Indulge in the sweet delights of homemade hard candy with this easy and delicious recipe perfect for the holidays. Whether you’re looking for a festive treat or a thoughtful gift, this recipe is sure to impress with its vibrant colors and delightful flavors.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Great flavors: Customize your hard candy with a variety of flavor extracts or oils for a unique and tasty treat.
Quick prep time: With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch of these candies in no time.

Perfect for gifting: Package these candies in a cute jar or bag for a thoughtful holiday gift that everyone will love.

Ingredient Notes:

Granulated sugar: Provides the base sweetness for the candy.
Water: Helps dissolve the sugar and corn syrup.
Clear corn syrup: Adds a smooth texture to the candy.

Food coloring: Use green and red drops for festive colors.
Flavoring extract or oil: Choose from peppermint, vanilla, strawberry, or cotton candy for delicious flavor options.

Powdered sugar for coating: Adds a sweet finish to the candies.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

In a saucepan, combine sugar, water, and corn syrup.
Boil the mixture until it reaches the hard crack stage.
Stir in food coloring and flavoring.
Pour the mixture onto a prepared baking sheet.
Let it cool and break into pieces.
Coat the candies in powdered sugar.

Helpful Tips:

Use a candy thermometer for accurate temperature readings.
Store candies in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Experiment with different flavors and colors for a fun twist on the recipe.

Expert Tips for the Best Results:

Work quickly when pouring the hot candy mixture to prevent it from hardening too soon.
Use caution when handling hot sugar to avoid burns.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve these festive candies alongside hot cocoa for a cozy holiday treat.

Storage and Reheating Tips:

Store the candies in a cool, dry place in an airtight container. To reheat, place in the microwave for a few seconds to soften.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use natural food coloring for this recipe?

Yes, you can use natural food coloring for a healthier option.

How long will these candies last?

Stored properly, these candies can last for up to a month.

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins to the candy?

It’s best to stick to the basic recipe for this type of candy.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can easily double or triple the ingredients for a larger batch.

Conclusion:

Treat yourself and your loved ones to the delicious flavors of homemade hard candy this holiday season. Get creative with flavors and colors to make a truly unique and memorable treat. Share your creations with us and enjoy the sweet satisfaction of making your own candy!

Hard Candy Recipe For Holidays

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Author: Emily
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Yield: Approximately 24 candies 1x
Category: Desserts
Method: Stovetop

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Description

This Hard Candy Recipe For Holidays is a delightful treat to make and share during festive seasons. The colorful candies are perfect for gifting or decorating your holiday table.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

1 cup granulated sugar
⅓ cup water
⅓ cup clear corn syrup
42 drops Food coloring (22 drops green, 20 drops red)
Flavoring extract or flavor oil
powdered sugar for coating

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Instructions

Prepare Candy Mixture: Combine sugar, water, and corn syrup in a saucepan. Bring to a boil.

Add Color and Flavor: Stir in food coloring and flavoring. Continue cooking until mixture reaches hard crack stage.
Shape and Cool: Pour mixture onto a prepared surface, shape into desired shapes, and let cool. Dust with powdered sugar.