Hard Candy
Transform your kitchen into a confectionery wonderland with this easy-to-follow Hard Candy recipe! Using just a handful of pantry staples like granulated sugar, light corn syrup, and water, this recipe delivers dazzling, glasslike candy that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Customize your creations with vibrant food coloring and a pop of bold flavor from candy oils—think classic peppermint or fruity favorites. The key to success lies in mastering the “hard crack” stage, with the help of a trusty candy thermometer, for perfectly crisp results. Ideal for gifting or enjoying as a sweet treat, these colorful candies can be made in under an hour and stored for weeks. Whether you’re satisfying a sugar craving or crafting edible decorations, this homemade hard candy recipe promises professional-grade results in the comfort of your own kitchen.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups Granulated sugar
- 1 cup Light corn syrup
- 0.5 cup Water
- 1 teaspoon Flavored candy oil (any flavor)
- 1 dropper or drop Food coloring (optional)
- 2 tablespoons Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
Prepare your workspace by laying out a heat-resistant silicone mat or lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lightly dust the surface with powdered sugar to prevent sticking.
In a medium-sized, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, light corn syrup, and water.
Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir the mixture gently until the sugar has dissolved completely.
Once dissolved, stop stirring and bring the mixture to a boil. Attach a candy thermometer to the side of the saucepan, ensuring it does not touch the bottom.
Allow the mixture to cook until it reaches 300°F (the hard crack stage). This may take about 20-25 minutes. Avoid stirring during this phase to prevent crystallization.
Once the mixture reaches 300°F, quickly remove it from the heat. Stir in the candy flavoring oil and food coloring, being cautious as the mixture may release steam.
Immediately pour the hot candy mixture onto the prepared silicone mat or parchment paper. Spread it out evenly with a heat-resistant spatula if desired.
Allow the candy to cool completely until hard, about 10-15 minutes.
Once cooled, break the candy into pieces using your hands or the blunt end of a knife. If desired, dust the candy pieces with a little more powdered sugar to prevent sticking.
Store the hard candy in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 2 weeks.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
99 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 0.2 g | 0% | |
| Saturated Fat | 0.0 g | 0% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 2 mg | 0% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 25.1 g | 9% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.0 g | 0% | |
| Total Sugars | 25.1 g | ||
| Protein | 0.0 g | 0% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 1 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.
