Pull Later Taffy
Pull Later Taffy is a delightful peppermint-flavored candy with a chewy texture, perfect for sharing with family and friends during holidays or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Butter the sides of a heavy 2-quart pan.
- Mix sugar, corn syrup, water, and salt in the pan.
- Add butter and cook over medium heat until it boils and the sugar dissolves, stirring constantly.
- Attach a candy thermometer and cook without stirring until the temperature reaches 248°F.
- Remove from heat.
- Stir in peppermint extract and food coloring.
- Pour the mixture into a buttered 8 x 8 x 2-inch pan.
- Allow to cool.
- With buttered hands, roll the cooled candy into balls.
- Return the balls to the pan.
- Once cold, wrap each piece in plastic wrap.
- Store at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
Tips & Substitutions
Ensure that your candy thermometer is properly calibrated for accurate results, as reaching 248°F is crucial for the right texture. If you want a different flavor, feel free to substitute the peppermint extract with vanilla or almond extract. For a festive touch, consider adding edible glitter or sprinkles to the cooled candy before wrapping. Adjust the food coloring to achieve your desired hue.
Serving Suggestions
These taffies make delightful gifts and are perfect for holiday treat bags. Serve them alongside a cup of hot cocoa or coffee for a cozy snack. You can also pair them with other confections like Pecan Pie Mini Muffins for a varied dessert platter. For a fun twist, offer them at parties as a homemade candy option.
Storage & Reheating
Store the wrapped taffy in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. To keep the taffy from sticking together, you can place parchment paper between layers. Avoid refrigeration, as it can alter the texture of the candy. If the candy becomes too hard, allow it to sit at room temperature for a short time before unwrapping.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pull Later Taffy contains roughly 243 calories, with 2g protein, 61g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 499mg per serving (22% 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
What should I do if my taffy is too hard?
If your taffy turns out too hard, it may have been cooked too long. To soften it, let it sit at room temperature for a while before unwrapping. Alternatively, you can warm it slightly in the microwave for a few seconds, but be careful not to melt it.
Can I make this taffy with different flavors?
Absolutely! While peppermint is a classic choice, you can experiment with other extracts like vanilla, orange, or even cinnamon. Just be sure to adjust the quantity according to the strength of the flavoring you choose.
Why is it important to use a candy thermometer?
Using a candy thermometer ensures that your taffy reaches the precise temperature needed for the right texture. Without it, you risk undercooking or overcooking the mixture, which can lead to taffy that is either too sticky or too hard.
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).