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Sweet and Tangy Homemade Lemon Drops Recipe

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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.

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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

Find it online: https://bitesizedbenny.com/sweet-and-tangy-homemade-lemon-drops-recipe/