Create homemade lollipops made without corn syrup and sweetened naturally with honey and sugar. Add your favorite extracts for different flavors and decorate with edible flowers for a beautiful, customizable treat that’s as delightful to make as it is to eat.
If you like these, you’ll love my rose lollipops too!
Homemade Lollipops Recipe
I’ve been making homemade lollipops since I started Sugar and Char 15 years ago! They’re a delightful way to express your creativity in the kitchen. With a few basic ingredients, you can craft colorful and flavorful candies free of artificial additives.
Plus, they’re incredibly versatile – perfect for everything from birthday parties to holiday gifts such as Valentine’s Day! Making your own lollipops gives you control over the flavors and presentation to create something truly special.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Easy and Fun: Perfect for beginners, this recipe uses simple techniques that anyone can follow.
Customizable: Experiment with different extracts, colors, and even shapes to make them your own.
Perfect for Gifting: Wrap them up for a thoughtful, homemade present that everyone will love.
No Corn Syrup: This recipe uses honey instead of corn syrup, making it a more natural and flavorful alternative.
Lollipop Ingredients
Cane Sugar: The base of the lollipop, sugar provides the sweetness and structure needed for a classic candy crunch.
Water: Helps dissolve the sugar and creates the syrup needed to form the lollipop.
Honey: Adds a subtle depth of flavor and helps stabilize the mixture.
Clear Extract Flavor: This is where you can get creative! Choose vanilla, mint, fruit flavors, or even floral extracts to make your lollipops unique.
Edible Flowers: Use dried or fresh edible flowers if any are available. I always keep edible flowers in my garden to use for recipes.
Optional: Food Coloring for vibrant pops of color and sprinkles or edible glitter for decoration.
How to Make
Prepare Your Lollipop Molds: Place lollipop molds on a flat surface and insert lollipop sticks. If desired, add dried or fresh edible flowers into the molds for a beautiful, decorative touch. Ensure they are arranged flat and evenly for the best results.
Combine Ingredients: In a saucepan, mix cane sugar, water, and honey over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the sugar is fully dissolved.
Boil to Hard Crack Stage: Attach a candy thermometer to the saucepan. Allow the mixture to boil without stirring until it reaches 300°F (hard crack stage). This ensures the perfect crunchy texture.
Add Flavor and Color: Remove the saucepan from the heat and carefully stir in the clear extract flavor and a drop or two of food coloring, if desired. Mix gently but quickly.
Pour into Molds: Carefully spoon (or pour) the hot candy mixture into the prepared molds, covering the lollipop sticks and edible flowers. Work swiftly, as the mixture cools and hardens quickly.
Cool Completely: Let the lollipops sit undisturbed at room temperature for 20–30 minutes, or until fully hardened.
Remove and Wrap: Gently remove the lollipops from the molds and wrap them in cellophane or wax paper to keep them fresh.
Eden’s Recipe Tips
Prep Everything in Advance: Have your lollipop sticks, molds, and decorations ready before you start boiling the sugar. Timing is everything!
Go Light on the Food Coloring: A little goes a long way – one drop is often enough to achieve vibrant results.
Store Smart: Humidity can make lollipops sticky, so keep them in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
Observe: Keep a close eye on the sugar as it boils; once it approaches the hard crack stage (300°F), it can reach the target temperature rapidly. Overheating will spoil the mixture.
Recipe Variations
- Fruity Lollipops: Add extracts like raspberry, lemon, or orange for a burst of fruity flavor.
- Holiday-Themed: Use peppermint extract and red food coloring for festive candy cane lollipops.
- Floral Touch: Lavender or rose extract adds a sophisticated twist.
- Decorative Fun: Sprinkle edible glitter or crushed candies onto the lollipops before they set for a whimsical touch.
How to Store Homemade Lollipops
To keep your lollipops fresh and stickiness-free, wrap each individually in cellophane or wax paper. Store them in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to two weeks. Avoid storing them in humid environments, as moisture can affect their texture.
Can I make lollipops without a candy thermometer?
Yes, you can use the water test! Drop a small amount of the hot mixture into a bowl of cold water. If it hardens and cracks, it’s ready.
Why are my lollipops sticky?
Sticky lollipops are usually a result of humidity. Store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh and dry.
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Homemade Lollipops
Ingredients
- 1 cup cane sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/8 cup honey
- 2 tsp extract, Clear if you don't want it to change the color. Use any flavor you like!
Instructions
- Prepare lollipop molds with sticks and tiny edible flowers.
- Mix sugar, water, and honey in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until sugar dissolves.
- Boil the mixture without stirring until it reaches 300°F (hard crack stage).
- Remove from heat and quickly stir in the extract flavor and food coloring.
- Spoon into molds or over sticks on the baking sheet.
- Cool completely before wrapping and enjoying!
