Coal Candy
Transform your holiday treat game with this whimsical Coal Candy recipe—a playful and delicious twist on the classic "naughty list" theme! Perfect for Christmas stockings or festive party favors, this crunchy handmade candy mimics the look of coal with its deep black hue, created using black gel food coloring. Made with a simple sugar syrup base and a touch of powdered sugar for a realistic, dusty finish, this easy-to-make treat combines the art of candy-making with holiday cheer. With just 10 minutes of prep and 20 minutes of cooking time, you’ll create jagged lumps of sweet "coal" that are as fun to give as they are to eat. Whether you’re treating kids or adding a humorous touch to a holiday gift, this Coal Candy is sure to delight with its quirky charm and nostalgic flavor.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups Granulated sugar
- 0.5 cup Water
- 0.25 cup Light corn syrup
- 1 teaspoon Black gel food coloring
- 1 cup Powdered sugar
Instructions
Line a 9x9-inch baking dish or a large, flat sheet pan with parchment paper. Dust the parchment paper generously with powdered sugar to keep the candy from sticking.
In a medium, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, water, and light corn syrup. Stir gently to combine.
Place the saucepan over medium heat and allow the mixture to come to a boil. Do not stir once it begins boiling, as this can cause crystallization.
Allow the candy mixture to heat to 290°F (143°C) on a candy thermometer, also known as the 'soft crack' stage. This should take approximately 15–20 minutes. Keep a close eye on it to avoid overcooking.
Once the desired temperature is reached, quickly remove the pan from the heat and stir in the black gel food coloring. Work quickly, as the candy will begin to harden upon cooling.
Pour the black-colored candy mixture evenly into the prepared pan. Allow it to cool slightly (about 1–2 minutes). While it's still pliable, fold the parchment paper over the candy to shape it into a jagged lump.
Let the candy cool completely for about 30 minutes. Once hardened, break it into small uneven chunks to resemble lumps of coal.
Toss the chunks in powdered sugar if desired for an authentic, dusty coal appearance.
Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks or package them in small bags for gifting.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2162 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 0.0 g | 0% | |
| Saturated Fat | 0.0 g | 0% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 14 mg | 1% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 564.2 g | 205% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.0 g | 0% | |
| Total Sugars | 561.8 g | ||
| Protein | 0.0 g | 0% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 8 mg | 1% | |
| Iron | 0.1 mg | 1% | |
| Potassium | 2 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.
