Best 5 Sugar Gems Recipes
Sugar gems, also known as rock candy, are a type of confectionery that is made by dissolving sugar in water and then allowing the solution to crystallize. The resulting crystals can be used in a variety of ways, including as a topping for desserts, a filling for chocolates, or simply as a sweet treat. Sugar gems are relatively easy to make at home, and there are many different recipes available online and in cookbooks. Whether you are looking for a simple recipe that uses just a few ingredients or a more complex recipe that produces large, intricate crystals, there is sure to be a sugar gem recipe that is perfect for you.
Here are our top 5 tried and tested recipes!
SUGAR GEMS
If you don't have much luck with rolled sugar cookies, give these a try. Oil and confectioners' sugar give them a unique crispness.
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Desserts
Time 35m
Yield about 7 dozen.
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- In a large bowl, cream the shortening, oil and sugars until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in vanilla. Combine the flour, baking soda, cream of tartar and salt; gradually add to the creamed mixture. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour or until easy to handle. , Roll into 1-in. balls; dip tops in sugar or colored sugar. Place sugar side up 2 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 350° for 12-14 minutes or until edges begin to brown. Remove to wire racks to cool.
Nutrition Facts :
SUGAR GEMS
I have been using this recipe all of my adult life. It's a sugar cookie that my HS friends from 30 years ago still say today "I remember the sugar cookies your Mom used to make. They're the best!" I like to add color to my sugar that is used to top the cookie. You can't eat just one!
Provided by Carrie Richman
Categories Dessert
Time 27m
Yield 36 cookies
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Mix sugars, margarine, oil and egg.
- Stir in rest of ingredients.
- Roll in small walnut sized balls.
- Flatten with the bottom of a beverage glass that has been sprayed with vegetable oil and dipped in sugar.
- Bake at 350 degrees for 12 to 15 minutes.
- They will NOT be brown when finished. Do not over bake. Leave on cookie sheets for 5 minutes and then remove to cool.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 97.5, Fat 5.8, SaturatedFat 0.9, Cholesterol 5.9, Sodium 81.7, Carbohydrate 10.5, Fiber 0.2, Sugar 4.5, Protein 1
CANDY GEMS
Any extract, such as orange or almond, can be used in place of cinnamon. Present to your Valentine in a handmade jewelry box.
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Dessert & Treats Recipes
Yield Makes 3 dozen
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Bring 1 cup sugar, 1/4 cup water, and 2 tablespoons corn syrup to a boil in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Heat until syrup registers 300 degrees on a candy thermometer. Remove from heat, and stir in 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon extract and 1 or 2 drops food coloring using a rubber spatula. (Mixture will steam and bubble when liquid is added, so be careful.) Transfer mixture to a liquid measuring cup, and let the bubbles settle slightly, about 15 seconds.
- Slowly pour mixture into gem candy molds just below the top. Let cool until candies harden, about 30 minutes. Remove candies from molds. Repeat with remaining 1 cup sugar, 1/4 cup water, 2 tablespoons corn syrup, 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon extract, and 1 or 2 drops food coloring (same color as first batch).
- Let second batch cool slightly, about 3 minutes. Top with first batch of hardened candies, flat sides together, matching sizes and shapes. Let harden and cool completely before removing from molds.
GINGER GEMS
These tasty little gems are sure to please! Great for the holidays when making up your cookie trays for family and friends! Cooking time is per pan of cookies.
Provided by Lindas Busy Kitchen
Categories Dessert
Time 25m
Yield 36 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 300°F.
- Cream together butter and sugar, then add molasses and egg. Mix well.
- In a separate bowl, combine the dry ingredients, then add to creamed mixture. Blend well.
- Stir in raisins.
- Roll dough into 1 inch balls, then roll in sugar.
- Place on ungreased cookie sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 101.9, Fat 4.1, SaturatedFat 2.5, Cholesterol 16, Sodium 116.8, Carbohydrate 15.9, Fiber 0.4, Sugar 9.3, Protein 1.1
SLICE 'N' BAKE LEMON GEMS
Rolled in colorful sprinkles, these melt-in-your-mouth cookies are pretty enough for a party. I make a lot of them for holiday cookie trays. (Complete your cookie tray with Chocolate Pretzel Rings.) -Delores Edgecomb, Atlanta, New York
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Desserts
Time 35m
Yield about 2 dozen.
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- In a small bowl, cream butter and confectioners' sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in lemon zest. In another bowl, whisk flour and cornstarch; gradually beat into creamed mixture. Refrigerate, covered, 1 hour or until easy to handle., Shape into a 7-in.-long roll (about 1-3/4-in. diameter); roll in colored sugar. Wrap in plastic; refrigerate 2-3 hours or until firm., Preheat oven to 375°. Unwrap and cut dough crosswise into 1/4-in. slices. Place 1 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets. Bake 9-11 minutes or until set and edges are light brown. Cool on pans 1 minute. Remove to wire racks to cool completely., In a small bowl, mix icing ingredients; spread over cookies. Let stand until set.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 117 calories, Fat 6g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 15mg cholesterol, Sodium 46mg sodium, Carbohydrate 16g carbohydrate (9g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 1g protein.
Tips:
- Choose the right sugar: Granulated sugar is the most common type of sugar used for making sugar gems, but you can also use other types of sugar, such as brown sugar, powdered sugar, or even flavored sugars.
- Use a heavy saucepan: A heavy saucepan will help to distribute the heat evenly and prevent the sugar from burning.
- Stir constantly: Stirring the sugar constantly will help to prevent it from crystallizing and will also help to create a smooth, glossy finish.
- Add water sparingly: If the sugar starts to crystallize, you can add a little bit of water to help it dissolve. However, be careful not to add too much water, as this can make the sugar gems too soft.
- Use a candy thermometer: A candy thermometer is a great way to ensure that the sugar reaches the correct temperature. The ideal temperature for making sugar gems is between 300°F and 310°F.
- Pour the sugar onto a greased surface: Once the sugar has reached the correct temperature, pour it onto a greased surface, such as a baking sheet or a marble slab. Work quickly, as the sugar will start to harden as it cools.
- Break the sugar into pieces: Once the sugar has cooled and hardened, break it into pieces using a hammer or a rolling pin.
- Store the sugar gems in an airtight container: Sugar gems can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
Conclusion:
Sugar gems are a delicious and versatile candy that can be used to decorate cakes, cupcakes, and other desserts. They are also a great addition to trail mix and other snacks. With a little practice, you can easily make sugar gems at home using a few simple ingredients. So next time you're looking for a fun and easy candy project, give sugar gems a try!
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