Bright Citrus Lemon Drop Lollipops

Lemon drop candies take their name from that bright, puckery hit of citrus that feels like a squeeze of fresh lemon. These homemade lollipops capture the same zing with juice, zest, and citric acid cooked to a glassy hard-crack finish.

Serves 4 · 10 min prep · 15 min cook

Estimate for one serving

• 180 cal
• 12g protein
• 46g carbs
• 8g fat
• 3g fiber

Every recipe here is free to read.

Ingredients

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup light corn syrup
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1/2 tsp citric acid
• 3 drops yellow gel food coloring
• 8 lollipop sticks
• 2 tbsp powdered sugar

Instructions

1. 1Prepare a silicone lollipop mold or line a baking sheet with a silicone mat and arrange the lollipop sticks spaced a few inches apart so the candy can pool them. Lightly dust the surface with powdered sugar to help release.
2. 2In a heavy saucepan combine the sugar, corn syrup, and water. Place over medium heat and stir only until the sugar fully dissolves, then stop stirring completely.
3. 3Attach a candy thermometer and cook the syrup without stirring until it hits exactly 300°F hard-crack stage. The mixture will turn clear and bubble steadily; this takes roughly 10 minutes.
4. 4Pull the pan off the heat at once. Carefully stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, citric acid, and yellow gel coloring; the syrup will bubble up briefly so stand back.
5. 5Working quickly while the candy is still fluid, spoon or pour small rounds of the hot mixture over each stick, covering the top inch of the stick so it sets firmly inside the candy.
6. 6If using free-form style, let the rounds spread into 2-inch circles. For molds, fill each cavity just to the top. The candy will begin to harden within a minute.
7. 7Allow the lollipops to cool undisturbed at room temperature until completely hard and no longer sticky, about 20–25 minutes. Do not refrigerate or they may become cloudy.
8. 8Once set, gently twist each lollipop free from the mat or mold. Dust lightly with remaining powdered sugar if any surface feels tacky.
9. 9Wrap individually in small cellophane bags tied with twine or store in an airtight container layered with parchment. Enjoy as bright, tangy hard-candy treats.