This Homemade Lemon Drops Recipe delivers bright citrus flavor, a clean snap, and that classic sweet-tart balance you expect from old-fashioned hard candy. Made with just a few pantry staples and real lemon, these candies are perfect for gifting, holidays, or keeping on hand for a refreshing treat. If you enjoy making classic sweets, you may also love this fire-kissed cinnamon glass candy for another timeless option.
Why You’ll Love It
- Pure citrus flavor: Real lemon juice and zest shine through.
- Simple ingredients: No corn syrup or artificial flavors.
- Great for gifting: Wrap them up for holidays or party favors.
- Long shelf life: Stores well when kept dry and airtight.
Ingredients
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 1/4 tsp cream of tartar
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly dust it with powdered sugar.
- In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine sugar, water, lemon juice, lemon zest, and cream of tartar.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Stop stirring and let the mixture boil until it reaches 300°F on a candy thermometer (hard crack stage).
- Remove from heat and carefully spoon small rounds onto the prepared parchment.
- Let the lemon drops cool and harden completely, about 20 minutes.
- Toss lightly in powdered sugar to prevent sticking before storing.
Tips & Variations
- Smoother finish: Strain the lemon juice to remove pulp.
- Extra zing: Add a pinch of citric acid once off heat.
- Shape options: Pour into silicone candy molds instead of spooning.
- Color boost: A tiny drop of natural yellow food coloring is optional.
Substitutions
- Use bottled lemon juice if fresh is unavailable, though fresh gives better flavor.
- Orange juice and zest can be swapped in for a citrus twist, similar to this homemade orange candy .
Serving Suggestions
Serve lemon drops after meals as a palate cleanser, or package them in small bags for showers, birthdays, and holiday cookie boxes. They pair beautifully with nut-based sweets like chocolate covered almonds for contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store lemon drops in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. Keep them away from humidity, as moisture can cause stickiness. These candies do not require reheating.
FAQs
Why did my lemon drops turn sticky?
Humidity is usually the cause. Toss them in powdered sugar and store with a silica packet if needed.
Do I need a candy thermometer?
Yes, reaching the hard crack stage is essential for proper texture.
More to Try
Conclusion
This Homemade Lemon Drops Recipe is a simple way to bring classic candy-making into your kitchen. With bold lemon flavor, a satisfying crunch, and endless gifting possibilities, these lemon drops are a sweet tradition worth keeping.
Print
Homemade Lemon Drops Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: About 50 lemon drops 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Bright, citrusy, and perfectly sweet-tart, these homemade lemon drops are an old-fashioned hard candy favorite made with real lemon juice and simple ingredients.
Ingredients
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 1/4 tsp cream of tartar
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly dust it with powdered sugar.
- In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine sugar, water, lemon juice, lemon zest, and cream of tartar.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Stop stirring and let the mixture boil until it reaches 300°F on a candy thermometer (hard crack stage).
- Remove from heat and carefully spoon small rounds onto the prepared parchment.
- Let the lemon drops cool and harden completely, about 20 minutes.
- Toss lightly in powdered sugar to prevent sticking before storing.
Notes
Strain lemon juice for a smoother finish. For extra zing, add a pinch of citric acid after removing from heat. You can also pour the mixture into silicone molds for different shapes or add a drop of yellow food coloring for a bolder hue.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Candy
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5 pieces
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: lemon drops, hard candy, old-fashioned candy, lemon candy, homemade sweets