a sauce pan containing hot water (unless you have a helper to help cut the candy). As soon as the other pan of candy is cool enough to handle, cut it with scissors into 1-inch strips. Then snip the strips into pieces. Work fast. Drop the pieces onto a buttered baking sheet. If the candy cools too quickly, set it on a saucepan over hot water to soften it, but if it gets sticky, return at once to the work counter.
- Toss in a small amount of powdered sugar to keep from sticking together. Repeat with the second pan of candy.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 115.5 calories, Carbohydrate 30.2 g, Sodium 8 mg, Sugar 24 g
HARD ROCK CANDY
Spicy, cinnamon flavored hard candy. Wrap pieces of it in decorative bags for perfect stocking stuffers. You can vary the flavor by substituting lemon, orange, anise, or other oils. These flavored oils can be found in candy making supply stores and drugstores.
Provided by Pam Lowe
Categories Desserts Candy Recipes
Time 2h
Yield 48
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Roll the edges of two 16 inch square pieces of heavy duty aluminum foil. Sprinkle the foil very generously with confectioners' sugar.
- In a large heavy saucepan, combine the white sugar, corn syrup, and water. Heat over medium-high heat, stirring constantly until sugar dissolves. Stop stirring, and boil until a candy thermometer reads 300 to 310 degrees F (149 to 154 degrees C). Remove from heat.
- Stir in the cinnamon oil and food coloring. Pour onto the prepared foil, and allow to cool and harden. Crack into pieces, and store in an airtight container.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 99.6 calories, Carbohydrate 26.1 g, Sodium 6.4 mg, Sugar 20.9 g
BUTTERSCOTCH HARD CANDY
I love making this classic butterscotch recipe. We think these irresistible bites are better than the store-bought variety... and they sure don't last long! -Darlene Smithers, Elkhart, Indiana
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Desserts
Time 40m
Yield about 1-1/2 pounds.
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Butter a 15x10x1-in. pan with 1 teaspoon butter; set aside. Cube remaining butter and set aside., In a heavy saucepan, combine the sugar, water and corn syrup. Cover and bring to a boil over medium heat without stirring. Cook, uncovered, until a candy thermometer reads 270° (soft-crack stage). Add the honey, salt and remaining butter; stir constantly until the mixture reaches 300° (hard-crack stage)., Remove from the heat. Stir in the rum extract. Pour into prepared pan without scraping; do not spread. Cool until the candy is almost set, 1-2 minutes. Score into 1-in. squares; cool completely. Break squares apart. Store in an airtight container.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 144 calories, Fat 6g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 17mg cholesterol, Sodium 109mg sodium, Carbohydrate 23g carbohydrate (21g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 0 protein.
HARD CANDY
This is a recipe that my Grandma and I made growing up. I continue today to make this every Christmas. Great to give as a gift or just have sitting around a grab when you want one. Enjoy
Provided by Mayniac May Family
Categories Candy
Time 40m
Yield 20 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Mix syrup, sugar and water.
- Bring to hard/crack boil on candy thermometer.
- Stir in Candy oil and food coloring. (watch about the steam coming off of the mixture, it can really get you).
- Butter the heat resistant surface you will be working on. (She had a marble candy board, I use a cookie sheet).
- When cool enough to touch with hands (but not too cool or it will be too late), butter you hands and kitchen scissors and begin cutting pieces with scissors.
- Put pieces in a bowl of confection sugar (coats each piece from sticking to one another) and when you get alot in the bowl, skake it thru a stainer to get excess off.
- This is a very, very fast paced thing! We always cut it to make small pieces, and we bent in any sharp edges to make it easier for the kids. I have poured it into the cookie sheet and as it sets up, you scour it with a pizza cutter. When completely cooled you can break it apart. It all depends on whether I have help or not.
PEPPERMINT HARD CANDY
This easy-to-make clear hard candy has a mint flavor from the combination of peppermint and vanilla extracts. It's a perfect Christmas candy recipe for the holidays. &Mdash; Lois Ostenson, Aneta, North Dakota
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Desserts
Time 20m
Yield about 1-1/4 pounds.
