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A delicious plate of How to Make Irresistible Lemon Drops in Just 6 Simple Steps

Irresistible Lemon Drops

These homemade lemon drops are easy to make and perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth with a burst of citrus flavor. A delightful candy that's sure to impress!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 50 pieces
Course: Candy, Dessert
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cup granulated sugar For the candy base, ensure it's fine for dissolving.
  • 0.5 cup light corn syrup Helps prevent crystallization and adds chewiness to the candy.
  • 0.5 cup water Use filtered water for best results in candy making.
  • 0.5 cup fresh lemon juice Freshly squeezed lemon juice provides the most authentic flavor.
  • 1 tbsp lemon zest Adds an intense aromatic burst of lemon to the candy.
  • 1 tsp lemon extract Enhances the lemon flavor; add after removing from heat to preserve potency.
  • few drops Yellow food coloring Optional, for a more vibrant color. Add to desired hue.
  • 0.5 cup additional granulated sugar Used for coating the finished lemon drops to prevent sticking and add texture.

Equipment

  • Baking Sheet
  • Parchment Paper
  • Medium saucepan
  • Candy thermometer

Method
 

  1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease it to prevent the candy from sticking.
  2. In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup, water, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Stir the mixture over medium heat until the sugar has completely dissolved.
  3. Bring the mixture to a boil without stirring. Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature, cooking until it reaches the “hard crack” stage of 300°F.
  4. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the lemon extract. If desired, add a few drops of yellow food coloring to enhance the vibrant hue.
  5. Carefully pour the hot candy mixture onto the prepared baking sheet or a greased surface. Allow it to cool slightly until it’s manageable, then start pulling and shaping the candy into small drops or cutting it into bite-sized pieces.
  6. Roll the finished lemon drops in additional granulated sugar to prevent them from sticking together.
  7. Let the candies cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. Enjoy your homemade lemon drops at your leisure!

Notes

These homemade lemon drops are a delightful treat. For best results, ensure your candy thermometer is accurate and work quickly when shaping the candy once it's cool enough to handle.