Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2/3 cup light corn syrup
- 3/4 cup filtered water
- 1 teaspoon highly concentrated flavoring oil (e.g., cherry, peppermint)
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 4–6 drops liquid food coloring (matching flavor)
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for dusting/handling)
Instructions
- Step 1: Combine the sugar, corn syrup, water, and cream of tartar in a heavy-bottomed saucepan. Stir continuously over medium heat until the sugar is completely dissolved, then stop stirring and insert a candy thermometer.
- Step 2: Increase the heat to medium-high and boil the mixture without stirring. Allow the temperature to rise steadily until it reaches the hard crack stage, which is between 300°F and 305°F.
- Step 3: Immediately remove the saucepan from the heat. Wait approximately 30-60 seconds for the bubbling to subside, then carefully stir in the concentrated flavoring oil and the food coloring. Be cautious as the steam will be very hot.
- Step 4: Quickly pour the hot candy mixture onto a silicone baking mat or a generously oiled surface. Allow the candy to cool for 2 to 3 minutes until it forms a thick skin and is cool enough to handle (it should still be pliable).
- Step 5: Dust your hands lightly with powdered sugar, then quickly roll the candy into thin ropes. Use a small, oiled cutter to cut out small circles, and immediately use a smaller tool (like the tip of a piping nozzle) to punch the center hole before the candy fully hardens.
- Step 6: Allow the candies to cool completely at room temperature until they are fully set and brittle. Store the Lifesavers in an airtight container, preferably layered with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Notes
- For maximum crunch and to prevent the candy from sweating, always store completely cooled Lifesavers in a truly airtight container away from heat or humidity, optionally adding a small food-safe desiccant packet if you live in a moist climate.
- If the candy hardens prematurely during the shaping stage, do not try to reheat it; instead, consider breaking the mixture into shards and saving them to be crushed and used as crunchy decorative toppings for cookies or ice cream.
- These classic hard candies make fantastic edible party favors; once fully set, place 3 to 4 Lifesavers into tiny cellophane bags and tie them with a festive ribbon matching the flavor color.
- When adding the highly concentrated flavoring oil in Step 3, ensure the saucepan is completely off the heat, and lean back slightly as you stir, since the sudden introduction of the oil to the hot sugar creates intensely hot, concentrated steam that can cause burns.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American