Introduction

Homemade saltwater taffy is a classic sweet treat that brings the nostalgic taste of summer right to your kitchen. This chewy, buttery candy is surprisingly easy to make and can be customized with your favorite flavors and colors. Dive into a fun candy-making adventure with this delightful recipe.

The image shows a close-up of several colorful saltwater taffies wrapped in clear, crinkled wrappers, scattered loosely on a white marbled surface. Each taffy piece has a smooth, swirled texture blending two or more pastel colors like pink and white, blue and white, yellow and white, or purple and pink. The wrappers are twisted at each end, adding shine and texture contrasts. The background is softly blurred, focusing on the front cluster of taffies with warm natural light highlighting the glossy surfaces and soft colors. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup granulated sugar
¼ cup light corn syrup
¼ cup water
½ teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
½ teaspoon vanilla extract or other flavorings
½ teaspoon food coloring (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. Set aside.
Step 2: In a medium saucepan, combine granulated sugar, light corn syrup, water, and salt. Stir the mixture over medium heat until the sugar is dissolved.
Step 3: Attach a candy thermometer to the saucepan and allow the mixture to boil without stirring until it reaches the soft-ball stage (around 240°F or 115°C).
Step 4: Once reached, remove the saucepan from the heat and carefully stir in the butter and flavoring extract. If using food coloring, add it now and stir to combine.
Step 5: Pour the hot mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Allow it to cool for a few minutes until it’s comfortable to handle.
Step 6: Once the taffy is cool enough, butter your hands and start pulling the taffy. Stretch it out and fold it over itself repeatedly for about 10-15 minutes, or until it becomes light in color and firm in texture.
Step 7: Once the taffy reaches the desired texture, shape it into a log and cut it into small pieces using scissors.
Step 8: Wrap each piece in wax paper or parchment paper to keep them from sticking. Allow the taffy to cool completely before serving.

Tips & Variations

Experiment with different flavorings like peppermint, strawberry, or lemon to customize your taffy.
Butter your hands well before pulling the taffy to prevent sticking and to make pulling easier.
Add food coloring to match your favorite themes or holidays.
This recipe can be doubled or halved to suit your needs.

Storage

Store the wrapped taffy pieces in an airtight container at room temperature. They will keep their chewiness for up to two weeks. If your taffy gets too hard, let it sit out for a while before eating or gently warm it by hand to soften.

How to Serve

The image shows several pieces of saltwater taffy candy wrapped in clear plastic wrappers spread out on a white marbled surface. Each piece of taffy has a smooth, soft texture with swirled, mixed colors including yellow, blue, pink, purple, and white. The shapes are mostly rectangular with slightly rounded edges, and the transparent wrappers are twisted on the sides, creating small clear ends that catch the light. The candies are arranged randomly, with some closer and others fading softly into the background, giving a sense of depth and variety in colors and light reflections. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

What is the soft-ball stage and why is it important?

The soft-ball stage is when heated sugar syrup reaches about 240°F (115°C). At this point, the syrup forms a soft, flexible ball in cold water. It’s crucial for achieving the perfect chewy texture in taffy.

Can I use different flavorings besides vanilla?

Yes, you can use a variety of flavor extracts such as peppermint, lemon, or strawberry. Just substitute the vanilla extract with your preferred flavor to make the taffy your own.