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Line a 13-in. x 9-in. pan with foil. Grease the foil with 1 tablespoon butter; set aside. In a large heavy saucepan, combine sugar and corn syrup. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Cover and cook for 3 minutes to dissolve sugar crystals. Uncover; cook over medium-high heat, without stirring, until a candy thermometer reads 300° (hard-crack stage)., Remove from the heat; stir in extracts and food coloring. Pour into prepared pan. Cool; break into pieces. Store in airtight containers.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 261 calories, Fat 1g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 3mg cholesterol, Sodium 52mg sodium, Carbohydrate 65g carbohydrate (55g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 0 protein.
OLD FASHIONED HARD CANDY
A dusting of confectioner's sugar gives a frosty look to this old-fashioned holiday candy from field editor Amy Short of Lesage, West Virginia. "The color is beautiful and people are surprised by the wonderful watermelon flavor!" Amy says.
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Desserts
Time 40m
Yield 2 pounds.
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Butter two 15x10x1-in. pans; set aside. In a large heavy saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup, water and food coloring. Cook and stir over medium heat until sugar is dissolved. Bring to a boil. Cook, without stirring, until a candy thermometer reads 300° (hard-crack stage). , Remove from the heat; stir in flavoring. Immediately pour into prepared pans; cool. Dust with confectioners' sugar; break into pieces. Store in airtight containers.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 283 calories, Fat 0 fat (0 saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 38mg sodium, Carbohydrate 74g carbohydrate (65g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 0 protein.
HARD MAPLE CANDY
During the war, the women at my grandmother's church would donate sugar rations throughout the year so they'd have enough to make candy as a fund-raiser each Christmas. I'm lucky enough to have inherited this tried-and-true recipe. -Dorothea Bohrer, Silver Spring, Maryland
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Desserts
Time 35m
Yield 1-3/4 pounds.
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Grease a 15x10x1-in. pan with butter; set aside. In a large heavy saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup and water. Cook over medium-high heat until a candy thermometer reads 300° (hard-crack stage), stirring occasionally. , Remove from the heat; stir in maple flavoring. Immediately pour into prepared pan; cool. Break into pieces. Store in an airtight container.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 46 calories, Fat 0 fat (0 saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 5mg sodium, Carbohydrate 11g carbohydrate (10g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 0 protein.
CHRISTMAS HARD CANDY
When you make a batch of this beautiful jewel-toned candy, your whole house fills with the wonderful scent of mint or cinnamon. My mom always makes this candy, and people request it every year. She puts it in clear jars with a holiday calico fabric on the lid. Now I've started making it, too.-Jane Holman, Moultrie, Georgi
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Desserts
Time 1h5m
Yield about 2 pounds.
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- In a large heavy saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup and water. Cook on medium-high heat until candy thermometer reads 300° (hard-crack stage), stirring occasionally. Remove from the heat; stir in oil and food coloring, keeping face away from mixture as the scent of the oil is very strong. , Immediately pour onto an oiled baking sheet. Cool; break into pieces. Store in airtight containers.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 114 calories, Fat 0 fat (0 saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 13mg sodium, Carbohydrate 30g carbohydrate (26g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 0 protein.
HARD BUTTERSCOTCH CANDY
Good 'old-fasioned' hard candy. Prep/cook time is and est. - it can vary with the day due to weather.
Provided by pastrytiff
Categories Candy
Time 1h
Yield 1 pound
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Put sugar, corn syrup, water and salt into saucepan.
- Stir over low heat until sugar is dissolved.
- Increase heat and cook until thermometer registers 250 degrees F, firm ball stage.
- Add butter; cook with occasional stirring until thermometer registers 300 degrees F (brittle stage).
- Remove from stove.
- Add vanilla extract.
- Pour into buttered shallow pan, making a layer 1/4 inch deep.
- While warm, crease into squares with a blunt knife.
- When cold, break into pieces.
ANISE HARD CANDY
I love to make anise recipes, and this flavorful candy is one of my favorites. Oftentimes I'll wrap up pieces in plastic wrap to share with friends. -Bea Aubry, Dubuque, Iowa
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Desserts
Time 15m
Yield about 8-1/2 dozen.
