Ah, Christmas! It’s that magical time of year when the air is filled with the sweet scent of holiday treats. I remember making this Christmas candy easy recipe with my family every year. The kitchen would be a flurry of red and green, laughter echoing as we poured in the peppermint extract and watched the candy transform into a festive delight! It’s such a simple recipe, perfect for beginners or anyone looking to add a little homemade sweetness to their holiday celebrations. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll want to make it a holiday tradition!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup corn syrup
- 1/2 tsp peppermint extract
- Red and green food coloring
- 1 cup crushed candy canes
Make sure to have everything measured out and ready to go before you start cooking. It really helps the process flow smoothly, and you won’t find yourself scrambling for ingredients halfway through! A little prep goes a long way in making this festive candy a breeze to whip up.
How to Prepare Christmas Candy Easy
Now, let’s get to the fun part—making this delightful Christmas candy! It’s super straightforward, and you’ll have that festive spirit bubbling in no time. Just follow these steps and watch the magic happen!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine the 2 cups of granulated sugar, 1/2 cup of water, and 1/2 cup of corn syrup. It’s important to stir gently as you mix everything together.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar completely dissolves. Don’t rush this—patience is key!
- Once the sugar has dissolved, turn up the heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Keep an eye on it until it reaches a temperature of 290°F (143°C). A candy thermometer is your best friend here!
- When it reaches that magical temperature, remove the saucepan from the heat and carefully stir in 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract. Wow, the aroma is heavenly!
- Next, divide the hot mixture into two bowls. Add a few drops of red food coloring to one bowl and green to the other. You can adjust the color to your liking—make it as vibrant as you want!
- Now, pour both mixtures onto a greased baking sheet. Spread them out a bit, but don’t worry about making it perfect.
- Sprinkle the 1 cup of crushed candy canes generously on top of the warm candy layer. It adds a lovely crunch and that festive flair!
- Allow the candy to cool completely at room temperature. Once it’s set, you can break it into delightful pieces. Just be careful—it’s like a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered!
This process is not just about making candy; it’s about creating memories! So, gather your loved ones, and enjoy the sweet anticipation of the holiday season together.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation time—ready in just 25 minutes!
- Super easy stovetop method that anyone can master
- Deliciously festive flavors with a refreshing peppermint twist
- Customizable colors to match your holiday theme
- Perfect for sharing with friends and family or gifting
- Fun and interactive—great for holiday gatherings with loved ones
This recipe is not just about candy; it’s about bringing joy and sweetness into your holiday celebrations!
Tips for Success
To ensure your Christmas candy turns out perfectly, here are my go-to tips! First, accuracy is crucial—make sure to use a reliable candy thermometer to monitor that 290°F. If it’s a bit cooler, your candy might not set properly. Also, don’t skip the prep work; having everything ready before you start makes the process smoother and more enjoyable. Feel free to get creative with flavors—try almond or vanilla extract for a fun twist! And when it comes to colors, mix and match to create a beautiful candy display. It’s all about making it your own!
Nutritional Information
It’s important to note that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so this information is a general guideline. Each piece of this delightful Christmas candy contains approximately:
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Protein: 0g
Enjoy this candy in moderation as part of your holiday celebrations! It’s all about balance, right? Indulging in a piece or two of this sweet treat can definitely add a festive touch to your festivities!
FAQ Section
How can I store Christmas candy easy?
To keep your Christmas candy fresh and tasty, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. This helps maintain its crunch and flavor. Just make sure it’s completely cooled before storing, or you might end up with sticky candy!
Can I make variations of this Christmas candy easy?
Absolutely! Get creative with your flavors by swapping out the peppermint extract for vanilla, almond, or even orange extract. You can also use different colors or add sprinkles to match your holiday theme. The possibilities are endless!
What is the best way to break the candy into pieces?
Once your candy has cooled completely, place it in a large zip-top bag and gently tap it with a rolling pin or mallet to break it into pieces. This keeps things neat and avoids a mess on your countertop. Easy peasy!
Serving Suggestions
This festive candy pairs perfectly with a steaming mug of hot cocoa—imagine the warm chocolate and the refreshing crunch of peppermint candy! You can also package it up in pretty boxes or jars for delightful holiday gifts. It’s a wonderful surprise for friends, family, or even coworkers. Trust me, everyone will love receiving a taste of your homemade Christmas magic! Enjoy sharing the sweetness this season!
Drucken
Christmas Candy Easy: 7 Steps to Sweet Holiday Magic
- Gesamtzeit: 25 minutes
- Ertrag: 12 servings 1x
- Ernährung: Vegetarisch
Beschreibung
A simple recipe for making Christmas candy.
Zutaten
- 2 cups sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup corn syrup
- 1/2 tsp peppermint extract
- Red and green food coloring
- 1 cup crushed candy canes
Anweisungen
- In a saucepan, combine sugar, water, and corn syrup.
- Cook over medium heat until sugar dissolves.
- Bring to a boil and cook until mixture reaches 290°F.
- Remove from heat and stir in peppermint extract.
- Divide mixture into two bowls and add food coloring.
- Pour onto a greased baking sheet.
- Sprinkle crushed candy canes on top.
- Allow to cool and break into pieces.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container.
- Use different colors for variety.
- Adjust peppermint extract to taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 15 minutes
- Kategorie: Candy
- Methode: Stovetop
- Küche: American
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 piece
- Kalorien: 150
- Zucker: 30g
- Natrium: 5mg
- Fett: 0g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 0g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 37g
- Faser: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterin: 0mg
Keywords: christmas candy easy
