Peppermint Jelly Candy
Description
These Peppermint Jelly Candies are a nostalgic treat that brings the charm of an old-fashioned candy shop to your kitchen. Made with a simple syrup base, pectin for clarity, and a burst of peppermint extract, these candies offer a satisfying snap and a cool, refreshing finish. The vibrant green color makes them visually appealing, perfect for holiday gatherings or as a sweet gift. Unlike soft jellies, these hard candies have a firm texture that dissolves slowly on the tongue, releasing the minty flavor gradually. They are an excellent choice for winter desserts, party favors, or simply enjoying with a cup of hot tea. Easy to make with basic pantry ingredients, this recipe yields a generous batch of homemade confectionery delight.Ingredients
Directions
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Line an 8-inch square pan with foil, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal. Lightly butter the foil or spray with cooking spray.
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In a small saucepan, combine 2 tablespoons of water and the liquid fruit pectin.
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Stir in the baking soda until dissolved.
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In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of sugar and 1 cup of light corn syrup.
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Place both saucepans over high heat.
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Stir both mixtures constantly. Cook the pectin mixture until the foam starts to disappear, and cook the sugar mixture until it reaches a full rolling boil that cannot be stirred down, about 3 to 5 minutes.
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Slowly pour the pectin mixture into the boiling sugar mixture, stirring constantly to combine.
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Continue to boil for exactly 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
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Remove the saucepan from heat.
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Immediately stir in the peppermint extract and green food coloring.
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Pour the hot mixture into the prepared foil-lined pan.
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Allow the candy to cool at room temperature until firm and hard, about 1 hour.
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Lift the candy out of the pan using the foil overhang.
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Using a wet knife or kitchen scissors, cut the candy into small pieces or desired shapes.
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Roll the cut pieces in additional sugar or coarse sugar to coat.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 64
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 21.0kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 0.1g1%
- Saturated Fat 0.0g0%
- Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
- Sodium 0.5mg1%
- Total Carbohydrate 5.5g2%
- Dietary Fiber 0.2g1%
- Sugars 3.5g
- Protein 0.4g1%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Safety: Be extremely careful when handling boiling sugar syrup, as it can cause severe burns. Do not touch the mixture while it is cooking.
Storage: Store the candies loosely covered in an airtight container at room temperature. They may become sticky if exposed to humidity.
Texture Tip: If the candy is too hard to cut after cooling, let it sit at room temperature for another 15-20 minutes. If it is too soft, it may not have boiled long enough.
Variation: You can change the flavor by using different extracts (such as wintergreen or spearmint) and matching food coloring.
Equipment: A candy thermometer is not required for this specific recipe as the cooking time is precise, but using one can help ensure the sugar reaches the hard-crack stage (300F/150C) if desired.