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- In a large heavy saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup and water. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Cover and cook for 3 minutes or until sugar is dissolved. Uncover; cook on medium-high heat, without stirring, until a candy thermometer reads 300° (hard-crack stage)., Remove from the heat; stir in extract and food coloring (if using anise oil, keep face away from mixture as the aroma will be very strong). Pour into a buttered 13-in. x 9-in. pan. When cooled slightly but not hardened, cut into 1-in. squares. Cool completely. Store in an airtight container.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 49 calories, Fat 0 fat (0 saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 8mg sodium, Carbohydrate 13g carbohydrate (11g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 0 protein.
NANA'S HOMEMADE HARD CANDY
Nana taught me how to make this candy many years ago. We would make so many flavors and her candy dishes were always filled with them. I decided to make them with my son and fill our candy dishes like nana did. We made many flavors, the possibilities are endless, rootbeer, peppermint, wintergreen,cinnamon, spearmint,...
Provided by Deneece Gursky
Categories Candies
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- 1. Sprinkle cookie sheet with powdered sugar and set aside
- 2. Combine sugar syrup and water in a saucepan and continuously stir over medium heat until the sugar is dissolved.
- 3. Continue to cook without stirring until a candy thermometer reaches 290 degrees. (Between 34 and 45 minutes)
- 4. Remove from heat and add food color and oil or extract. (if using oils do NOT inhale over the pot while adding the oil. it is very strong and can take your breathe away)
- 5. Pour mixture onto prepared cookie sheet and allow to cool completely. Once completely cooled lay a clean towel over top of sheet and break candy into pieces by taping with a hammer. Sprinkle candy again with powdered sugar
- 6. If you are making several flavors and colors like we did, after all the flavors are broken into pieces mix them together and put into candy dishes or bowls for a tasty beautiful stained glass effect.
- 7. These make beautiful favors for parties and showers.
BEAUTIFUL STAINED-GLASS HARD CANDY
This was one of the first candy recipes I ever made. These candies are crystal clear and can be used as decorations for a Christmas tree or a window. Cooking and prep times are approximate, and don't include making your own molds if you wish to do that.
Provided by Annisette
Categories Candy
Time 25m
Yield 1 batch
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- To make your own molds from foil: Cut aluminum foil in desired shapes: stars, trees, etc. Grease foil lightly with vegetable oil. Fold up edges to make 1/2" sides. Seal corners with freezer tape to prevent leaks.
- You can also pour this candy onto a greased cookie sheet to make your own shapes. Score the candy while it's still warm (be careful not to burn your fingers) so you can break it on the score lines. I've even used mint containers as molds.
- To make the candy: In a 2-quart saucepan combine sugar, syrup, water and vinegar. Cook, stirring constantly until the sugar is dissolved. Continue cooking, without stirring, until it reaches the hard crack stage (300F degrees).
- Remove from the heat, stir in the flavoring and color. Allow the candy to cool SLIGHTLY. Pour the candy into prepared molds, about 1/8" deep. When firm, remove from the molds.
- If you wish to hang the finished candy on a string or ribbon: when the candy begins to set (before it hardens) use a skewer to make holes for stringing.
- If candy becomes too firm to pour and shape it, then remelt it over low heat. Be careful not to boil it.
- Tips for other color combinations: Use a toothpick to swirl food coloring through the uncolored candy after it's been poured into molds. Make molded candies of one color and dribble with a second color to get a "stained glass" effect. To store candy ornaments, wrap them in plastic wrap and store in a covered container at room temperature in a dry place. Keep them flat to prevent warping.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 1874.7, Fat 0.2, Sodium 72.6, Carbohydrate 487.1, Sugar 430.1
QUICK AND EASY HARD CANDY (MICROWAVE!)
This is so easy. I have tried different recipes using different amounts of sugar, and syrup, boiling, stirring, boiling, stirring. THIS TOPS THEM ALL. 30 MINUTES TOPS AND YOU HAVE IT!
Provided by Lori Lissa
Categories Candy
Time 27m
Yield 24 candies, 24 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 4
Steps:
- Thoroughly mix sugar and light corn syrup in glass bowl.
- Cover with plastic wrap.
- Microwave on HIGH for 3 minutes and 15 seconds.
- Quickly stir the sugar mixture and then cover with a NEW sheet of plastic wrap. Microwave on high for 3 minutes and 15 seconds.
- Remove from microwave and stir. After boiling has ceased, stir in coloring and flavoring.
