Vanilla Hard Sugar Candy

Nov 3, 2026 · By VanillaGoods

Dessert Candy confections Vanilla: Extract Medium

Glassy hard candies boiled from sugar syrup to the hard-crack stage and flavored with vanilla. It is the simplest boiled sweet, and it teaches the sugar stages. Makes 60 pieces in about 1 hr 15 min.

Prep 15 min

Cook 30 min

Cooling 30 min

Total 1 hr 15 min

Yield 60 pieces

Diet Dairy free, Gluten free, Vegan

Ingredients

Adjust yield

pieces

1 ½ cups (300 g)granulated sugar
⅓ cup (100 g)light corn syrup
½ cup (120 ml)water
2 tsp (10 ml)pure vanilla extract
¼ cup (30 g)powdered sugar, for dusting

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Instructions

Lightly oil a silicone mat or a parchment-lined baking sheet and have an oiled bench scraper or scissors ready.
In a heavy saucepan, stir the sugar, corn syrup and water over medium heat until the sugar dissolves.
Wipe down the sides of the pan with a wet pastry brush, clip on a candy thermometer and stop stirring.
Boil until the thermometer reads 300 F (149 C), the hard-crack stage, about 15 to 20 minutes; the syrup will be pale gold.
Remove from the heat and let the bubbles settle for 15 seconds, then stir in the vanilla carefully; it will steam and spatter.
Spread the syrup onto the mat and let it cool 2 to 3 minutes until it holds a dent but is still pliable.
Snip or score into small pieces and, once fully hard (about 30 minutes), break apart.
Toss with powdered sugar to keep them from sticking.

Tips

Always use a thermometer; below 295 F (146 C) the candy stays sticky.
Avoid making candy on humid days, as it will absorb moisture and turn tacky.
Stir in any extract off the heat to avoid scorching it.
Sugar syrup at 300 F (149 C) causes severe burns; keep children and pets away, and never touch hot candy with bare hands.

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Recipe FAQ

How long does it take to make vanilla hard sugar candy?

Plan on 15 minutes of prep and 30 minutes of cooking, plus 30 minutes to chill. The recipe makes 60 pieces.

How should I store vanilla hard sugar candy?

Store in an airtight container with a food-safe moisture packet at room temperature for up to 1 month.

Can I make vanilla hard sugar candy ahead?

It is at its best the day it is made; prepare it a few hours before serving.

Can I use a different form of vanilla?

Yes. This recipe uses 2 tsp pure vanilla extract (10 ml). Each teaspoon of pure vanilla extract can be swapped for 1 teaspoon of vanilla bean paste, the seeds of half a vanilla bean, or 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla powder. Paste and seeds add the classic dark specks.

Is this recipe vegan?

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

Serve it with hot tea.

Estimated · per serving

Nutrition

Per serving = 1 of 60 servings this recipe makes.

25 Calories / serving

0.0g Fat

6.3g Carbs

0.0g Protein

5.5g Sugar

Whole recipe (60 servings): ~1500 cal · 0g fat · 378g carbs · 0g protein · 330g sugar

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