Easy Microwave Hard Christmas Rock Candy
Create a festive treat in minutes with this Easy Microwave Hard Christmas Rock Candy recipe! Perfect for holiday gifting or family snacking, this simple recipe combines staple ingredients like granulated sugar, light corn syrup, and water for a quick and stress-free candy-making experience. With the convenience of your microwave, you'll reach the hard-crack stage in no time, allowing you to customize your candy with vibrant food coloring and bold flavors like peppermint or cinnamon. Each shimmering piece is dusted with powdered sugar for a frosty festive look. Whether you're breaking it into shards for decorative jars or enjoying it straight from the tray, this homemade candy delivers sweet holiday magic without the hassle of stove-top thermometers.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups Granulated sugar
- 1 cup Light corn syrup
- 0.5 cup Water
- 1 teaspoon Candy flavoring oil (e.g., peppermint, cinnamon, or cherry)
- 1 drop Food coloring (optional)
- 0.25 cup Powdered sugar
Instructions
Prepare a large baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper and lightly dusting it with powdered sugar. Set aside.
In a large microwave-safe glass bowl, combine granulated sugar, light corn syrup, and water. Stir until just combined.
Microwave the mixture on high power for 3 minutes. Carefully remove the bowl and stir the mixture to ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Return the bowl to the microwave and heat in 1- to 2-minute increments, stirring after each interval. Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature, and continue heating until the mixture reaches 300°F (hard-crack stage). This process typically takes 8-10 minutes in total, but watch closely to avoid overcooking.
Once the mixture reaches 300°F, carefully remove the bowl from the microwave. Stir in the candy flavoring oil and food coloring (if using). Be cautious, as the mixture will be extremely hot and may release steam.
Quickly pour the hot candy mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Tilt or spread the sheet gently to achieve an even layer if needed. Avoid touching the candy, as it will be very hot.
Allow the candy to cool completely at room temperature, approximately 30-45 minutes.
Once hardened, gently break the candy into small pieces using a mallet or the blunt edge of a knife.
Dust the broken candy pieces with powdered sugar to prevent sticking, if desired.
Store the candy in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2365 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 4.2 g | 5% | |
| Saturated Fat | 0.4 g | 2% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 38 mg | 2% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 607.5 g | 221% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.0 g | 0% | |
| Total Sugars | 606.9 g | ||
| Protein | 0.0 g | 0% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 8 mg | 1% | |
| Iron | 0.0 mg | 0% | |
| Potassium | 1 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.
