Lemon Drops
Bright, tangy, and satisfying, these homemade Lemon Drops are the perfect blend of citrusy sweetness and playful tartness, making them irresistibly refreshing. Crafted with the zesty punch of freshly squeezed lemon juice and the glossy finish of hard candy perfection, this easy-to-follow recipe comes together with just a handful of pantry staples. A splash of optional yellow food coloring adds a sunny hue, while a dusting of powdered sugar and cornstarch keeps each candy delightfully smooth and mess-free. Ideal for gifting, snacking, or brightening up any gathering, this classic candy recipe is sure to be a hit. Ready in under an hour, these lemon-flavored treats are a citrus lover’s dream!
Log this recipe in SnapCalorie
Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups Granulated sugar
- 0.25 cups Lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 0.25 cups Light corn syrup
- 0.25 cups Water
- 2 drops Yellow food coloring (optional)
- 0.25 cups Powdered sugar
- 0.25 cups Cornstarch
Instructions
Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Lightly grease it with neutral oil to ensure the candies do not stick.
In a medium-sized heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, lemon juice, corn syrup, and water. Stir gently to combine without splashing up the sides of the pan.
Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir continuously until the sugar is fully dissolved.
Once the sugar is dissolved, stop stirring and attach a candy thermometer to the side of the pan. Allow the mixture to cook undisturbed until it reaches 300°F (149°C), known as the hard crack stage.
If desired, add the yellow food coloring to the mixture once it reaches 300°F, and swirl gently to mix without stirring.
Quickly but carefully pour the hot candy mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, spreading it out slightly. Work quickly as the mixture cools and hardens rapidly.
Allow the candy to cool for 10-15 minutes or until it is firm but still pliable. Using a sharp knife or kitchen scissors, cut the candy into small, bite-sized pieces. Alternatively, once completely cooled, you can break it into shards.
In a small bowl, combine the powdered sugar and cornstarch. Toss the cooled lemon drop candies in this mixture to coat them lightly and prevent sticking.
Store the lemon drops in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1505 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 0.1 g | 0% | |
| Saturated Fat | 0.0 g | 0% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 13 mg | 1% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 393.0 g | 143% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.3 g | 1% | |
| Total Sugars | 375.2 g | ||
| Protein | 0.3 g | 1% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 8 mg | 1% | |
| Iron | 0.2 mg | 1% | |
| Potassium | 62 mg | 1% | |
*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.
