Aunt Maggie’s Hard Tack Candy Recipe (2024)

You can make candy at home with this easy Hard Tack Candy recipe. Learn how to craft these delightful, glass-like sweets that are perfect for Christmas, special occasions, or as a unique, handmade gift. Explore a world of flavors and colors with a recipe that’s as versatile as it is delicious.

I’m thrilled to share a cherished family recipe that’s sure to add a touch of nostalgia and joy to your kitchen: Hard Tack Candy (or sometimes called Stained Glass Candy). This classic treat, a favorite during the holiday season, is not only delicious but a feast for the eyes with its vibrant, glass-like appearance.

This Hard Tack Candy is a recipe I’ve been meaning to share on the blog for a long time. It was a Christmas treat that my Aunt Maggie made every Christmas. (Remember I shared her Pumpkin Roll and Ice Cream Salad.) She’d make it in a variety of flavors and always kept it stashed in a green cut-glass canister with a lid. It’s one of those nostalgic holiday memories that will stay with me forever.

When brainstorming what Christmas recipes to make this year, I knew I finally needed to make and share this old-fashioned recipe. One of the great things about this recipe is its versatility; you can make it in any flavor or color. With so many candy flavorings available these days, you can choose the one(s) you love best.

If you’ve never made candy like this, I definitely recommend giving it a try! I’m certain you’ll enjoy it!

Why You’ll Enjoy This Recipe

• Making Hard Tack Candy is like reliving a sweet piece of childhood.Each batch is a chance to recreate those classic flavors we all know and love, bringing back fond memories with every bite.
• You don’t need a pantry full of fancy ingredients to make something extraordinary. With just sugar, corn syrup, water, and a splash of flavoring, you’re on your way tocreating a candy that looks as stunning as it tastes.
• This recipe is your canvas for creativity!Play around with different flavors and colors to make a batch that’s uniquely yours.
• Hard Tack Candy isn’t just delicious,it’s also a fantastic gift.Pack some in a cute jar or bag, and you’ve got a thoughtful, homemade present that’s sure to delight friends and family.

Ready to dive into this recipe with me? Let’s do it!

Ingredients

Before we get into the kitchen, you can pretend to be Willy Wonka as we gather together the ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Granulated Sugar:The foundation of your candy, sugar is what crystallizes to form the delightful crunch we all love in hard tack candy.
• Light Corn Syrup (Karo syrup):This ingredient is key to preventing crystallization, ensuring your candy has that perfect, glassy clarity.
• Water:Water helps to dissolve the sugar and syrup, creating the right consistency for your candy mixture.
• Flavoring Extract:Whether it’s peppermint, lemon, or any flavor you love, this is where your candy gets its tantalizing taste. I used cotton candy, grape, strawberry, and apple.
• Food Coloring:Now the fun comes in! Food coloring turns your candy into a vibrant, eye-catching treat. I recommend this gel food color. It’s so pigmented.
• Confectioners’ Sugar:A dusting of this fine sugar not only adds a finishing sweet touch but also keeps your candy pieces from sticking together.

You’ll also need a candy thermometer. It’s a must.

Each of these ingredients plays a vital role in making your hard tack candy a success. With all of them on hand, we’re ready to get started.

How To Make

Time to roll up your sleeves, grab your candy thermometer, and make some Hard Tack Candy. I’ll walk you through the recipe step-by-step. I’ve also provideda full ingredient list and detailed instructions in the printable recipe card at the end of this post.

1. Line a large cookie sheet with parchment paper and sprinkle a thin, even layer of confectioners’ sugar over it. Set aside.

2. In a deep, heavy pot, combine the granulated sugar, water, and corn syrup. Stir gently to mix.
3. Secure a candy thermometer to the side of the pot, ensuring it doesn’t touch the bottom.
4. Heat the mixture over medium heat. Once the sugar dissolves, stop stirring. Continue cooking without stirring until the temperature reaches 300 F degrees.

5. Remove the pot from the heat and carefully stir in the flavoring extract and food coloring.
6. Pour the hot candy mixture onto the prepared cookie sheet. It should naturally spread into an even thickness. Allow it to cool until it’s warm but safe to touch.

7. Use scissors to snip the candy into small, irregular pieces while it is still warm and pliable.
8. Toss the candy pieces with additional confectioners’ sugar to prevent sticking.

9. Store the hard tack candy in an airtight container or canning jars, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Recipe Notes

Here are a few helpful tips to remember when making this Hard Tack Candy:

• Temperature Precision:Ensure your thermometer is accurate. Candy making is a precise art, and even a few degrees off can change the texture of your candy.
• Flavor Variations:Experiment with different flavorings and colors for variety.
• Color Matching:I like matching my flavor to it’s traditional color. (Red for cherry, purple for grape, etc.) However, if you’re making this for a special occasion, match the color of your candy to the theme. For example, you can use red and green for Christmas, pastels for Easter, and your favorite team’s colors for a game day treat.
• Handling Hot Sugar:Exercise caution when dealing with the hot sugar mixture as it can cause severe burns.
• Cleaning Up:To clean the pot and utensils, soak them in hot water to dissolve the hardened sugar.

See Also

30 Ovaltine Recipes You Didn't Know Existed

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I really need a candy thermometer?

Yes, a candy thermometer is crucial for this recipe. Reaching 300 degrees F accurately is essential for the candy to set properly.

How can I prevent my candy from sticking together after cutting?

You shouldn’t have any problems here. The candy isn’t “sticky”. However, you can add additional confectioners’ sugar if needed.

Can I make this candy without food coloring?

Absolutely! The food coloring is just for aesthetics. Without it, your candy will be a clear, glassy color, but just as delicious.

How long can I store this candy and how should I store it?

Hard Tack Candy can be stored for at least a month or longer.

Hard candies can last up to a year when stored at room temperature or in a cool, dry location.

More Festive Candy You’ll Love

• Salted Chocolate Turtle Candy
• Pistachio Cranberry White Chocolate Candy
• Crock Pot Candy
• Peppermint Oreo Truffles

And there you have it – your very own batch of homemade Hard Tack Candy! I hope this becomes a new tradition in your family like it is in mine. If you try this recipe and love it,please leave a comment and a 5-star rating below.

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