Description
This festive Christmas candy recipe offers a delightful blend of peppermint flavor and colorful holiday cheer. Using a simple mixture of sugar, corn syrup, and water cooked to the perfect hard crack stage, it results in crisp, sweet candy accented by crushed candy canes for an extra burst of minty goodness. Perfect for gifting or enjoying as a seasonal treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 cup corn syrup
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- Red food coloring
- Green food coloring
- 1 cup crushed candy canes
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine 2 cups sugar, 1 cup corn syrup, and 1/2 cup water. Stir the mixture gently to begin dissolving the sugar.
- Dissolve Sugar: Continue stirring until the sugar has fully dissolved into the liquid, ensuring a smooth syrup base without granules.
- Boil Mixture: Increase the heat slightly and bring the syrup to a rolling boil. Avoid stirring during this phase to prevent crystallization.
- Cook to Hard Crack Stage: Using a candy thermometer, cook the syrup until it reaches 300°F (hard crack stage), which ensures the candy will be crisp and brittle once cooled.
- Add Flavor and Color: Remove the saucepan from heat. Carefully stir in 1 teaspoon peppermint extract along with red and green food coloring drops to achieve festive hues.
- Pour Mixture: Pour the hot syrup onto a greased baking sheet, spreading it evenly for uniform thickness.
- Garnish: Immediately sprinkle 1 cup crushed candy canes over the candy surface while still warm, pressing lightly to embed them slightly.
- Cool and Break: Allow the candy to fully cool and harden at room temperature. Once set, break into pieces for serving or packaging.
Notes
- Use a candy thermometer to accurately reach the hard crack temperature for perfect texture.
- Grease the baking sheet well or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Work quickly when pouring and garnishing the hot candy, as it sets fast.
- Store the finished candy in an airtight container to maintain freshness and crispness.
- Crushing candy canes can be done using a rolling pin or placing them in a sealed bag and gently tapping.
