This homemade licorice candy has a much stronger flavor than a store bought typical licorice candy that does not even contain any actual licorice root (from the plant: Glycyrrhiza glabra). In this recipe, depending on the type of molasses used, flavor will vary. Black strap molasses gives the strongest flavor. For a less intense flavor, use dark corn syrup instead of molasses, or use half molasses and half corn syrup. Further, I used vanilla extract instead of anise extract when I made this licorice candy. For a different flavor, try anise extract, or use half vanilla extract and half anise extract.
Finally, I personally had a hard time making long strips and twisting them like licorice sticks. Thus, I just made 1 inch licorice squares instead because it was much easier.
Licorice Candy Recipe Ingredients
- 9 Tbsp of salted butter
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1 cup of molasses
- 2 tsp of dried licorice root powder
- 2 Tbsp of vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup of flour
- 1 tsp black food coloring
- Candy thermometer, double boiler, 9×5 glass cooking dish, parchment paper, cutting board, buttered knife
Licorice Candy Recipe Instructions
- Line a 9×5 glass baking dish with parchment paper and grease the parchment paper.
- In a double boiler with a candy thermometer, heat the butter, sugar, and molasses to 265 degrees, stirring frequently.
- Remove from heat and stir in the licorice root powder, vanilla, and flour.
- Pour into lined 9×5 dish and let set for 1 hour.
- Turn upside down on a cutting board lined with buttered parchment paper.
- Cut into 1 inch by 1 inch square shapes and roll into tubular form.
- Let set for 30 minutes.
- Store in refrigerator up to 2 weeks.
Click here to read more about the licorice plant and some potential health benefits.
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How sweet it is to twist with you!
By: Kathy Sadowski
Last Updated: 8/14/18
