National Hard Candy Day is a day for all the sweet tooths and sugar lovers out there! Today, we celebrate this sugary holiday by indulging in our favorite hard candy. But there is more to National Hard Candy Day than just eating sweets. Learn more about this sweet delicacy and how to celebrate its namesake day in style.

History of Hard Candy

The amazing history of hard candy takes us through centuries of sweet treats that have become beloved by many around the world. From the 13th century, when crystallized sugar candy was being prepared and sold in countries rich in sugar cane, to John Millar starting a bakery in Leith and producing liquorice and blackcurrant hard candy in 1844, hard candy has been a staple of the confectionery world. 

As we move into the 1900s, Chikkis (a type of sugared nut) became popular in what is now India and Pakistan. Fast-forward to 1947 when a pharmacist invented the first candy-making machine, and we’re right where we are today!

Today, National Hard Candy Day is celebrated around the world as a sweet way to enjoy delicious treats. Whether you’re just enjoying your favorite hard candy or making your own, it’s a day to indulge in a sweet treat that has been around for centuries!

6 Delicious Recipes for Homemade Hard Candies

Get ready to satisfy your sweet tooth! Homemade hard candies are a great way to indulge your cravings without skimping on flavor. Let's take a look at some delicious recipes that are sure to tantalize your taste buds.

1. Peppermint Hard Candy by Taste of Home

Do you want to make your own hard candy for the holidays? Try this delicious peppermint-vanilla recipe from Taste of Home! This simple recipe combines the fresh taste of peppermint with the sweetness of vanilla to create an irresistible combination. 

Perfect for gifting or simply indulging yourself, these homemade hard candies will be sure to please everyone on your list! Plus, making your own candy is a fun and rewarding activity that you can enjoy with family and friends.

2. Soft and Chewy Butterscotch Hard Candies by Pastry Chef Online

If you have a sweet tooth and can’t resist a crunchy, buttery treat, then you’ll love making your own homemade butterscotch hard candies! With just a few tools and a little patience while they cool, you can make these delicious treats in no time. 

Made with simple ingredients like granulated sugar, brown sugar, butter, corn syrup, Kosher salt and heavy cream, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. You probably already have all the necessary ingredients in your pantry! 

3. Sour Lemon Drop by Imperial Sugar

Sour Lemon Drops are a timeless classic when it comes to hard candies. They have the perfect blend of sweet and tart, making them an irresistible snack. Whether you're looking for a little pick-me-up or just want to satisfy your sweet tooth, Sour Lemon Drops are the perfect choice. 

These homemade treats are easy to make and require only a few simple ingredients. Best of all, they're sure to be enjoyed by both kids and adults alike!

4. Orange Creamsicle Candy Pops by Tablespoon.com

Treat your taste buds to the deliciousness of a classic frozen treat with these Orange Creamsicle Candy Pops! These sweet little pops are made to look and taste just like Orange Creamsicles, so you can enjoy a nostalgic flavor in every bite.

They’re perfect for a summertime snack or a holiday season treat. With some time in the freezer, you can have homemade candy pops that are sure to be the hit of any party!

5. Caramel Apple Pops Recipe by The Spruce Eats

Do you remember the tart apple-flavored lollipops coated in a delicious layer of caramel? Now you can make your own with this simple Caramel Apple Pops Recipe from The Spruce Eats! It's super easy to make and will bring back fond childhood memories with every bite.

The best part about this recipe is you don't have to worry about it being too sweet as the tartness of the apple flavor cuts through the rich caramel coating. Whip up a batch of these delicious treats and let the nostalgia come flooding back!

6. Tanghulu by Peel With Zeal

If you’re looking for a unique and delicious treat, then look no further than tanghulu! This popular Chinese street food is a favorite snack in Northern China and is known for its hard candy shell. 

Unlike traditional candied fruit, tanghulu is made with an array of fresh fruits beyond just traditional hawthorn berries. Enjoy strawberries, blueberries, grapes and more covered in a delicious hard candy shell. 

With this recipe from Peel With Zeal, you can make your own homemade version of this beloved Chinese treat right at home. Try it today and delight your taste buds with the sweet flavor and crunchy texture of tanghulu -- it’s sure to be a hit!

Making hard candy can be a fun activity for the whole family. Get creative with your own flavor combinations or let kids add their own decorations to transform these tasty treats into something truly unique. With the help of this easy-to-follow recipe, you’ll soon be a master candy maker!

Ways To Celebrate National Hard Candy Day

Aside from making your own hard candies using the recipes above, here are three ways to celebrate National Hard Candy Day!

1. Host a Candy Tasting Party

Invite your friends to a candy tasting party and ask everyone to bring their favorite hard candies. Set up a table with a selection of hard candies, like starlight mints, gummy bears, and lollipops. Ask each guest to taste each one and rate them on a scale of 1-10. At the end of the night, tally up the scores and see which candy wins!

2. Visit a Local Candy Store

Take a trip to your local candy store and pick up some special treats for National Hard Candy Day! Check out all the different flavors and varieties of hard candy they have - it’s sure to be a sweet experience!

3. Create a Scavenger Hunt with Candy Prizes

Get creative and create a scavenger hunt using hard candy as a prize. Hide clues around the house or in your backyard and get everyone involved in the search. 

No matter how you choose to celebrate, National Hard Candy Day is sure to be a sweet treat! So don’t forget to pick up some hard candy for yourself and your friends on this special day. Happy National Hard Candy Day!