Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples like sugar, corn syrup, and water.
Customizable Flavors: Add any extract or oil for a variety of tastes.
Fun to Make: Great activity for kids (with supervision) or candy enthusiasts.
Perfect for Gifts: Homemade candies make thoughtful, personalized presents.
No Special Equipment Needed: Uses basic kitchen tools and a candy thermometer.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 cups granulated sugar
2/3 cup light corn syrup
3/4 cup water
1/2 teaspoon flavored extract (like peppermint, cherry, or lemon)
Food coloring (optional)
Powdered sugar or cornstarch for dusting

Directions

Prepare Work Surface: Lightly grease a silicone mat or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, and water. Stir over medium heat until sugar dissolves.
Boil Mixture: Attach a candy thermometer to the pan. Bring mixture to a boil without stirring. Continue boiling until temperature reaches 300°F (hard crack stage).
Remove from Heat: Once at 300°F, remove from heat immediately. Let the bubbling subside.
Add Flavor and Color: Stir in flavored extract and food coloring, if using.
Pour and Shape: Carefully pour the hot candy onto the prepared surface. Let it cool slightly, then score with a knife or use cookie cutters to shape before fully hardening.
Cool Completely: Allow the candy to cool and harden completely at room temperature.
Store: Break into pieces if necessary and dust with powdered sugar or cornstarch to prevent sticking. Store in an airtight container.

Servings and Timing

Yield: About 30 pieces (depending on size)
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 25 minutes

Variations

Flavor Options: Use extracts such as cinnamon, orange, vanilla, or anise.
Swirled Candy: Add two different colors and swirl them together before hardening.
Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cayenne or chili powder for a spicy kick.
Sugar-Free Version: Use sugar substitutes designed for candy making (follow package instructions).
Nutty Candy: Sprinkle chopped nuts onto the candy before it hardens.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Keep candies in an airtight container at room temperature. Avoid humidity which can cause stickiness.
Shelf Life: Best consumed within 2 weeks for optimal freshness.
Reheating: Hard candy cannot be remelted safely once hardened; make fresh batches as needed.

FAQs

Do I need a candy thermometer?

Yes, precise temperature control is essential for hard candy to reach the right stage.

Can I use different types of sugar?

Granulated white sugar works best for clear hard candy.

What is the hard crack stage?

It’s the temperature (300°F) where sugar syrup hardens into a brittle, glass-like texture.

How do I prevent candy from sticking?

Dust with powdered sugar or cornstarch once cooled and store in a dry place.

Can I make shaped candies?

Yes, pour the candy on a silicone mat and cut or use cookie cutters before fully hardening.

Is corn syrup necessary?

Corn syrup prevents crystallization and helps create a smooth texture.

Can I add colors?

Yes, use food coloring to create vibrant candy.

What flavors work best?

Peppermint, cherry, lemon, cinnamon, and vanilla are popular options.

Can I make sugar-free hard candy?

Yes, but you’ll need sugar substitutes suitable for candy making and follow their instructions.

How long does homemade hard candy last?

Stored properly, up to 2 weeks at room temperature.

Conclusion

Easy Homemade Hard Candy is a fun and rewarding treat you can make with simple ingredients and minimal equipment. Its customizable flavors and colors make it perfect for gifts, holidays, or any sweet craving. With careful attention to temperature, you can create beautiful, delicious candies right at home.