Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Hard Candy Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 111 reviews
  • Author: Aiden
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: Approximately 30 bite-sized pieces 1x

Description

This hard candy recipe delivers a classic, glassy, and crunchy sweet treat that can be customized with your favorite flavors and colors. Made primarily from sugar, water, and corn syrup, this candy is boiled to the perfect temperature to achieve that iconic brittle texture. Ideal for festive occasions or just a sweet snack, it’s coated in powdered sugar to prevent sticking and enhance presentation.

Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ⅓ cup water
  • ⅓ cup clear corn syrup

Color & Flavor

  • 42 drops Food coloring (liquid works best; e.g., 22 drops green, 20 drops red)
  • Flavoring (extract such as peppermint or vanilla, use ½ to ¾ teaspoon, or flavor oil like strawberry or cotton candy, use ¼ teaspoon)

For Coating

  • Powdered sugar (for coating and dusting)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the base: Sift powdered sugar over the bottom of a rimmed cookie sheet or line it with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking. Set aside.
  2. Mix ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine granulated sugar, water, and corn syrup. Gently stir just enough to dissolve the sugar and ensure no granules remain at the bottom.
  3. Boil the mixture: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Avoid stirring during this process to prevent crystallization.
  4. Monitor temperature: Continue boiling until the mixture reaches 300°F (the hard crack stage), which is essential for achieving the hard candy texture.
  5. Remove from heat: Once at 300°F, take the saucepan off the heat to prevent burning.
  6. Add coloring and flavor: Wait 30 seconds to allow bubbling to subside, then add your choice of food coloring drops and flavor extract or oil. Use ½ to ¾ teaspoon for extracts and ¼ teaspoon for oils.
  7. Mix thoroughly: Stir well until the color and flavor are evenly distributed throughout the candy mixture.
  8. Pour and spread: Quickly pour the hot candy syrup onto the prepared cookie sheet and use an offset spatula to spread it evenly before it starts to set.
  9. Dust with powdered sugar: Sift a generous layer of powdered sugar evenly over the top to prevent stickiness.
  10. Let set: Allow the candy to cool and harden completely for at least 30 minutes.
  11. Brush off excess sugar: Use a pastry brush to gently remove any excess powdered sugar from the surface of the hardened candy.
  12. Break into pieces: Using a mallet or a similar tool, break the candy into bite-sized pieces.
  13. Store properly: Keep the candy in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent moisture absorption.

Notes

  • Use liquid food coloring for smoother color blending rather than gel.
  • Be very careful when handling hot sugar syrup to avoid burns.
  • Working quickly when pouring and spreading the candy is crucial as it hardens fast.
  • The 300°F temperature is critical for the candy to set properly; use a candy thermometer for accuracy.
  • Coating the candy with powdered sugar helps reduce stickiness and improves texture.
  • For best results, store candy in a cool, dry place in an airtight container.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Candy
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: hard candy, homemade candy, sugar candy, peppermint candy, vanilla candy, easy candy recipe, boiled candy

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!

Find it online: https://tastyplatesspot.com/hard-candy-recipe/