# Homemade Lemon Drops

Homemade Lemon Drops are a classic citrus candy made from sugar, water, lemon juice, lemon zest, and cream of tartar.

- Servings: 12 servings
- Total time: 25 min
- Cuisine: American
- Category: Drink
- Language: en

## Ingredients

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

## Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, water, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and cream of tartar.
2. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir gently until the sugar is completely dissolved.
3. Once dissolved, increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil.
4. Do not stir during this stage to avoid crystallization.
5. Attach 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).
6. Once the desired temperature is reached, immediately remove the saucepan from the heat.
7. Let it sit for about 1 minute to slightly cool.
8. If using, add the lemon extract at this point and stir gently to combine.
9. Carefully pour the hot candy mixture onto a greased baking sheet.
10. Spread it evenly into a thin layer using a spatula or by tilting the pan.
11. Allow the candy to cool and harden completely at room temperature.
12. Once set, break or cut the candy into small lemon drop-sized pieces using a sharp knife or candy cutter.
13. Lightly dust the pieces with cornstarch to prevent sticking.
14. Store the lemon drops in an airtight container at room temperature.

## Equipment

- medium saucepan
- candy thermometer
- greased baking sheet
- spatula
- sharp knife
- candy cutter
- airtight container

## Tips

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

## Source

- Original video: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1C5aecE7A4/
- Recipe page: https://www.cliprecipe.com/recipe/49091003-9f8d-441b-b41d-77ff58a6cd19
- Extracted: 2026-01-06

Extracted from the video by Clip Recipe (https://www.cliprecipe.com). Quantities and steps are as stated or shown in the video. Site guide for agents: https://www.cliprecipe.com/llms.txt