Homemade Lemon Drops

25 mins
Serves 12
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Directions

  1. 1In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, water, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and cream of tartar.
  2. 2In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, water, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and cream of tartar.
  3. 3In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, water, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and cream of tartar.
  4. 4Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir gently until the sugar is completely dissolved.
  5. 5Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir gently until the sugar is completely dissolved.
  6. 6Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir gently until the sugar is completely dissolved.
  7. 7Once dissolved, increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil.
  8. 8Once dissolved, increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil.
  9. 9Once dissolved, increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil.
  10. 10Do not stir during this stage to avoid crystallization.
  11. 11Do not stir during this stage to avoid crystallization.
  12. 12Do not stir during this stage to avoid crystallization.
  13. 13Attach a candy thermometer to the side of the saucepan and continue boiling until the mixture reaches the hard crack stage (300°F or 149°C).
  14. 14Attach a candy thermometer to the side of the saucepan and continue boiling until the mixture reaches the hard crack stage (300°F or 149°C).
  15. 15Attach a candy thermometer to the side of the saucepan and continue boiling until the mixture reaches the hard crack stage (300°F or 149°C).
  16. 16Once the desired temperature is reached, immediately remove the saucepan from the heat.
  17. 17Once the desired temperature is reached, immediately remove the saucepan from the heat.
  18. 18Once the desired temperature is reached, immediately remove the saucepan from the heat.
  19. 19Let it sit for about 1 minute to slightly cool.
  20. 20Let it sit for about 1 minute to slightly cool.
  21. 21Let it sit for about 1 minute to slightly cool.
  22. 22If using, add the lemon extract at this point and stir gently to combine.
  23. 23If using, add the lemon extract at this point and stir gently to combine.
  24. 24If using, add the lemon extract at this point and stir gently to combine.
  25. 25Carefully pour the hot candy mixture onto a greased baking sheet.
  26. 26Carefully pour the hot candy mixture onto a greased baking sheet.
  27. 27Carefully pour the hot candy mixture onto a greased baking sheet.
  28. 28Spread it evenly into a thin layer using a spatula or by tilting the pan.
  29. 29Spread it evenly into a thin layer using a spatula or by tilting the pan.
  30. 30Spread it evenly into a thin layer using a spatula or by tilting the pan.
  31. 31Allow the candy to cool and harden completely at room temperature.
  32. 32Allow the candy to cool and harden completely at room temperature.
  33. 33Allow the candy to cool and harden completely at room temperature.
  34. 34Once set, break or cut the candy into small lemon drop-sized pieces using a sharp knife or candy cutter.
  35. 35Once set, break or cut the candy into small lemon drop-sized pieces using a sharp knife or candy cutter.
  36. 36Once set, break or cut the candy into small lemon drop-sized pieces using a sharp knife or candy cutter.
  37. 37Lightly dust the pieces with cornstarch to prevent sticking.
  38. 38Lightly dust the pieces with cornstarch to prevent sticking.
  39. 39Lightly dust the pieces with cornstarch to prevent sticking.
  40. 40Store the lemon drops in an airtight container at room temperature.
  41. 41Store the lemon drops in an airtight container at room temperature.
  42. 42Store the lemon drops in an airtight container at room temperature.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 0.5 cup water
  • 0.5 cup water
  • 0.5 cup water
  • 0.5 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 0.5 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 0.5 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 0.25 teaspoon cream of tartar
  • 0.25 teaspoon cream of tartar
  • 0.25 teaspoon cream of tartar
  • 0.5 teaspoon lemon extract
  • 0.5 teaspoon lemon extract
  • 0.5 teaspoon lemon extract
  • Cornstarch
  • Cornstarch
  • Cornstarch

Equipment

medium saucepancandy thermometergreased baking sheetspatulasharp knifecandy cutterairtight container

Tips

  • Do not stir during boiling to avoid crystallization.
  • Dust the pieces with cornstarch to prevent sticking.