Classic refreshing peppermint sticks (Printable Version)

Delight in classic peppermint sticks with a glossy twist, ideal for treats or hot chocolate flavoring.

# What You'll Need:

→ Sugar Syrup

01 - 2 cups granulated sugar
02 - 1/2 cup light corn syrup
03 - 1/3 cup water
04 - 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar

→ Flavor & Color

05 - 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
06 - Red food coloring (gel or liquid), as desired

# Directions:

01 - Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly oil it.
02 - In a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, water, and cream of tartar. Stir over medium heat until sugar dissolves.
03 - Bring mixture to a boil without stirring. Continue cooking until syrup reaches 290°F on a candy thermometer.
04 - Immediately remove from heat and stir in peppermint extract.
05 - Pour half of syrup onto the prepared sheet. Add red food coloring to remaining syrup in pot, swirl gently, then pour next to uncolored portion.
06 - Allow syrup to cool for 1 to 2 minutes until safe to handle with lightly oiled hands.
07 - Wearing food-safe gloves, pull and fold each color separately until candy is opaque and glossy, about 5 minutes.
08 - Twist the two colors together, pull into long ropes about 1/2 inch thick, then cut into 5-inch sticks.
09 - Place sticks on parchment and allow to cool completely before wrapping for storage.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • You'll have gorgeous, professional-looking candy that tastes infinitely better than store-bought and costs almost nothing to make.
  • It's a surprisingly straightforward process once you trust your candy thermometer and aren't afraid of the heat.
  • The whole house smells incredible, and you get the satisfying pleasure of actually pulling and twisting candy with your own hands.
02 -
  • A candy thermometer is non-negotiable—guessing at temperature is how home candy makers end up with a gummy mess or a rock-hard disaster, and neither is fun.
  • Don't skip the oiling of your gloves; even a light coat makes the pulling phase infinitely less frustrating and keeps the candy from tearing unexpectedly.
03 -
  • Gel food coloring gives you richer colors and won't thin out your candy like liquid coloring sometimes does, especially if you're going for jewel tones.
  • If you want a stronger peppermint flavor, add an extra 1/4 teaspoon of extract, but do it carefully since extract is potent and you can't take it out once it's in.

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