Christmas Hard Candy

Name: Christmas Hard Candy
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: about 2 pounds.
Ingredients: 3-1/2 cups sugar; 1 cup light corn syrup; 1 cup water; 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon or peppermint oil; 1 teaspoon red or green food coloring

When you make a batch of this beautiful jewel-toned candy, your whole house fills with the wonderful scent of mint or cinnamon. My mom always makes this candy, and people request it every year. She puts it in clear jars with a holiday calico fabric on the lid. Now I've started making it, too.—Jane Holman, Moultrie, Georgi

Ingredients

3-1/2 cups sugar
1 cup light corn syrup
1 cup water
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon or peppermint oil
1 teaspoon red or green food coloring

Directions

In a large heavy saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup and water. Cook on medium-high heat until candy thermometer reads 300° (hard-crack stage), stirring occasionally. Remove from the heat; stir in oil and food coloring, keeping face away from mixture as the scent of the oil is very strong.
Immediately pour onto an oiled baking sheet. Cool; break into pieces. Store in airtight containers.

Editor's Note: Cinnamon oil and peppermint oil are available in cake decorating and candy supply stores.

Nutrition Facts

1 piece: 114 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 13mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (26g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.

Every product is independently selected by our editors. If you buy something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Originally published as Christmas Hard Candy in Taste of Home December/January 1995

Reviews

Click stars to rate

Average Rating:

emyluke2

Dec 4, 2012

I've made this every year since it came out in 1995. We make it all year for different parties, change the color and flavors, even use shaped trays for different occasions. So easy and now I have my daughter making it with me.
momof29

Feb 12, 2012

a family tradition!
gaggy42

May 20, 2009

I USE A PROFESSIONAL PIZZA CUTTER SPRAYED WITH COOKING SPRAY TO CUT THE CANDY. SOMETIMES THE CANDY CONTINUES TO CLOSE UP BUT I JUST KEEP GOING BACK AND RECUTTING IT UNTIL IT STAYS CUT. THIS IS MUCH QUICKER THAN TRYING TO USE A KNIFE. HOPE IT HELPS!
dkjjsmom

Dec 7, 2008

I learned to put cornstarch or powdered sugar onto a jelly roll pan then make small furrows running parrallel to the long edge about 2 inches apart. Pour the candy into the furrows. When candy cools just enough to touch. I pick up each "stick" and cut into 1 inch or bite sized pieces with kitchen shears. No hard edges and makes a pretty gift. I use anise, orange and lemon extract also.
bikenviken

Nov 10, 2008

I loved the flavor of these... but I also had trouble with the sharp edges... they often poked the inside of my mouth which made it raw... I tried to score them into squares before they completely cooled but I couldn't get through the whole batch before that happened... but the parts that were scored broke off easily into squares and made for much better eating. So, if somehow you could score the candy with a knife into squares fast enough there wouldn't have to be any fear of the razor sharp edges of some of the pieces. I hope that helps you a bit Midnight Angel.
Midnight Angel

Jun 19, 2008

Could this recipe be poured into oiled small, round candy molds? I love the idea, simple ingredients and easy process. However, I'm concerned the cracked sheets could cause cutting of the throat if accidentally swallowed. I would love to gift this recipe as described by the author. Any feedback about this would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!
SuzieP64

Jun 19, 2008

This is one of my FAVORITE hard candy! I used to make them every year for Christmas. It makes perfect christmas gifts too!