Pin This Celebrate the holidays with the dazzling Jingle Bell Rock Candy Display, a festive dessert platter that brings sparkle and cheer to any gathering. This vibrant centerpiece combines homemade rock candies bursting with bright colors, rich holiday-themed chocolates, and shimmering sugar confections creating a magical holiday vibe. Perfect for impressing guests or indulging your own sweet tooth, this recipe turns simple treats into a joyful work of art on your holiday table.
Pin This With a bit of patience and creativity, crafting your own rock candy and holiday chocolates transforms holiday entertaining into a memorable, joyful event. Whether displayed elegantly or arranged whimsically, this platter offers a charming mix of textures and flavors that capture the holiday spirit beautifully.
Ingredients
- Rock Candy
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup water
- ½ cup light corn syrup
- ½ tsp flavored extract (peppermint, cherry, or lemon)
- Food coloring (red, green, or as desired)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
- Holiday Chocolates
- 200 g high-quality dark chocolate, chopped
- 100 g white chocolate, chopped
- Holiday sprinkles or edible glitter
- Sugar Confections
- 1 cup assorted gumdrops
- ½ cup candied fruit (cherries, orange peel, etc.)
- ½ cup sparkling sugar or edible glitter
Instructions
- 1. Prepare baking sheets
- Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and lightly dust with powdered sugar.
- 2. Make rock candy syrup
- Combine granulated sugar, water, and corn syrup in a heavy-bottomed saucepan. Stir constantly over medium heat until sugar dissolves.
- 3. Boil to hard crack stage
- Increase heat and bring to a boil without stirring. Continue cooking until mixture reaches 300°F (150°C) on a candy thermometer.
- 4. Add flavor and color
- Remove from heat immediately. Add flavored extract and a few drops of chosen food coloring. Swirl gently to combine.
- 5. Form rock candy
- Carefully pour the hot syrup onto the prepared baking sheet. Let cool for 5–10 minutes, then score into pieces with a buttered knife or break into shards once fully set (about 1 hour). Dust with powdered sugar to prevent sticking.
- 6. Melt holiday chocolates
- Melt dark and white chocolates separately using a double boiler or microwave in short bursts.
- 7. Shape chocolates
- Pour melted chocolates into festive silicone molds or spread on parchment, swirling white into dark for a marbled effect. Sprinkle with holiday sprinkles or edible glitter. Let set at room temperature or refrigerate until firm, then unmold or break into pieces.
- 8. Assemble the platter
- Arrange rock candy, chocolates, gumdrops, candied fruit, and sparkling sugar on a large platter in a decorative holiday pattern. Serve immediately or store in airtight containers.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
Ensure thorough dusting of baking sheets with powdered sugar to prevent rock candy from sticking. Use a candy thermometer for precise temperature control to achieve the perfect hard crack stage. Handle hot sugar syrup carefully to avoid burns. Allow enough setting time for both the rock candy and chocolates to firm up before cutting or unmolding.
Varianten und Anpassungen
Experiment with different extract flavors such as orange, almond, or vanilla for unique rock candy tastes. Select festive silicone molds for holiday-themed chocolates to elevate the presentation. Adjust food coloring shades to match your holiday décor for a personalized touch.
Serviervorschläge
Pair this colorful dessert platter with sparkling wine, a cup of hot chocolate, or spiced tea to complement the sweetness and create a complete festive experience. Ideal for holiday parties, family gatherings, or as a charming gift display.
Pin This This Jingle Bell Rock Candy Display turns simple holiday treats into a dazzling, shareable delight. With patience and festive creativity, it will bring joy and sparkle to your table, delighting both eyes and taste buds all season long.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do you ensure the rock candy sets properly?
Cooking the sugar mixture to 300°F (hard crack stage) ensures a firm texture. Pour it on parchment, let it cool completely, then break into shards once fully set.
- → What flavors work best for the flavored extract?
Popular choices include peppermint, cherry, lemon, orange, almond, and vanilla to complement the holiday theme.
- → Can the chocolates be molded without special equipment?
Yes, melting chocolates can be spread on parchment and swirled for marbling, then decorated with sprinkles and broken into pieces once firm.
- → How should the platter be stored before serving?
Store candies in airtight containers separately to maintain freshness and prevent flavors from mixing until serving.
- → Are these confections suitable for any dietary restrictions?
They are vegetarian-friendly but contain soy and dairy from chocolate. Corn syrup may not be suitable for corn allergies; always check labels.