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Homemade Rock Candy
Benchi

Homemade Rock Candy

Make your own dazzling, crunchy rock candy at home with just a few simple ingredients. This nostalgic treat is easy, customizable, and perfect for gifts or fun kitchen projects with family and friends.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 12 hours
Servings: 6 sticks
Course: Candy, Snack
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 1 cup water (hot enough to dissolve sugar)
  • 3 cups granulated sugar
  • wooden lollipop sticks (clean and dry)
  • popsicle sticks (for suspending candy sticks)
  • clothespins (to attach lollipop sticks and suspend in jars)
  • few drops of gel food coloring (optional, for vibrant colors)
  • few drops of flavor extract (optional, e.g. vanilla or peppermint)

Equipment

  • quart-size wide-mouth mason jars

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Step 1: Dip each wooden stick into water, then roll in granulated sugar to coat. Lay sticks flat and let dry completely to help crystals cling.
  2. Step 2: In a large pot over medium heat, combine 1 cup water and 3 cups sugar. Stir constantly until sugar dissolves and the mixture boils.
  3. Step 3: Remove pot from heat. Stir in gel food coloring and flavor extract if using, to customize your candy.
  4. Step 4: Let sugar solution cool for about 20 minutes to prevent sticks from cooking the sugar too quickly.
  5. Step 5: Pour cooled solution into mason jars, leaving space at the top to prevent overflow.
  6. Step 6: Lay a popsicle stick across each jar’s top. Attach a clothespin to a prepared lollipop stick and lower it into the jar, sugar-coated section submerged but not touching the bottom.
  7. Step 7: Place jars in a clean, undisturbed spot. Avoid moving or shaking for about 5 days while crystals grow.
  8. Step 8: After 5 days, gently break surface sugar film and carefully remove sticks. Loosen any crystals stuck to jar sides with a knife.
  9. Step 9: Transfer finished rock candy to clean jars or stand upright in a cup to dry completely before enjoying or gifting.