By: Becky Hardin
This post may include affiliate links that earn us a small commission from your purchases at no extra cost to you.
Rock Candy is such a fun treat to make and eat for holidays, parties, or any fun occasion. Learn how to make rock candy at home for something special to share with the family. I chose to make raspberry-flavored blue rock candy, but you can make any color or flavor you like with this quick-and-easy rock candy recipe!
Table of Contents
What’s in this Rock Candy Recipe?
This easy recipe shows you how to make rock candy sheets in about an hour. It’s a fast way to make it, and you can make any color or flavor with this method.
- Water: Helps to dissolve the sugar into solution.
- Light Corn Syrup: Helps prevent sugar crystallization. It contains glucose, which interferes with the formation of large sugar crystals, resulting in smoother and smaller sugar crystals that are characteristic of rock candy.
- Granulated Sugar: This is the main ingredient that will form the candy. As the sugar solution cools and evaporates, the sugar molecules come together and form crystals.
- Flavoring Extract: I used raspberry, but you can use just about any flavor!
- Food Coloring: I used blue, but feel free to choose any color or leave your candy plain.
Pro Tip: I had a reader comment that a great way to keep them from sticking is shaking them in powdered sugar before sealing them in an airtight container. Genius!
Variations on Rock Candy
You can choose any color and flavor combination you like! Try green candy for St. Patty’s Day (with lime or sour flavor), orange and black for Halloween, or red with strawberry flavor for Valentine’s Day. The possibilities are endless!
Email This Recipe
Enter your email and we’ll send the recipe directly to you!
By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from The Cookie Rookie.
What’s the difference between rock sugar and rock candy?
Rock sugar is a type of sugar that is produced in the form of irregular lumps and is slightly less sweet than regular sugar. Rock candy, on the other hand, is created by crystallizing sugar into a hard candy.
How long does it take to make rock candy?
With this method, making rock candy takes only 20 minutes, plus cooling time (usually 30-45 minutes for it to harden).
What equipment is needed for rock candy?
The main things you’ll need to make this recipe are a kitchen scale(although this is optional), a baking sheet, and a candy thermometer.
Does brown sugar work for rock candy?
Yes, brown sugar will work, but be aware that it will give your candy a brownish hue that may be more difficult to color. It could also lead to a slightly bitter flavor if overcooked.
What can I use to color rock candy?
You can use regular water-based or gel food coloring.
Does temperature matter when making rock candy?
Yes! Temperature is super important! You’ll need to bring your sugar to the hard crack stage, which is 300°F; otherwise, it will not harden.
Why is my rock candy not hardening?
If your candy doesn’t harden, even after sitting for a long time (it should only take 45 minutes, not much longer), it might be that your liquid never got hot enough. It’s important that the temperature reaches 300°F while cooking the syrup. And the best way to make sure it gets hot enough is to use a candy thermometer to check. This is not the time for guessing!
How do you break up hard candy sheets?
To turn the sheet of candy into small pieces, it’s easiest to use a metal mallet (like a meat tenderizer). Just hit the sheet with it until it breaks into pieces. If you want to make it look more like rock candy, place those pieces into a bag, and use a rolling pin to crush them up even smaller.
How to Store
Place the candy pieces into a resealable bag, pour in some powdered sugar, and shake it up to coat the candy. Do this before storing, and they won’t stick!
I recommend storing this candy at room temperature, ideally in a pantry or cupboard where it is slightly cooler. In these conditions, it will keep well for up to 1 month!
Serving Suggestions
Serve this tasty candy with a fun and colorful drink or co*cktail, like lavender lemonade, cherry limeade, blue margaritas, a blue Hawaiian, or a cotton candy martini!
5-Star Review
“Just made this! And it is awesome and so easy! I will actually use this rock candy as the gems in my geode cake later this week! I used lemon extract in mine and it is delicious! Thank you!!” – Lauren
Recipe
How to Make Rock Candy
4.49 from 95 votes
Author: Becky Hardin
Prep: 10 minutes minutes
Cook: 10 minutes minutes
Total: 20 minutes minutes
Serves8
Print Rate
Save Shop our store
Making this rock candy at home is such a fun experience and it is a really cool party treat! Both kids and adults love this stuff!
Email This Recipe
Enter your email and we’ll send the recipe directly to you!
By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from The Cookie Rookie.
Ingredients
- ½ cup water 114 grams
- ¾ cup light corn syrup 234 grams
- 2 cups granulated sugar 400 grams
- 2 teaspoons flavoring extract 8 grams (I chose raspberry, but there are lots of flavors to choose from!)
- Food coloring optional (I used blue, but use any color!)
Recommended Equipment
Kitchen Scale (optional)
Instructions
Mix all ingredients together in a medium saucepan set over medium heat.
½ cup water, ¾ cup light corn syrup, 2 cups granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons flavoring extract, Food coloring
Stir until boiling. Once the liquid begins to boil, do not stir until finished.
While the candy comes to a boil, line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and spray the foil with nonstick spray. Set aside.
Once boiling, place a candy thermometer in the liquid and monitor closely. when the liquid reaches 300°F, take off the heat and set aside.
Allow the mixture to cool until the bubbles quit breaking at the surface of the liquid.
Pour liquid onto the prepared baking sheet.
Allow to cool until fully hardened. Then, break apart to the size desired.
Last step! Don’t forget to show me a pic of what you made! Upload an image or tag me @thecookierookie on Instagram!
Becky’s tips
- Pro Tip: I had a reader comment that a great way to keep them from sticking is shaking them in powdered sugar before sealing them in an airtight container. Genius!
- To turn the sheet of candy into small pieces, it’s easiest to use a metal mallet (like a meat tenderizer). Just hit the sheet with it until it breaks into pieces.
- If you want to make it look more like rock candy, place those pieces into a bag, and use a rolling pin to crush them up even smaller.
- If your candy doesn’t harden, even after sitting for a long time (it should only take 45 minutes, not much longer), it might be that your liquid never got hot enough. It’s important that the temperature reaches 300°F while cooking the syrup.
Storage:Store rock candy in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 month. Keep away from heat and humidity.
Nutrition Information
Calories: 283kcal (14%) Carbohydrates: 74g (25%) Fat: 0.2g Sodium: 21mg (1%) Potassium: 1mg Sugar: 74g (82%) Calcium: 5mg (1%) Iron: 0.03mg
Did You Make This?I want to see! Be sure to upload an image below & tag @thecookierookie on social media!
Upload A PhotoTag on
InstaLeave A Rating
More Candy Recipes We Love
- Buckeye Candy
- Crockpot Turtle Candy
- Chocolate Covered Pretzels
- Caramel Pretzels
- Saltine Cracker Toffee
- Crockpot White Chocolate Haystacks
- Chocolate Fudge
- Caramel Apples
- Cream Cheese Mints
Claim your free ebook!
Subscribe to have posts delivered straight to your inbox!! PLUS get our FREE ebook!
