Candy Cane Hearts Recipe
If you love festive treats, this Candy Cane Hearts Recipe is perfect for holidays. These candies are sweet, colorful and fun. They make great gifts or decorations for parties. You only need a few simple ingredients.
Ingredients
- Granulated sugar
- Light corn syrup
- Water
- Peppermint extract
- Red food coloring
- White food coloring
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
Prepare the Baking Sheet
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Dust lightly with powdered sugar to prevent sticking.
Mix Sugar, Syrup, Water
- In a saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup and water. Stir over medium heat until sugar dissolves.
Heat Candy Mixture
- Attach a candy thermometer. Boil the mixture without stirring until it reaches 300°F (hard crack stage).
Remove From Heat
- Take saucepan off the stove carefully. Let it sit for one minute before adding flavor and color.
Add Peppermint Extract
- Stir in peppermint extract gently. Avoid splashing because candy is extremely hot.
Divide Candy
- Separate mixture into two portions. Leave one portion plain, add red food coloring to the other.
Pull Candy
- Lightly grease hands. Pull each portion until slightly opaque and shiny.
Form Strips
- Roll each portion into long strips. Twist red and white strips together tightly.
Shape Hearts
- Fold twisted candy in half. Press ends together to form heart shapes. Place on parchment paper.
Cool and Set
- Let candy hearts cool completely for 30 minutes. Dust lightly with powdered sugar to prevent sticking.
Notes
- Use a candy thermometer for accuracy.
- Work quickly before candy hardens.
- Grease hands with butter or oil to handle candy.
- Store in airtight container to keep crunchy.
- Twist tightly for a nice heart pattern.