Dragon's Beard Candy

Nov 3, 2026 · By VanillaGoods

Dessert Candy confections Medium

Thousands of fine silky strands are stretched from a ring of cooked sugar syrup. This is a demanding home adaptation using corn syrup, so expect thicker threads. Makes 12 pieces in about 5 hr 5 min.

Prep 40 min

Cook 25 min

Cooling 4 hr

Total 5 hr 5 min

Yield 12 pieces

Diet Gluten free, Vegan

Ingredients

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pieces

¾ cup (150 g)granulated sugar, for the syrup
¾ cup (250 g)light corn syrup
¼ cup (60 ml)water
½ tsp (2 ml)white vinegar
½ cup (60 g)roasted peanuts, finely chopped
3 ½ tbsp (30 g)toasted sesame seeds
2 ½ tbsp (20 g)dry unsweetened coconut, very fine
1 ½ tbsp (20 g)granulated sugar, for the filling
2 ⅓ cups (300 g)cornstarch, toasted dry in a pan until it feels silky

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Instructions

Mix the peanuts, sesame, coconut and sugar for the filling. Oil a 6-inch (15 cm) ring mold or shallow dish lightly.
Cook the sugar, corn syrup, water and vinegar in a pot to 250 F (121 C) on a candy thermometer.
Pour into the oiled mold and cool until firm but still pliable, about 4 hours. If it is too hard, microwave 5 seconds.
Spread a thick layer of cornstarch on a tray. Poke a hole in the middle of the slab to make a ring and dust it well.
Stretch the ring wider, twist it into a figure eight, fold the doubled loops back together and dust. Repeat about 12 to 14 times, until it makes hundreds of fine threads.
Cut a bundle of threads into 3-inch (8 cm) lengths. Place a spoonful of filling in the center, fold the threads over it, and pinch closed.
Serve within hours.

Tips

Dust constantly; the threads fuse if they touch bare candy.
Work in a cool, dry room.
The first pull is the hardest; practice with a small amount.
Hot sugar syrup reaches 250 F (121 C) and causes severe burns; let it cool before handling.

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Recipe FAQ

How long does it take to make dragon's beard candy?

Plan on 40 minutes of prep and 25 minutes of cooking, plus 4 hours to chill. The recipe makes 12 pieces.

How should I store dragon's beard candy?

Eat the day it is made; keep airtight with starch for up to 2 days.

Can I make dragon's beard candy ahead?

Yes. It needs time to chill and set, so it is a good one to make the day before you serve it.

Is this recipe vegan?

Yes, as written. Check that packaged ingredients such as chocolate, sprinkles and plant butter are labeled vegan.

Dragon's beard candy is a Chinese confection of sugar strands pulled by hand and wrapped around a crunchy filling of chopped peanuts, sesame and coconut. Serve it with jasmine tea.

Estimated · per serving

Nutrition

Per serving = 1 of 12 servings this recipe makes.

263 Calories / serving

4.8g Fat

54.9g Carbs

1.9g Protein

20.7g Sugar

Whole recipe (12 servings): ~3156 cal · 58g fat · 659g carbs · 23g protein · 248g sugar

Estimated values per serving, calculated from standard ingredient data. Not verified Nutrition Facts; actual values vary with brands, measurements, and preparation.