Lemon drops are a delightful burst of sunshine that dance on your taste buds, making your mouth pucker in the most exhilarating way. Imagine biting into a candy that combines the refreshing zing of citrus with just the right amount of sweetness—pure bliss in a tiny, tangy package.
Think about those lazy summer afternoons when you’re lounging by the pool, and suddenly crave something that’s both refreshing and indulgent. That’s when lemon drops come to mind! Whether it’s at a family gathering or a cozy get-together with friends, these little treats always steal the show and leave everyone eagerly reaching for more.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These lemon drops are not only fun to make but also an absolute crowd-pleaser at any party
- With a perfect balance of sweet and sour, they’ll tantalize your taste buds
- Their vibrant yellow color adds visual appeal to your dessert table, making them impossible to resist
- Plus, they’re super versatile—enjoy them as candy or use them to enhance drinks and desserts!
Ingredients for lemon drops
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Granulated Sugar: This is the backbone of our lemon drop recipe, providing sweetness and helping to form that delightful candy texture.
- Fresh Lemons: Use juicy, vibrant lemons for their zest and juice; they’ll give your candy an irresistible tartness.
- Water: Essential for dissolving the sugar and creating a smooth mixture before it becomes candy.
- Powdered Sugar: Dust these babies with powdered sugar after they cool to keep them from sticking together.
- Optional Flavorings: Consider adding other citrus flavors like lime or orange for a fun twist!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make lemon drops
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prepare Your Lemons
Start by washing your fresh lemons thoroughly. Zest two of them using a microplane grater; this will give your lemon drops that extra kick of flavor. Then juice all three lemons—you should have about half a cup of fresh lemon juice.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine one cup of granulated sugar with half a cup of water. Stir until dissolved. Once it reaches a gentle simmer, add your freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest; stir well to incorporate everything together.
Step 3: Cook the Mixture
Continue cooking the mixture over medium heat until it reaches the hard ball stage on a candy thermometer (around 250°F or 121°C). Keep stirring occasionally so nothing sticks or burns at the bottom—that’s nobody’s idea of fun!
Step 4: Pour into Molds
Once you’ve reached that magical temperature, remove the saucepan from heat. Quickly pour the hot mixture into silicone molds or onto a parchment-lined baking sheet if you’re feeling adventurous (and comfortable with potential sticky situations).
Step 5: Cool and Cut
Let these beauties cool completely at room temperature for about an hour. If you used molds, pop out your candies; if you poured onto parchment paper, cut them into bite-sized pieces with kitchen scissors.
Step 6: Dust with Powdered Sugar
Give each piece a light dusting of powdered sugar to help prevent sticking. Now comes the best part—serve these tangy delights at your next gathering or keep them all to yourself (no judgment here!).
Transfer to plates and watch as everyone dives into their new favorite treat!
You Must Know
- This delightful lemon drops recipe doesn’t just tickle your taste buds; it brings a splash of sunshine to any gathering
- Its bright flavors and refreshing zing make these treats a crowd-pleaser, perfect for parties or as a sweet pick-me-up during the week
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by greasing your baking pan while preheating the oven. Next, mix your dry ingredients in one bowl and wet ingredients in another. Combine them swiftly, then pour the batter into the pan. Bake until golden brown and let cool before serving.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out regular flour for almond flour for a gluten-free option or add poppy seeds for extra flair. You can even try different extracts, like vanilla or almond, to spice up your lemon drops.
Storing & Reheating
Store your lemon drops in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you need to reheat them, pop them in the microwave for about ten seconds to warm them up without drying them out.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh lemons for zest and juice; it makes a world of difference in flavor
- Make sure not to overmix; it’s okay if there are small lumps in the batter
- Let the lemon drops cool completely before cutting to maintain their shape
Sometimes I whip up these lemon drops when I’m feeling nostalgic. One time, my friends devoured an entire batch before I could take a picture! Their laughter and smiles made every minute spent baking worth it.
FAQs :
What are lemon drops?
Lemon drops are a popular candy known for their zesty flavor and delightful sweetness. Made primarily from sugar, lemon juice, and citric acid, these treats offer a refreshing taste that’s perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. They come in various forms, such as hard candies or soft chews, and are often enjoyed by people of all ages. Lemon drops can also be used in cocktails or desserts to add a citrusy kick.
How do you make homemade lemon drops?
To make homemade lemon drops, you need simple ingredients like sugar, lemon juice, water, and corn syrup. Start by boiling water and adding the sugar until it dissolves. Once combined, stir in fresh lemon juice and corn syrup. Cook the mixture until it reaches the hard crack stage, then pour it onto a greased surface to cool. Cut into pieces once hardened for delicious homemade lemon drop candies.
Can I use lemon drops in recipes?
Absolutely! Lemon drops can enhance various recipes with their tart and sweet flavor. You can crush them to use as a topping for cupcakes or ice cream. They also work well in cocktails as a sweetener or flavoring agent. Additionally, incorporating crushed lemon drops into cookie dough adds an unexpected twist to your classic treats.
Are there health benefits to eating lemon drops?
While lemon drops are primarily a candy and should be enjoyed in moderation, they do offer some benefits due to their ingredients. The citric acid in lemon juice may aid digestion and provide a refreshing burst of vitamin C. However, it’s important to remember that these candies are high in sugar and should not replace healthier snacks or meals.
Conclusion for lemon drops :
In summary, lemon drops are a delightful treat that combines sweetness with tangy citrus flavor. They are easy to make at home and can be incorporated into various recipes for added zest. While they do offer some minor health benefits thanks to their main ingredient, moderation is key due to their high sugar content. Whether enjoyed on their own or used creatively in dishes and drinks, lemon drops provide a fun way to savor the bright flavor of lemons.
Lemon Drops
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Lemon drops are a vibrant and zesty candy that bring sunshine to every occasion. These delightful treats combine the tartness of fresh lemons with just the right amount of sweetness, delivering a burst of flavor in each bite. Perfect for summer gatherings or as a refreshing snack, homemade lemon drops are easy to make and sure to impress friends and family alike!
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 3 large fresh lemons (juice and zest)
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)
- Optional: additional citrus flavorings (lime or orange)
Instructions
- Wash and zest two lemons; juice all three lemons to yield about 1/2 cup of juice.
- In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup sugar and 1/2 cup water over medium heat until dissolved.
- Stir in lemon juice and zest, then cook until the mixture reaches 250°F (121°C) on a candy thermometer.
- Pour the hot mixture into silicone molds or onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Allow to cool completely for about one hour, then cut into pieces if necessary.
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Candy
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (approximately 20g)
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
