How to Make Jolly Ranchers

Jolly Ranchers are a type of “glass candy” that is made from a mixture of sugar and corn syrup. You can customize flavors and colors with this recipe. Individually wrap or coat the candy with powdered sugar to serve it without getting sticky hands.

Ingredients

3 cups (600g) granulated sugar
1 1/2 cups (355ml) corn syrup
3/4 cup (177ml) water
Food coloring
1 tbsp. (15ml) cherry, strawberry, lemon or other flavor extract

How to Make Homemade Jolly Ranchers

Stir 3 cups (600g) granulated sugar, 1 1/2 cups (355ml) corn syrup, and 3/4 cup (177ml) water over medium heat until it reaches 310°F (154°C). Remove the pan from heat to add flavoring and food coloring. Pour the mix on a greased baking sheet and cut it into smaller pieces.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Cooking the Candy

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Set it close by the stovetop on a flat surface.
2
Place a heavy saucepan on your burner. Add the granulated sugar, corn syrup and water. Turn the burner up to medium heat.
- If your burner runs cool, use medium high heat.
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The tip should be submerged inside the syrup mixture.
The sugar mixture should reach boiling.
5
Keep the mixture boiling. It should boil until it reaches 310 degrees Fahrenheit (154 Celsius). Be patient, since achieving this temperature can take a while.
- It is essential that the candy reach 300 to 310 degrees, which is considered “hard-crack.” At this point the sugar will change consistency.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Adding Flavoring

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Hold on to the handle and keep stirring.
Jolly Rancher flavors include cherry, apple, lemon, watermelon, strawberry and grape, so you can make several batches to achieve a mixed bag of candies.
For example, green apple should be green, while cherry will be red.
Your candy texture will be smoother thanks to the extra stirring; however, it should still be very hot when you pour it into your baking sheet.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Separating Candies

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Let it cool on the flat surface until you can touch it lightly. Test it with your finger. It should be slightly firm but malleable.^{[1]
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Try to do this in one swift motion so it doesn’t stretch
Turn the cutting board 90 degrees and score it in the opposite direction every one-half inch (1.3cm). This will make rectangular Jolly Rancher candies.
Wrap each candy in wax paper or cellophane while it is still warm. Try to keep the candy separated and airtight so that it doesn’t absorb too much moisture from the air.

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Question

How long does it take to make jolly ranchers?

Qamar

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It can take up to 3 hours to do the whole process.

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Is it mandatory to use corn syrup?

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Yes, you need the corn syrup.

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What would I do if I want them to be the shape I buy at the store?

Community Answer

When it is almost hardened, you can mold them into whatever shape you'd like them to be.

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Tips

Sprinkle powdered sugar on your baking sheet instead of greasing it. After you score it and cut it, sprinkle powdered sugar over the top. It will make the candy easier to handle if you decide not to wrap it individually.^{[2]
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