Homemade Jolly Rancher Candy
Ingredients
- 3 cgranulated sugar
- 1 ½ ccorn syrup
- ¾ cwater
- several drops food coloring
- 1 tbsplorann flavour oils)
or 2 tbsp flavour extract of choice
- 2 tspcitric acid powder
Directions
- 1
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, if you're not using a mold. Set aside.
- 2
In a heavy saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, and water. Stir well, bring to a boil on medium or medium-high heat. Affix candy thermometer to pan.
- 3
Boil mixture, stirring occasionally, until it reaches 310 degrees.
- 4
Remove from heat, quickly stir in food coloring, flavoring, and citric acid. Stir mixture until it stops boiling, and most of the “bubbles” disappear – this will minimize texture in your finished candies.
If using a mold:
- 1
Carefully pour molten candy into into mold cavities.
- 2
Allow to fully cool and harden.
If using a cookie sheet:
- 1
Carefully pour molten candy into prepared cookie sheet.Allow to cool until still very warm to the touch, slightly malleable, and firm (not brittle).
- 2
Turn slab of candy out onto a cutting board, taking care not to stretch it. Using a large knife, score candy slab into rows about 1″ apart. Turn slab 90 degrees, and score again – 1/2″ for long skinny candies, 1″ for square ones.
- 3
Working quickly, cut all the way through the candy slab along the score lines, separating candies into rows, then individual candies. You will need to have all of your cutting done while the candy is still fairly warm and malleable, or it could shatter when you attempt to cut it.
Homemade Jolly Rancher Candy
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About this Recipe
Craving that sweet and tangy kick of your favorite hard candy, but with the satisfaction of making it yourself? This Homemade Jolly Rancher Candy recipe lets you create vibrant, flavorful treats right in your own kitchen. You'll love the ability to customize every batch with your preferred colors and a rainbow of fruit flavors.
What makes this recipe truly special is the freedom it gives you. Instead of generic store-bought options, you can tailor each piece to your exact taste, experimenting with different Lorann flavor oils or flavor extracts to create unique combinations. The balance of sugar, corn syrup, and citric acid powder is key to achieving that iconic sweet-tart profile that keeps you coming back for more, making for truly authentic-tasting hard candy.
When you bite into these homemade candies, expect a delightful crunch and a smooth, glassy texture that slowly dissolves, releasing a burst of intense flavor. The citric acid powder provides that essential tangy counterpoint to the sweetness, mimicking the classic experience you know and love. You'll find yourself reaching for another one before you've even finished the first! With a yield of 10 servings, these candies are perfect for sharing, gifting, or simply enjoying as a personal snack throughout the week. The full process, from start to finish including cooling, takes about an hour and a half, ensuring perfectly set, beautiful confections.
Customization is at the heart of this candy-making adventure. Feel free to swap between Lorann flavor oils for concentrated, authentic tastes and flavor extracts for a broader range of options found in most grocery stores. The amount of food coloring is entirely up to you—go bold and vibrant, or keep it subtle and pastel. You can even create multi-colored layers for a truly impressive visual treat.
These delightful, sweet, and tart candies are ideal for satisfying an afternoon sweet tooth, adding a personal touch to party favors, or simply enjoying as a fun homemade snack. They make thoughtful, edible gifts that friends and family will adore.