Homemade Saltwater Taffy Rolls Recipe

Introduction

Homemade saltwater taffy rolls offer a nostalgic treat that’s chewy, sweet, and bursting with flavor. Making them at home is a fun project that allows you to customize colors and flavors to your liking. Enjoy these classic candies fresh from your own kitchen!

Ingredients

• 2 cups (400 g) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (240 ml) corn syrup
• ½ cup (120 ml) water
• ¼ tsp salt
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Food coloring (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Combine sugar, corn syrup, water, and salt in a heavy-bottomed saucepan.
2. Step 2: Stir over medium heat until the sugar dissolves completely.
3. Step 3: Bring the mixture to a boil without stirring until it reaches 250°F (121°C).
4. Step 4: Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla extract until the mixture is glossy.
5. Step 5: Cool the mixture for about 10 minutes before handling.
6. Step 6: Grease your hands and a clean surface with butter to prevent sticking.
7. Step 7: Pour the warm taffy onto the prepared surface and let it cool until manageable.
8. Step 8: Knead the taffy by pulling, folding, and twisting until it becomes silky and pliable.
9. Step 9: Optionally, divide and knead in food coloring to create a rainbow effect.
10. Step 10: Roll the taffy into long, thin ropes about ½ inch in diameter.
11. Step 11: Cut the ropes into 1-inch pieces and wrap each piece in wax paper.
12. Step 12: Store the wrapped taffy in an airtight container at room temperature.

Tips & Variations

• Use a candy thermometer for accurate temperature to ensure perfect taffy texture.
• Try adding different flavor extracts like peppermint, coconut, or fruit for variety.
• To make pulling easier, keep a bowl of buttered water nearby to dip your hands occasionally.
• Experiment with layering different colored taffies for a fun striped appearance.

Storage

Store the wrapped taffy in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. Avoid refrigeration as it may harden the candy. To soften slightly before eating, let the taffy sit at room temperature for a few minutes.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Why does the taffy need to reach 250°F (121°C)?

This temperature stage, known as the hard-ball stage, ensures the taffy will set with the right chewy texture. Cooking below this point results in a softer candy that won’t hold its shape.

Can I make saltwater taffy without a candy thermometer?

While it’s possible, a candy thermometer helps achieve precise results. Without one, you risk under- or over-cooking the sugar mixture, which affects texture. A candy thermometer is highly recommended for best success.

Homemade Saltwater Taffy Rolls Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 119 reviews

• Author: lina
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 60 pieces 1x

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Description

This Homemade Saltwater Taffy Rolls recipe guides you through making classic, chewy saltwater taffy from scratch. Using simple ingredients like sugar, corn syrup, and butter, the candy is cooked to the perfect temperature and then kneaded to a silky texture. Add food coloring for a fun, colorful twist before shaping into bite-sized wrapped pieces, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth with a nostalgic treat.

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Ingredients

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Ingredients

• 2 cups (400 g) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (240 ml) corn syrup
• ½ cup (120 ml) water
• ¼ tsp salt
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Food coloring (optional)

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Instructions

1. Combine Ingredients: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, corn syrup, water, and salt, ensuring all are mixed well before heating.
2. Dissolve Sugar: Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir continuously until the sugar completely dissolves, ensuring there are no crystals left on the sides of the pan.
3. Boil Mixture: Stop stirring and allow the mixture to come to a boil. Monitor temperature closely with a candy thermometer until it reaches 250°F (121°C), which is the soft crack stage for taffy.
4. Add Butter and Vanilla: Remove the pan from heat and quickly stir in the unsalted butter and vanilla extract until the mixture becomes glossy and smooth.
5. Cool Slightly: Let the taffy mixture cool undisturbed for about 10 minutes so it thickens enough to handle safely without burning.
6. Prepare Work Surface: Grease your hands and a clean, flat surface generously with butter to prevent the sticky taffy from adhering during the next steps.
7. Pour and Cool: Pour the warm taffy onto the greased surface and allow it to cool until it is manageable to touch, but still pliable.
8. Knead Taffy: Begin kneading by pulling, folding, and twisting the taffy repeatedly until it becomes silky, shiny, and elastic in texture, typically 10–15 minutes.
9. Add Color (Optional): If desired, divide the taffy into portions and knead in food coloring to create multi-colored or rainbow taffy pieces.
10. Shape into Ropes: Roll the kneaded taffy into long, thin ropes about ½ inch in diameter, maintaining an even thickness.
11. Cut and Wrap: Cut the ropes into 1-inch pieces and wrap each individually in wax paper to prevent sticking and maintain freshness.
12. Store Properly: Place the wrapped taffy pieces in an airtight container and keep at room temperature for up to two weeks for optimal taste and texture.

Notes

• Use a reliable candy thermometer for precise temperature control to avoid overcooking or undercooking the taffy.
• Butter your hands and surface generously to make handling easier and prevent sticking as taffy can be very sticky.
• Be patient during the kneading process; proper texture is achieved through consistent pulling and folding.
• Store the taffy at room temperature away from heat and humidity to maintain freshness.
• For a richer flavor, you can experiment with different extracts such as peppermint or almond instead of vanilla.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Candy
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: saltwater taffy, homemade candy, chewy candy, classic sweets, candy recipes