DIY Holiday Hard Candy

YUM

Dec 26

My mom has made this candy during the holidays for as long as I can remember. It was always very exciting, because once the temperature reaches 300 degrees, it’s GO time. The recipe is pretty simple and it can be made with any colors and flavors you choose.

Side note – I feel dumb for never knowing what was in this recipe. And oh my lanta, if I read these ingredients on a label, I probably wouldn’t eat it. But for the reason of nostalgia, I shall carry on the holiday hard candy tradition.

My mom always makes cinnamon and spearmint (two options because my sister is allergic to cinnamon). This year I wanted to try something new! I tried cotton candy flavor with pink food coloring.

To make this mouthwatering candy, you’ll need:

3 3/4 cups sugar
1 1/4 cup light corn syrup
1 cup water
1 teaspoon food coloring
1 teaspoon of flavoring
2/3 cup powdered sugar
Candy thermometer

I know, these ingredients aren’t ideal. LOL. Maybe my next mission should be to make a “better for you” hard candy recipe.

Let’s get started!

Step 1: In a large pot fitted with a candy thermometer, heat sugar, corn syrup and water together over medium heat. Stir every so often until sugar is dissolved. This takes about 5 minutes. While this mixture is heating, prepare your cookie sheets with cooking oil.

Step 2: Increase the heat to high and let candy boil til it reaches 300 degrees. Now it’s GO TIME. Remove from heat and add in flavor and food coloring. Make sure to not have your face over the pot, as the steam can irritate your face!

Step 3: Now that everything is mixed together, immediately pour candy mixture onto cookie sheets and let cool completely. Once cooled, use a heavy item to break up pieces!

Step 4: Sprinkle powdered sugar over the broken candy.