Soft Shapes
Soft Shapes are delightful, colorful candies with a tender texture and a hint of vanilla, perfect for festive occasions or as a sweet treat for kids. The addition of pecan halves adds a crunchy contrast, making these candies both visually appealing and deliciously satisfying for any celebration or casual snacking.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Blend the soft butter, salt, and light corn syrup until smooth.
- Mix in the confectioners sugar and knead the mixture until well blended.
- Divide the mixture in half and add red food coloring to one half and green to the other.
- Shape each colored portion into 1-inch balls and press a pecan half into the center of each.
Tips & Substitutions
To achieve the best texture, ensure your butter is truly soft but not melted. If you don't have light corn syrup, you can substitute with honey or agave syrup, but this may alter the flavor slightly. For a fun twist, consider adding a splash of almond extract instead of vanilla for a unique taste. To make your shapes more festive, try using seasonal food colorings.
Serving Suggestions
These delightful sweets make a perfect addition to holiday gatherings or as a sweet treat for any occasion. Serve them alongside a cup of coffee, perhaps paired with Dieter'S Swiss Mocha, for a delightful afternoon snack. They also make excellent gifts when packaged in decorative boxes. For a colorful platter, consider including other treats like Dandy Candy or seasonal cookies.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Soft Shapes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If they become too soft, you can refrigerate them briefly to firm up. Avoid freezing, as it can alter the texture and make them less enjoyable. When ready to serve, allow them to come back to room temperature for the best taste.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Soft Shapes contains roughly 80 calories, with 0g protein, 18g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 534mg per serving (23% 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 margarine instead of butter?
While margarine can be used, it may result in a different texture and flavor. Butter provides richness that margarine may lack, so if you choose to substitute, opt for a high-quality margarine with a similar fat content to achieve the best results.
How can I make these shapes without food coloring?
If you prefer to avoid artificial food coloring, you can use natural alternatives like beet juice for red or spinach juice for green. These options will provide color without synthetic additives, though the shades may be less vibrant.
What can I do if the mixture is too sticky?
If your mixture is too sticky to shape, gradually add more confectioners sugar until it reaches a workable consistency. Alternatively, you can lightly dust your hands with powdered sugar while shaping the balls to prevent sticking.
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).