Homemade Lemon Drops
Introduction
Lemon drops are a sweet and tangy treat that everyone will love. They’re perfect for when you need a little pick-me-up or want to add some sunshine to your day. Making them at home is easier than you think, and the results are simply delightful!
Why Make This Recipe
There are many reasons to whip up a batch of homemade lemon drops. They are fresh, bursting with flavor, and you can enjoy them anytime. Plus, they’re perfect for sharing with friends and family. Kids love them, too! Making these candies together can also turn into a fun family activity. Try making them on the weekend for a tasty snack or a sweet surprise for your loved ones.
How to Make Homemade Lemon Drops
Ingredients:
- 2–3 medium fresh lemons (zest and 2⁄3 cup juice)
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1⁄2 cup cornstarch (for dusting)
- Optional: A few drops of yellow food coloring
Directions:
- Zest and juice the lemons, ensuring you have about 2 tablespoons of zest and 2/3 cup of juice. Strain the juice to remove seeds and pulp.
- In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, water, lemon juice, and zest. Stir over low heat until the sugar dissolves, which takes about 5 minutes.
- After the sugar has completely melted, increase the heat to bring it to a simmer. Cook this mixture without stirring until it reaches 250°F (hard ball stage).
- Once it reaches the right temperature, remove it from the heat and add food coloring if you want them to look extra bright. Pour the mix into silicone molds or spread it out on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Let it cool for 30–60 minutes until it’s firm.
- If you used a baking sheet, cut the candy into bite-sized pieces once it’s set. Toss the candies in cornstarch to prevent them from sticking together.
How to Serve Homemade Lemon Drops
Enjoy your homemade lemon drops as a quick snack or a dessert after a meal. They are perfect for sharing at parties, in lunchboxes, or just to have on-hand for when you need something sweet!
How to Store Homemade Lemon Drops
To keep your lemon drops fresh, store them in an airtight container. Make sure they’ll stay dusted in cornstarch to avoid sticking. They’ll last for up to two weeks, but they likely won’t stick around that long!
Tips to Make Homemade Lemon Drops
- Measure your lemon juice carefully to get the right balance of flavor.
- Watch the temperature closely to make sure it reaches the hard ball stage; this is key for the candies to set properly.
- Use silicone molds for easy removal or a parchment-lined sheet to avoid sticking.
Variation
If you want a different twist, try adding some fresh herbs, like mint or basil, for a unique flavor. You can also experiment with different fruit juices to create other fruity drops!
FAQs
1. Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Using fresh lemon juice gives the best flavor, but bottled juice can work in a pinch.
2. What if my candy doesn’t harden?
If your mixture didn’t reach 250°F, it might not harden properly. You could try reheating it to the right temperature and letting it set again.
3. Can I skip the food coloring?
Absolutely! The food coloring is optional and not needed for delicious lemon drops.
