Bookmark
These simple lollipops are a delightful and heartfelt treat perfect for Valentine’s Day. They invite creativity and warmth without requiring complicated steps, making them ideal for sharing with loved ones or as a fun kitchen project that sparks joy for everyone.
I remember making these with my children for the first time Our kitchen filled with laughter and the sweet smell of candy instantly brightened the cold February afternoon
Ingredients
- Sugar: the primary sweetener that crystallizes into a perfect hard candy choose fine granulated for best results
- Light corn syrup: prevents crystallization and ensures a smooth texture check labels for quality versions without additives
- Water: needed to dissolve sugar and create the candy base filtered water will give a cleaner taste
- Flavored extract: adds distinctive notes vanilla, peppermint or fruit extracts work beautifully, pick your favorite or seasonal flavors
- Food coloring: brings vibrant hues to your lollipops use natural dyes if you prefer less artificial colors
- Lollipop sticks: essential for shaping and handling wooden sticks offer a rustic feel but plastic ones work fine too
Instructions
- Combine the Ingredients:
- Place sugar, corn syrup, and water in a heavybottomed saucepan over medium heat to ensure even warming and prevent burning
- Bring to Hard Crack Stage:
- Allow the mixture to come to a rolling boil without stirring until it reaches 300 degrees Fahrenheit on a candy thermometer This is the crucial stage where the candy achieves a hard and brittle texture
- Add Flavor and Color:
- Remove the saucepan from the heat immediately Add your chosen flavored extract and food coloring now to preserve their aroma and vibrancy
- Pour into Molds:
- Work quickly and carefully pour the hot mixture into prepared candy molds to form your lollipop shapes
- Insert Sticks and Cool:
- Add lollipop sticks while the candy is still warm so they stay secured Let them cool completely at room temperature before removing from molds
These lollipops remind me of my favorite childhood Valentine’s when my mother handed me a homemade candy filled with color and love It’s a tradition I cherish and love passing on
Storage Tips
Store your lollipops individually wrapped in cellophane or airtight containers to keep them crisp and shiny Keep them in a cool dry place away from direct sunlight moisture will make the candy sticky and dull Avoid refrigeration as humidity often ruins texture
Ingredient Substitutions
If you cannot find corn syrup use light honey but note the flavor will be different and the texture slightly softer Flavored extracts can be swapped for essential oils but use sparingly as they are more concentrated Natural fruit powders provide an alternative to artificial food coloring and add subtle flavor notes
Serving Suggestions
Gift wrapped lollipops make delightful party favors for Valentine’s gatherings or children’s parties Serve alongside warm tea or hot chocolate for a sweet contrast that melts in your mouth Use as decoration on cakes or cupcakes to add a colorful candy flourish
These lollipops are an easy, joyful project that brings color and warmth to any celebration. They make a thoughtful homemade gift.
Common Recipe Questions
- → Quels ingrédients sont nécessaires pour ces sucettes ?
Sucre, sirop de maïs léger, eau, extrait parfumé, colorant alimentaire et bâtonnets à sucette.
- → À quelle température doit-on cuire le mélange ?
Le mélange doit atteindre 150°C (stade 'hard crack') pour une texture croquante parfaite.
- → Comment ajouter la saveur et la couleur ?
Après cuisson, incorporez rapidement l’extrait parfumé et le colorant avant de verser dans les moules.
- → Quel est le temps de préparation total ?
Environ 25 minutes du début à la fin, incluant la cuisson et le refroidissement.
- → Ces sucettes conviennent-elles aux végétariens ?
Oui, la recette utilise uniquement des ingrédients végétariens.