Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
homemade hard tack candy

Irresistible Homemade Hard Tack Candy Recipe for Christmas Gifting and Snacking

  • Author: Lyndy
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 1.5 to 2 pounds 1x

Description

Homemade Hard Tack Candy is a nostalgic, colorful, crunchy Christmas classic made with simple ingredients and customizable flavors like cherry, cinnamon, peppermint, and more. Perfect for gifting, snacking, and holiday markets, this easy old-fashioned candy recipe delivers festive charm in every sparkling bite.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup (180ml) water
  • 2/3 cup (200g) light corn syrup
  • 1/2 to 1 teaspoon candy flavoring oil (cinnamon, cherry, peppermint, etc.)
  • Food coloring (optional)
  • Powdered sugar, for dusting
  • Nonstick cooking spray

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Pan: Line a baking sheet with greased foil or a silicone mat and lightly spray with nonstick spray.
  2. Cook the Syrup: In a heavy saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, and water. Stir over medium heat until dissolved, then stop stirring. Bring to a boil with a candy thermometer attached.
  3. Reach Hard Crack Stage: Cook until the mixture reaches 300°F (149°C). Do not stir during boiling.
  4. Add Flavor & Color: Remove from heat and let sit 30 seconds. Add candy oil and food coloring—mixture may bubble. Stir gently.
  5. Pour & Cool: Pour syrup onto prepared baking sheet and tilt to spread. Cool completely at room temperature.
  6. Break Into Pieces: Crack candy with a bench scraper or knife handle. Dust with powdered sugar to prevent sticking.
  7. Store: Keep in airtight containers away from humidity for up to 3 months.

Notes

  • Do not use liquid extracts; they contain water and can ruin the candy.
  • Never stir once the mixture begins to boil—this prevents crystallization.
  • Humidity will make the candy sticky; choose a dry day if possible.
  • Clean the saucepan thoroughly between batches to avoid flavor crossover.
  • Test without a thermometer by dropping syrup into ice water—it should snap cleanly.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Candy, Christmas Recipes, Homemade Gifts
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 piece
  • Calories: 45
  • Sugar: 9g
  • Sodium: 0mg
  • Fat: 0g
  • Saturated Fat: 0g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 11g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 0g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: hard tack candy, homemade candy, Christmas candy, rock candy recipe, cherry hard candy, cinnamon hard tack, peppermint hard candy

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!

Find it online: https://lyndyskitchen.com/hard-tack-candy/