Introduction

These Sweet and Tangy Homemade Lemon Drops are a bright and cheerful treat perfect for any time you need a citrusy pick-me-up. They offer a perfect balance of sweet and sour flavors with a delightful crunchy texture that melts in your mouth.

Sweet and Tangy Homemade Lemon Drops Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

2 cups Granulated Sugar (Provides sweetness and forms the candy structure; no substitutions recommended.)
1/2 cup Light Corn Syrup (Prevents sugar crystallization, ensuring a smooth texture; golden syrup can be used as an alternative.)
1/2 cup Water (Helps dissolve the sugar and create the syrup; no substitutions recommended.)
1/2 cup Fresh Lemon Juice (Adds tangy flavor and acidity; bottled lemon juice can be used but will alter the flavor.)
1 tablespoon Lemon Zest (Enhances the lemon flavor with natural oils; no substitutions recommended.)
1 teaspoon Lemon Extract (Boosts flavor intensity; optional but recommended for richer taste.)
Few drops Yellow Food Coloring (For a vibrant look; substitutions are not needed.)
1 cup Additional Granulated Sugar (Provides a sweet, crunchy finish; no substitutions recommended.)

Instructions

Step 1: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and sprinkle a generous layer of granulated sugar on top. Gather all ingredients and measure them out.
Step 2: In a medium saucepan, combine 2 cups granulated sugar, light corn syrup, and water. Place over medium heat and stir continuously for 3 to 4 minutes until the mixture becomes clear.
Step 3: Stop stirring and let the syrup boil undisturbed until it reaches the hard crack stage of 300°F (150°C), about 10 to 15 minutes.
Step 4: Remove the saucepan from heat. Quickly stir in fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, lemon extract, and yellow food coloring until well combined.
Step 5: Spoon small amounts of the lemon mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, forming evenly sized drops.
Step 6: Let the drops cool for a few minutes, then gently roll each one in the additional granulated sugar to coat thoroughly.
Step 7: Allow the coated lemon drops to sit for 20 to 30 minutes until they harden and develop a glossy finish.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor; bottled juice can make the candy taste less vibrant.
Golden syrup is a good substitute for light corn syrup if you prefer a slightly richer taste.
For a fun twist, try mixing in a bit of grated ginger or swapping lemon extract for lime extract.
Handle the hot syrup with care and use a candy thermometer to ensure precise temperature for perfect candy texture.

Storage

Store your lemon drops in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. Keep them away from humidity to prevent them from becoming sticky. To enjoy, let them sit at room temperature before serving; no reheating is necessary.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use bottled lemon juice, but it may result in a less fresh and slightly muted lemon flavor compared to fresh juice. For the best taste, fresh lemon juice is recommended.

How do I know when the candy syrup has reached the hard crack stage?

Use a candy thermometer to check the temperature—it should read 300°F (150°C). Without a thermometer, drop a small bit of syrup into cold water; if it hardens into brittle threads that break easily, it has reached the hard crack stage.

Sweet and Tangy Homemade Lemon Drops Recipe

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4.7 from 116 reviews

This recipe guides you to make Sweet and Tangy Homemade Lemon Drops, a classic candy bursting with fresh lemon flavor and a delightful sugary crunch. Combining simple ingredients like granulated sugar, lemon juice, and zest, these lemon drops are perfect for brightening your day with their refreshing taste and vibrant yellow color. The method ensures a smooth, hard candy texture that melts in your mouth with a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity.

Author: Bella
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: About 40 lemon drops 1x
Category: Candy
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Candy Base

2 cups Granulated Sugar
1/2 cup Light Corn Syrup (or golden syrup as an alternative)
1/2 cup Water

Lemon Flavoring

1/2 cup Fresh Lemon Juice (bottled can be used but flavor will differ)
1 tablespoon Lemon Zest
1 teaspoon Lemon Extract (optional but recommended)
Few drops Yellow Food Coloring

Coating

1 cup Additional Granulated Sugar

Instructions

Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and sprinkle a generous layer of granulated sugar on top to prevent sticking. Gather all ingredients and measure them precisely to ensure smooth cooking.
Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, mix together the 2 cups granulated sugar, 1/2 cup light corn syrup, and 1/2 cup water. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir continuously for 3 to 4 minutes until the mixture becomes clear, indicating the sugar has dissolved completely.
Boil Syrup: Stop stirring and allow the syrup to boil undisturbed until it reaches the hard crack stage at 300°F (150°C), which generally takes 10 to 15 minutes. Use a candy thermometer for accurate temperature measurement to avoid burning.
Add Flavorings: Remove the saucepan from heat immediately. Quickly stir in the fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, lemon extract, and a few drops of yellow food coloring to infuse the candy with tangy, vibrant lemon flavor.
Form Drops: Using a spoon, carefully drop small portions of the lemon candy mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly to form uniform lemon drops.
Coat with Sugar: Allow the drops to cool for a few minutes until they are safe to handle but still pliable. Roll each drop in the additional granulated sugar to create a sweet, crunchy coating.
Harden Candy: Let the coated lemon drops sit undisturbed for 20 to 30 minutes to fully harden and develop a glossy finish, perfect for storage and enjoyment.

Notes

Use a candy thermometer to ensure precise temperature control for perfect candy texture.
If fresh lemon juice is unavailable, bottled juice can be used but may alter the natural lemon flavor intensity.
Do not stir the syrup once boiling to prevent sugar crystallization and ensure a smooth hard candy.
Work quickly when adding flavorings and forming drops as the mixture hardens fast once off heat.
Store lemon drops in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent them from sticking together.
Wear oven mitts when handling hot syrup to avoid burns.

Keywords: lemon drops, homemade candy, lemon candy, hard candy, sweet and tangy candy, lemon sweets, candy recipe