Valentine Candies
Delicious homemade Valentine's Day candies that can be customized with flavors and colors, making them perfect for gifting.
Ingredients
Candy Base
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup water
- ¼ cup light corn syrup Can substitute with honey or agave syrup.
- ½ teaspoon cream of tartar
- as needed Flavoring (like vanilla, peppermint, or fruit extract) Customize to your taste.
- as needed Food coloring (optional) Use for additional color.
For Dusting
- as needed Cornstarch To prevent sticking.
Instructions
Preparation
- Gather all your ingredients and tools before starting.
- You'll need a saucepan, a candy thermometer, a mixing spoon, and a greased surface.
Cooking
- In a saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, water, light corn syrup, and cream of tartar.
- Place it over medium heat and stir until the sugar has dissolved completely.
- Once dissolved, stop stirring and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Continue to cook until the mixture reaches 300°F (hard crack stage) while monitoring with a candy thermometer.
- Once at temperature, remove from heat and stir in chosen flavoring and optional food coloring.
Shaping
- Pour the hot mixture onto a greased surface and let it cool until bearable to touch but still pliable.
- Shape the candies using your hands or cookie cutters.
- Dust with cornstarch to prevent sticking.
- Allow candies to set completely, which can take several hours or overnight.
Notes
Store in an airtight container at room temperature. Can be frozen for up to three months.