Lolly Pops
Sweet and minty lollipops featuring vibrant red color, perfect for children or festive occasions, offering a delightful homemade treat with classic peppermint flavor.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Gather 8 wooden skewers and all ingredients.
- In a saucepan, combine 2 cups sugar, 2/3 cup light corn syrup, and 1 cup water.
- Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves.
- Bring to a boil without stirring and cook until the mixture reaches the hard crack stage (about 300°F / 149°C).
- Remove from heat and carefully stir in 1/2 teaspoon oil of peppermint and 1/2 teaspoon red food coloring.
- Allow the mixture to cool slightly before carefully pouring it onto a heat-safe surface or into molds.
- Insert a wooden skewer into each cooled, slightly hardened candy.
- Let the lollipops cool completely before wrapping or serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To ensure your lollipops are a success, use a candy thermometer to accurately gauge the temperature of your mixture. If you want to customize flavors, you can substitute the peppermint oil with other extracts, such as lemon or vanilla. Also, consider adding edible glitter for a festive touch. Remember to work quickly when pouring the hot mixture to avoid hardening.
Serving Suggestions
These lollipops make a delightful treat for parties and gatherings, especially for kids. They can be served alongside party snacks like Basic French Fries or as part of a candy buffet. For an extra touch, package them in colorful bags tied with ribbons as party favors. They also pair beautifully with Refreshing Fruit Slush for a fun summer treat.
Storage & Reheating
Store your lollipops in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh. If you want to extend their shelf life, place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Avoid refrigerating as this can cause moisture to form, affecting the candy's texture. Enjoy them within a few weeks for the best flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lolly Pops contains roughly 375 calories, with 1g protein, 101g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (16% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different colors for my lollipops?
Absolutely! You can experiment with various food coloring to create a rainbow of lollipops. Just remember to use gel food coloring for vibrant colors without changing the texture of the candy. Mix in the coloring after you remove the mixture from heat for the best results.
What should I do if the candy hardens before I can pour it?
If the candy mixture hardens before you can pour it, gently reheat it on low heat until it softens again. Stir constantly to avoid burning. If it becomes too thick, add a tiny bit of water to help bring it back to a pourable consistency.
How do I know when the candy is ready?
The candy is ready when it reaches the hard crack stage, which is 300°F (149°C). A candy thermometer is the best way to measure this accurately. Alternatively, you can do the cold water test: drop a small amount into cold water, and if it breaks easily, it's ready.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).