How to Make Homemade Hard Candy Lollipops
Lollipops, or suckers, are a classic candy enjoyed by people of all ages. While you can easily buy basic lollipops in the typical colors and flavors, lollipops in unusual flavors can be difficult to find. You can create your own suckers in your kitchen in one afternoon with no candy-making experience. Make your own set of lollipops in your favorite flavor to give as gifts or to keep for yourself. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Heavy saucepan
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/3-cup honey
- 2 tbsp. water
- Wooden spoon
- Candy thermometer
- Glass measuring pitcher
- Flavor extract
- Food coloring
- Measuring spoon
- Waxed paper
- Lollipop sticks
Instructions
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1
Measure 1 cup of sugar, 1/3-cup of light honey, such as clover or orange blossom, and 2 tbsp. of water into a heavy saucepan. Place the pan on the stove over medium heat. Stir the ingredients over the heat until the sugar crystals have completely dissolved.
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2
Clip a candy thermometer to the inside edge of the pan once all of the sugar has dissolved. Turn the heat up to high. Heat the mixture without stirring or touching the pot until the thermometer reads between 300 and 310 degrees Fahrenheit.
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3
Remove the pan from the stove. Pour the hot mixture into a glass measuring pitcher. Stir in 2 tsp. of flavor extract, such as lemon, blueberry or cinnamon. Add food coloring, a few drops at a time, and stir until you reach the desired color.
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4
Pour the hot mixture onto sheets of waxed paper placed in the center of a table or counter. Pour the candy into circles, squiggles, hearts or any other shape. Keep the shapes about 2 inches across. Leave room between the shapes so the lollipop sticks can fit between them.
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5
Place a stick onto the bottom of each candy shape. Lay the stick down with one end in the candy. Roll the stick back and forth to get candy all over the outside of the end. Lay the stick so that it lies in the center of the sucker. Allow the candy to cool completely before you move it, which should take less than an hour.
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Tips & Warnings
Wrap your candy in commercial lollipop wrappers or squares of waxed paper.
If you're allergic to honey, substitute white corn syrup.
Liquid candy is extremely hot. Take care when stirring and pouring it.
References
- Photo Credit Dynamic Graphics/Creatas/Getty Images
