Hard Candy Recipe – American Special
The Hard Candy Recipe is a classic American sweet treat that transforms simple ingredients into crisp, glass-like delights. With granulated sugar, light corn syrup, and water boiled to the perfect hard-crack stage, this candy lets you customize flavor and color to suit your taste. Whether you love fruity extracts, bold food coloring, or delicate pastel hues, this homemade candy is fun to make and ideal for gifting, holidays, or satisfying a nostalgic craving.
- Prep Time5 min
- Cook Time25 min
- Perform Time15 min
- Total Time45 min
Hard Candy Ingredients:
- Cooking spray
- 3 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 1 ½ cups light corn syrup
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon orange or other flavored extract
- ½ teaspoon food coloring (optional)
- ¼ cup confectioners’ sugar for dusting
How to make Hard Candy Recipe:
Prepare a cookie sheet by greasing it with cooking spray.
In a medium saucepan, combine white sugar, corn syrup, and water. Stir over medium heat until the sugar dissolves, then bring the mixture to a boil.
Without stirring, continue boiling until the temperature reaches 300 to 310 degrees F (149 to 154 degrees C), or until a small amount of syrup dropped into cold water forms hard, brittle threads.
Remove the saucepan from heat and carefully stir in the flavored extract and food coloring.
Pour the hot mixture onto the prepared cookie sheet. Sprinkle the top with confectioners’ sugar.
Allow the candy to cool until it hardens, approximately 15 minutes. Break it into about 36 pieces and store in an airtight container.
Recipe Notes
Temperature Precision: Use a reliable candy thermometer to ensure the sugar syrup reaches 300-310°F (149-154°C) for the right hard-crack stage. This is what gives hard candy its crisp, brittle texture.
Flavor & Color Variations: Try different flavored extracts like mint, lemon, or vanilla. Use food coloring sparingly for vibrant shades or skip it for a clear, classic look.
Pouring & Cooling Tips: Grease the cookie sheet well, pour carefully, and let the candy cool undisturbed for about 15 minutes so it hardens properly without cracking.
Storage Advice: Break into pieces once set and store in an airtight container to prevent moisture from causing stickiness or softening.
Safety Warning: Be very careful when handling hot sugar syrup—hot candy can cause serious burns. Keep children away during boiling and pouring steps.
