Cherry Suckers
Indulge in the nostalgic sweetness of homemade Cherry Suckers, a delightful treat that's perfect for kids and adults alike! This fun and easy recipe combines simple pantry staples like granulated sugar, light corn syrup, and water, then elevates them with the bold, juicy flavor of cherry oil or extract. Optional red food coloring adds a cheerful pop of color to these hard candy lollipops, while powdered sugar ensures a seamless release from the molds. With step-by-step instructions and just 30 minutes of cooking time, you'll create 12 beautiful, glossy suckers that are perfect for birthday parties, holiday gifts, or a sweet pick-me-up. Make your own classic cherry lollipops and savor the fruity, handcrafted charm of this timeless candy recipe!
Log this recipe in SnapCalorie
Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup Granulated sugar
- 0.5 cup Light corn syrup
- 0.25 cup Water
- 1 teaspoon Cherry flavored oil or extract
- 2 drops Red food coloring (optional)
- 1 tablespoon Powdered sugar (for dusting molds)
- 12 pieces Lollipop sticks
Instructions
Prepare your lollipop molds by lightly dusting them with powdered sugar. This will prevent the candy from sticking. Insert lollipop sticks into the mold slots.
In a medium-sized heavy saucepan, combine granulated sugar, corn syrup, and water. Stir to mix the ingredients evenly.
Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar completely.
Once the sugar has dissolved, stop stirring. Attach a candy thermometer to the side of the pan, ensuring it doesn't touch the bottom.
Allow the mixture to heat without stirring until it reaches 300°F (149°C), also known as the hard crack stage. This process will take about 15–20 minutes. Be careful, as the syrup will be very hot.
Remove the saucepan from the heat immediately once 300°F is reached. Stir in the cherry flavoring oil or extract and add the red food coloring if desired. Be cautious, as the mixture may sputter slightly when adding the flavoring.
Carefully spoon or pour the hot candy mixture into the prepared lollipop molds, filling each mold completely. Ensure the lollipop sticks are evenly coated and positioned properly.
Allow the lollipops to cool and harden at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
Once hardened, gently remove the lollipops from the molds. If needed, use a clean, dry cloth to carefully wipe away excess powdered sugar for a clean finish.
Wrap each cherry sucker individually in cellophane or wax paper, or store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1773 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 4.4 g | 6% | |
| Saturated Fat | 1.0 g | 5% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 79 mg | 3% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 452.3 g | 164% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.0 g | 0% | |
| Total Sugars | 416.3 g | ||
| Protein | 0.0 g | 0% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 4 mg | 0% | |
| Iron | 0.0 mg | 0% | |
| Potassium | 0 mg | 0% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
