Rock Candy is one of those sweet treats from childhood that takes you back-it wasn’t anything fancy, not covered in chocolate, just good sugary sweetness.  It is also a lot of fun and very easy  to make at home in any colors you want to match any holiday or party color scheme (shh don’t tell your kids this but it is also a science experiment). While it is very simple it does take awhile, not for your part that is over in about 10 minutes  but letting it crystallize takes 2-3 weeks, so if you want to include this in your holiday treats the sooner you get started the better! This homemade rock candy recipe makes enough to distribute between 4 half pint mason jars.

 

 

Homemade Rock Candy

Ingredients

1 cup water

2-3 cups sugar

lollipop sticks

clothespins

large pot

wooden spoon

mason jar/wine glass

optional-

flavoring

 

Directions:

Place water in saucepan and bring to a boil, add sugar a 1/2 cup at a time, stirring constantly, until no more sugar is able to dissolve in the water. This will probably take 10-15 minutes.

If you are going to add flavoring, stir it in now.

Remove pan from heat and allow to cool for 10-15 minutes undisturbed.

While you are waiting prepare the rest of your items.

Pour remaining sugar on a plate.

Add a couple drops of food coloring if desired into the bottom of each jar.

Clip clothes pin on lollipop stick about 3/4 of the way up, dip lollipop stick into sugar mixture in pan.

Immediately roll wet stick in granulated sugar- this will give the sugar crystals something to grab onto.

Gently pour syrup into glass/jars to distribute evenly.

Stir to mix color, add a bit more coloring if you think you need it, finished rock candy will be considerably lighter than what you see now.

Place stick in center of jar, using the clothespin to hold/balance it.

Place in a cool, dark area and let it it sit. You may wish to cover them with a cheesecloth to keep anything out. They will take anywhere from 1-3  weeks to have crystallized enough to enjoy. When they are ready break the hardened top surface, and remove stick. Allow to dry on a paper towel.

 

This is what it looks like after 1 week

and after 2..

 

Check out our other 12 Days of Christmas Cookies recipes!!