Rock Candy for Kids
Transform your kitchen into a science lab and create dazzling, homemade *Rock Candy for Kids*! This fun and educational recipe combines the magic of crystal formation with the sweetness of customizable treats, perfect for little chefs and curious minds. Using only a few simple ingredients—granulated sugar, water, food coloring, and your favorite flavor extracts—you’ll guide kids through the mesmerizing process of growing edible crystals on wooden skewers. With vibrant colors and delightful flavors like cherry, lemon, or vanilla, this rock candy is a creative project that doubles as a sweet reward. Ideal for parties, gifts, or just a rainy day activity, this recipe is a surefire way to bring a hands-on science experiment to life, sparking curiosity and delight with every sugary bite. Make sweet memories and a treat to share—all in one vibrant, kid-friendly recipe!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 cups Granulated sugar
- 2 cups Water
- 6 drops Food coloring
- 1 teaspoon Flavor extract (e.g., vanilla, cherry, or lemon)
- 4 pieces Wooden skewers or popsicle sticks
- 4 pieces Clothespins
- 4 pieces Mason jars or tall glasses
Instructions
Prepare the mason jars or glasses by cleaning and drying them thoroughly. Set them aside.
Dip the wooden skewers or popsicle sticks into water and then roll them in granulated sugar. Lay them flat to dry completely. This creates a 'seed' surface to encourage crystal growth.
In a medium saucepan, combine 4 cups of granulated sugar with 2 cups of water.
Heat the saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly, until all the sugar dissolves. This will create a saturated sugar solution. Avoid boiling too long as it may turn the solution into caramel.
Once the sugar is dissolved, remove the saucepan from heat and let it cool for about 5 minutes.
Add food coloring and flavor extract to the sugar solution. Stir well to combine.
Carefully pour the sugar solution into the prepared mason jars or glasses, filling them to about 1 inch below the rim.
Attach a clothespin to the top of each skewer or popsicle stick and place it into the jar so that it hangs in the sugar solution without touching the bottom or sides.
Place the jars in a cool, undisturbed location where they won't be moved. Cover the tops of the jars loosely with paper towels or plastic wrap to keep dust out.
Allow the rock candy to grow for 5-7 days, checking progress daily. You'll see crystals form along the skewer as the solution evaporates.
Once the crystals have grown to your desired size, carefully remove the skewer from the jar and let the candy dry for about 1 hour on a clean surface.
Enjoy your homemade rock candy, or wrap them in cellophane for gifts!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3060 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% 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 | 800.5 g | 291% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.0 g | 0% | |
| Total Sugars | 800.5 g | ||
| Protein | 0.0 g | 0% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 29 mg | 2% | |
| 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.
