Description
Homemade Saltwater Taffy Rolls are a classic chewy candy treat made by cooking a sugar syrup to the hard ball stage, then cooling and pulling the taffy until light and airy. This simple recipe lets you customize flavors and colors for a nostalgic, delightful candy experience perfect for sharing or gifting.
Ingredients
Scale
Primary Ingredients
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Flavoring and Coloring
- 1/2 teaspoon flavored extracts (such as strawberry, orange, or peppermint for variation)
- 1/4 teaspoon food coloring (optional)
For Finishing
- Cornstarch, for dusting
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, light corn syrup, water, and salt. Stir over medium heat until the sugar has completely dissolved to create a smooth syrup base.
- Cook to Hard Ball Stage: Allow the mixture to come to a boil without stirring and cook until it reaches 250°F (hard ball stage) on a candy thermometer, ensuring the candy will have the right chewy texture.
- Add Butter, Extracts, and Coloring: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the unsalted butter, vanilla extract, and any additional flavored extracts or food coloring to infuse flavor and color evenly throughout the candy.
- Pour and Cool: Carefully pour the hot candy mixture onto a heatproof surface dusted with cornstarch or onto a marble countertop. Let it cool just until it is safe to handle but still pliable.
- Pull the Taffy: Lightly butter your hands and stretch, fold, and pull the taffy continuously for 10-15 minutes until it becomes lighter in color and airy in texture, which gives saltwater taffy its signature chewiness.
- Shape into Rope: Roll the pulled taffy into a long rope about 1/2 inch in diameter to prepare for portioning.
- Cut and Wrap: Using kitchen scissors, cut the taffy rope into approximately 1 inch long pieces, then individually wrap each piece in wax paper or cellophane to prevent sticking and maintain freshness.
- Cool Completely: Allow the wrapped taffy pieces to cool fully before serving or storing to achieve the perfect chewy texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use a candy thermometer to ensure precise cooking temperature for optimal texture.
- If you don’t have a marble surface, a baking sheet lightly dusted with cornstarch works well for cooling.
- Butter your hands generously to prevent the taffy from sticking while pulling.
- Experiment with different flavored extracts and food coloring to create a variety of taffy flavors and appearances.
- Store the wrapped taffy in a cool, dry place to maintain freshness.
- Be cautious when handling hot sugar mixture as it can cause burns.
