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The question of how to make hard candy frequently comes up on the Facebook page, Glue Sticks & Glitter. That’s why I was excited when Heather Meeks volunteered to create this post for everyone. If you haven’t checked out Heather’s recipes yet, she’s recently joined us and shared a fantastic Gingerbread Men Recipe just a few days ago. Be sure to take a look at her work—it’s incredible. Now, let’s dive into Heather’s recipe!
This recipe is a holiday tradition in my home. I experimented with peppermint and orange in addition to the cinnamon bark, and they were fantastic! Don’t let the idea of making hard candy scare you; it’s actually quite simple!
How To Make Hardy Candy: Peppermint, Cinnamon & Orange
What You Will Need:
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- Cookie sheet
- Large saucepan
- Candy thermometer
- 2 cups sugar
- 2/3 cup corn syrup (I use Karo)
- 1 cup water
- 10-20 drops extract (I used 10 for peppermint, 10 for cinnamon bark, and 30 for orange…I made 3 batches)
- Food coloring (optional)
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Measuring bowl set
How To Make Hard Candy
- Lightly grease a cookie sheet with shortening, then dust with powdered sugar.
- Combine the sugar, corn syrup, and water in a large saucepan over medium heat until sugar is dissolved.
- Stop stirring and attach a candy thermometer to pot.
- Bring mixture to a boil over medium high heat until the thermometer reads 300-310 degrees F. This will take a few minutes, so be patient. Check temperature often as it will jump quickly to desired temperature.
- Remove from heat and add in the oil of your choice and food coloring, if desired. Keep your head back and away from directly over the pot. There may be steam when you add the oils.
- Pour candy onto prepared cookie sheet.
- Let cool, then dust with powdered sugar.
- Using a spoon, crack the candy into bite sized pieces. Be sure to store in an airtight container to reduce drawing moisture.
Making hard candy is a fun and delicious activity, perfect for family time! Just gather your ingredients, and follow the simple steps to whip up some peppermint, cinnamon, and orange treats that everyone will love. Trust me, you’ll feel like a candy-making pro in no time. So, let’s dive into how to make hard candy that will have everyone coming back for more!