Description
An old-fashioned hard candy recipe based on an old family tradition. With endless color and flavor options, this old fashioned hard candy with powdered sugar keeps and ships well, and is perfect for Christmas gifting. Learn how to make hard candy with this easy recipe!
Ingredients
2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup light corn syrup
1/3 cup water
1/2–1 teaspoon flavoring (I use the LorAnn Oils brand)
1–2 drops gel food coloring (optional)
1 cup confectioner’s sugar, for coating the candies
Instructions
In a large saucepan*, combine granulated sugar, corn syrup, and water.
Cook mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until temperature reaches 300° F / 149° C on a candy thermometer.
Remove from heat. Stir in flavoring and gel food coloring.
Immediately pour hot candy mixture onto a silicone baking mat, and allow to cool. (This will happen very quickly, about 15-20 minutes.)
Once candy is completely cool, use your hands or a kitchen mallet to break the slab** into bite-size pieces. Toss pieces in confectioner’s sugar to coat.
Store hard candy in an airtight container at room temperature for up to six weeks.
Notes
*Choose a stainless steel pan for this recipe. Avoid pans with nonstick coating.
**To break the candy apart, I put it in a large ziploc bag and use a mallet to crack it into smaller pieces. This is easier than breaking it with your hands, and it prevents candy pieces from flying everywhere! Just be sure to place a folded towel under the bag to avoid damaging your countertops.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Candy and Confectionery
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Sweets