Soft Chewy Black Licorice Twists

Nov 3, 2026 · By VanillaGoods

Dessert Candy confections Medium

A dark, chewy, anise-scented candy cooked from sugar, corn syrup, molasses and cream and cut into ropes and twists. Pure licorice-root extract is hard to find, so this version gets its classic flavor from anise. Makes 40 pieces in about 3 hr 45 min.

Prep 20 min

Cook 25 min

Cooling 3 hr

Total 3 hr 45 min

Yield 40 pieces

Diet Gluten free

Ingredients

Adjust yield

pieces

1 cup (200 g)granulated sugar
½ cup (160 g)light corn syrup
¼ cup (60 ml)molasses
½ cup (120 ml)heavy cream
4 tbsp (56 g)unsalted butter
¼ tsp (2 g)salt
1 ½ tsp (8 ml)anise extract
½ tsp (2 ml)black food coloring, optional
1 tbsp (10 g)cornstarch, for dusting

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Instructions

Line an 8-inch (20 cm) square pan with parchment and lightly oil it.
Combine the sugar, corn syrup, molasses, cream, butter and salt in a heavy 3-quart (3 L) saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
Clip a candy thermometer to the pan and cook, stirring often, to 245 F (118 C), the firm-ball stage. This takes 12 to 18 minutes.
Remove from the heat and stir in the anise extract and food coloring.
Pour into the pan and let cool completely, about 3 hours, until firm but pliable.
Turn out onto a board dusted with cornstarch and cut into 1/2-inch (1.25 cm) strips. Roll each strip into a rope, trim and twist if you like.
Cut ropes into 2-inch (5 cm) pieces and toss lightly in cornstarch; shake off the excess.

Tips

Stir often while cooking so the bottom doesn't scorch.
Oil the knife for clean cuts.
Cook 2 degrees hotter for a firmer chew.
Caramel-stage sugar reaches 245 F (118 C) and causes severe burns; use a deep pot and keep children away.

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Recipe FAQ

How long does it take to make soft chewy black licorice twists?

Plan on 20 minutes of prep and 25 minutes of cooking, plus 3 hours to chill. The recipe makes 40 pieces.

How should I store soft chewy black licorice twists?

Wrap each piece in wax paper or store airtight with parchment between layers, up to 3 weeks.

Can I make soft chewy black licorice twists ahead?

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

Estimated · per serving

Nutrition

Per serving = 1 of 40 servings this recipe makes.

58 Calories / serving

2.2g Fat

9.8g Carbs

0.1g Protein

7.9g Sugar

Whole recipe (40 servings): ~2320 cal · 88g fat · 392g carbs · 4g protein · 316g sugar

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