- Pour syrup quickly, onto wax paper covered cookie sheet or into non-stick sprayed molds. Cool completely before breaking into pieces.
- Store in airtight container.
- Prep time is cooking time, and Cooking time is actually cooling time.
NO CORN SYRUP HARD CANDY
Make and share this No Corn Syrup Hard Candy recipe from Food.com.
Provided by jamie m.
Categories Dessert
Time 35m
Yield 20 lollipos
Number Of Ingredients 3
Steps:
- In a medium saucepan over a medium heat put water sugar and cream of tartar a stir until dissolved.
- Bring mixture to a boil DO NOT STIR place candy thermometer in mix and allow to reach hard crack stage 148.8C / 300F.
- Remove from heat and pour into moulds and let set for 30 minutes.
CHRISTMAS HARD CANDY
This is made each year and it is my granddaughter's favorite time. We get together and have several pots going at different intervals so we are going all the time. This past year my husband got involved. We make seven or eight kinds each year. You have to use the oil and not just flavoring. They can be purchased in a candy store or on-line. This candy is delicious. The recipe below is for one batch of one flavor. So, if you want many flavors, you make many batches but you will need at least two people and of course it is more fun with two. Be careful you don't burn your fingers. This candy makes a great gift.
Provided by Mimi in Maine
Categories Candy
Time 1h10m
Yield 1 batch
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Put a couple of LIGHTLY oiled and then wiped out, 10" frying pan (metal--not cast iron) in the freezer for 20 minutes or so before starting the candy (one for each batch).
- Put the confectioners sugar in a bowl and put on the table where you will be working with the candy.
- Put the Karo syrup, sugar, and water in a large saucepan; bring it to a boil and cook over medium heat till thermometer reaches 300F to 305F (hard crack stage).
- Immediately take off the stove and add the flavoring and the food coloring.
- Pour into the cold pans and wait till it starts to set; it will cool around the edges first.
- When it does, start picking up and snipping with scissors to desired size.
- Put into the confectioners sugar and leave there, tossing every so often, till you are done.
- When that particular flavor is done, put the candy in a sifter and sift the confectioners sugar off and put into a clean bowl; save this sugar for the next batch.
- AMOUNT OF OIL FLAVORING THAT I USE:.
- cinnamon--scant 1/2 teaspoon (deep red); lemon--full 1/2 teaspoon (yellow); anise--full 1/2 teaspoon (blue); lime--full 1/2 teaspoon (light green); spearmint--exactly 1/2 teaspoon (dark green); orange--full 1/2 teaspoon (medium orange); clove--level 1/4 teaspoon (this flavor is very strong--no color).
HARD CINNAMON CANDY
This is my favorite cinnamon candy and you can adjust the cinnamon flavor to your liking. Great to give as small gifts during the holidays. Keep in an airtight container.
Provided by Angie Brewer
Categories Candies
Time 30m
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- 1. Items you will also need: sheet pan to pour the candy on to cool/harden parchment paper to line pan powdered sugar to sprinkle on parchment so candy doesn't stick Mix sugar, water and corn syrup in a heavy pot. Over medium heat, stir til sugar is dissolved Bring to a boil and cook to the desired candy stage. Remove from heat and add food coloring and cinnamon oil. CAUTION - keep your head back so that the steam from adding the oil doesn't choke you or make you pass out from losing your breath. Cinnamon oil is very strong! Stir and pour onto your powdered sugar sprinkled, parchment lined pan.
- 2. http://snackcupsandsmiles.blogspot.com/2012/12/hard-cinnamon-candy.html
Tips:
- Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to prevent scorching.
- Do not stir the candy while it is cooking, as this can cause it to crystallize.
- Use a candy thermometer to ensure that the candy reaches the correct temperature.
- If you do not have a candy thermometer, you can test the candy by dropping a small amount into a glass of cold water. If the candy forms a hard ball, it is ready.
- Add flavoring and food coloring after the candy has reached the correct temperature.
- Pour the candy onto a greased baking sheet to cool.
- Break the candy into pieces once it has cooled.
- Store the candy in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
Conclusion:
Making hard candy is a fun and easy way to create delicious and colorful treats. By following these tips, you can make perfect hard candy every time. So get creative and experiment with different flavors and colors to create your own unique hard candy recipes.
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