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Homemade Saltwater Taffy Rolls

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Bring the nostalgic charm of the boardwalk into your kitchen with this homemade saltwater taffy rolls recipe. Soft, chewy, and endlessly customizable, these colorful candies are perfect for gifting, party favors, or indulging in a sweet treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • 1 ½ cups light corn syrup
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (plus extra for greasing hands and surfaces)
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Food coloring (optional)
  • Flavor extracts (optional: peppermint, lemon, strawberry, pineapple, etc.)

Instructions

1. Prepare your workspace

  • Generously grease a large baking sheet or marble slab with butter.

  • Keep a buttered spatula and candy thermometer nearby.

2. Combine and heat the base

  • In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, mix granulated sugar, light corn syrup, water, and salt over medium heat.

  • Stir until sugar dissolves completely.

3. Cook to the right stage

  • Stop stirring and allow the mixture to boil.

  • Use a candy thermometer to heat to 250°F (120°C) — the hard-ball stage.

4. Add butter and flavors

  • Remove from heat immediately.

  • Stir in unsalted butter, vanilla extract, and any desired food coloring or flavor extracts.

5. Cool before pulling

  • Pour the mixture onto the prepared greased surface.

  • Allow to cool just enough to handle without burning.

6. Pull the taffy

  • Butter your hands and begin pulling the candy: stretch, fold, and twist repeatedly until lighter in color and firm in texture.

7. Shape and wrap

  • Roll the taffy into ropes.

  • Cut into bite-sized pieces and wrap each in wax paper.

8. Store properly

  • Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

Notes

  • If taffy is too sticky, lightly chill before wrapping.

  • Avoid pulling in a humid environment to prevent stickiness.

  • For rainbow or swirled taffy, divide and color batches before pulling, then twist together.

  • Use heatproof gloves if the candy is too hot for bare hands.

Find it online: https://claradelish.com/homemade-saltwater-taffy-rolls/