Magic Candy Recipe
Introduction
This magic candy recipe creates colorful, crunchy treats that are perfect for holidays or special occasions. Using simple ingredients and cookie cutters, you can shape your own beautiful candies at home.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup butter
- 3 drops food color (optional)
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1/2 cup corn syrup
Instructions
- Step 1: Lightly grease the insides of 18 (2-inch) open metal cookie cutters with butter. Place the greased cookie cutters onto a lightly buttered baking sheet and set aside.
- Step 2: In a heavy 1-quart saucepan, combine butter, brown sugar, corn syrup, and baking soda. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 6 to 7 minutes until it comes to a boil.
- Step 3: Reduce the heat to low and cook without stirring for about 20 minutes until the candy thermometer reads 280°F or a small amount dropped into ice water forms a hard brittle strand.
- Step 4: Stir in food coloring if using.
- Step 5: Carefully pour about 1 tablespoon of the hot candy mixture into each prepared cookie cutter. Allow the candy to cool and harden completely.
- Step 6: Once cooled, gently remove the candies from the cookie cutters and enjoy your homemade magic candy.
Tips & Variations
- You can use different food coloring drops to create a rainbow assortment.
- Make sure not to stir the mixture during the final cooking stage to avoid grainy candy.
- If you don’t have a candy thermometer, test doneness by dropping a small amount of the mixture into ice water—it should form a hard brittle strand.
- Try adding a few drops of flavor extract like peppermint or vanilla for a unique twist.
Storage
Store your magic candy in an airtight container at room temperature. It will keep fresh for up to two weeks. To maintain crispness, avoid humidity. If candies become sticky, separate them with parchment paper. No reheating is necessary—just enjoy as is!
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use silicone molds instead of metal cookie cutters?
Metal cookie cutters work best because they conduct heat and help the candy set properly. Silicone molds may not give the same crisp edges or release as easily.
What should I do if my candy becomes sticky?
Sticky candy often results from excess moisture or humidity. Store candies in an airtight container with a packet of desiccant or in a cool, dry place to prevent stickiness.
Print
Magic Candy Recipe
- Total Time: 37 minutes
- Yield: 18 candies 1x
Description
This Magic Candy Recipe creates delightful hard candies with a rich buttery and caramel flavor. Using simple ingredients like butter, brown sugar, corn syrup, and baking soda, the candy is cooked on the stovetop and shaped using greased metal cookie cutters to form colorful, festive treats perfect for holiday gifting or a fun cooking project for all ages.
Ingredients
Magic Candy Ingredients
- 1/4 cup Butter
- 3 drops Food color (optional)
- 3/4 cup Brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons Baking soda
- 1/2 cup Corn syrup
Instructions
- Prepare the Cookie Cutters: Lightly grease the insides of 18 (2-inch) open metal cookie cutters with butter. Place the greased cookie cutters onto a lightly buttered baking sheet and set aside to prepare for candy shaping.
- Mix the Ingredients: In a heavy 1-quart saucepan, combine 1/4 cup of butter, 3/4 cup of brown sugar, 1/2 cup of corn syrup, and 2 teaspoons of baking soda. Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 6 to 7 minutes until it reaches a boil.
- Cook the Candy Mixture: Reduce the heat to low and continue cooking without stirring for about 20 minutes until the candy thermometer reads 280°F or a small amount dropped in ice water forms a hard brittle strand.
- Add Food Coloring: Stir in 3 drops of food color if desired to tint your candies vibrantly and evenly.
- Shape the Candy: Carefully pour approximately 1 tablespoon of the hot candy mixture into each prepared cookie cutter on the baking sheet to form shaped candies.
- Allow to Cool: Let the candy cool and harden fully inside the cookie cutters at room temperature.
- Remove from Cutters: Once completely cooled and hardened, carefully remove each candy from the cookie cutters to reveal your finished magical treats.
- Enjoy: Your homemade magic candy is ready to be savored or wrapped up as charming gifts.
Notes
- Use a candy thermometer to precisely monitor the temperature for perfect hard candy texture.
- Be cautious when handling hot candy mixture as it reaches very high temperatures and can cause burns.
- Greasing the cookie cutters well prevents the candy from sticking for easy removal.
- Experiment with different food coloring drops to create colorful assortments.
- Store candies in an airtight container to keep them crisp and fresh.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 27 minutes
- Category: Candy
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: hard candy, magic candy, homemade candy, caramel candy, stovetop candy, holiday candy, buttery candy
