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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
- Combine Ingredients: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, corn syrup, water, and salt, ensuring all are mixed well before heating.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Cool Slightly: Let the taffy mixture cool undisturbed for about 10 minutes so it thickens enough to handle safely without burning.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Add Color (Optional): If desired, divide the taffy into portions and knead in food coloring to create multi-colored or rainbow taffy pieces.
- Shape into Ropes: Roll the kneaded taffy into long, thin ropes about ½ inch in diameter, maintaining an even thickness.
- Cut and Wrap: Cut the ropes into 1-inch pieces and wrap each individually in wax paper to prevent sticking and maintain freshness.
- 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
