Description
This homemade saltwater taffy is soft, chewy, and fun to make with just a few simple ingredients. Customize it with your favorite flavors and colors for a nostalgic, homemade candy treat. Perfect for gifting or enjoying as a sweet snack!
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (or other flavoring)
- Food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare a work surface: Grease a baking sheet or a marble slab with butter to prevent sticking.
- Heat the mixture: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar, butter, corn syrup, water, and salt. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
- Boil to the right temperature: Stop stirring and let the mixture boil until it reaches 255°F (hard-ball stage) on a candy thermometer.
- Add flavoring and color: Remove from heat, stir in vanilla extract (or desired flavor) and food coloring, if using.
- Pour and cool: Carefully pour the hot taffy onto the greased surface and let it cool until it’s safe to handle.
- Pull the taffy: Butter your hands, then pull and stretch the taffy for 10-15 minutes until it becomes light in color and firm.
- Shape and cut: Roll into long ropes and cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Wrap and store: Wrap each piece in wax paper to prevent sticking and store at room temperature.
Notes
- Flavor Ideas: Try adding peppermint, cherry, lemon, or cotton candy extract for different flavors.
- Storage: Store wrapped taffy in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
- Soft vs. Firm Taffy: The longer you pull, the firmer the taffy will become.
