{tutorial} homemade lollipops

let's make some of these together...

just follow along with me on this super-easy "homemade lollipop" tutorial.

now before we get started, here's my disclaimer:

- i'm no expert on this process.

- there may be BETTER ways to achieve the same outcome. (feel free to share them)

- but this is the process i experimented with & the results were great. *wink*

1. GATHER YOUR SUPPLIES:

cookie sheet (for placing the lollipop mold on when baking)

lollipop mold (i used THIS ONE from Bake It Pretty)

non-stick spray or vegetable oil (use this to wipe down your candy mold prior to use).

hard candy (i used Crystal Light lemonade flavored candy)

4" lollipop sticks (like these - available at any craft store)

ziploc bags (if your hard candy isn't individually packaged)

mallet or rolling pin (for crushing candy)

packaging supplies (small cellophane bags, ribbon or fabric - available at any craft store)

2. PREPARE CANDY FOR MELTING

since my candies were already individually packaged...

it was SUPER easy to just give each piece of candy

a couple of soft whacks with the mallet.

the candy doesn't have to be finely crushed...

just small enough chunks to fill the candy mold.

(if you use candy that's NOT individually packaged,

you could always put them in a ziploc bag and crush them all at the same time).

when your candy is all crushed...

3. POUR INTO CANDY MOLD

see how easy those individual packages make it for pouring?

use a spoon if you don't have cute individual packaging!!

VERY IMPORTANT!

(make sure the mold has been prepared

with a light application of non-stick cooking spray or something similar FIRST).

4. PILE HIGH & ADD LOLLIPOP STICK

be sure to pile on the candy nice and high and slide your lollipop stick into the middle.

(i've tried it two ways...adding the stick AFTER it melts and BEFORE...i think i prefer AFTER).

5. BAKE AT 300 DEGREES (place on cookie sheet first for easier handling)

This process takes approx. 3-7 minutes for candy to melt completely.

(Here's why I prefer adding the lollipop stick AFTER. The candy melts down and isn't really touching the stick anyway by the time you finish this first "melt down"?) Hmm?

6. ADD MORE CANDY

this helps to cover the stick and ensure it's secure when we're done -

what's a lollipop without a stick? right?! *wink*

7. BACK INTO OVEN (another 2-3 minutes or so)

MUCH better results...

I even push down on the lollipop stick - WATCH OUT...it's hot...

and rotate it a little JUST TO MAKE SURE it's snug in the melted candy.

(just another reason why i think i prefer adding the stick AFTER the melting has been completely done...those sticks get hot). *wink*

8. LET COOL COMPLETELY AND POP'EM OUT

"ta dah"!!! easy...right?!

9. PACKAGE'EM UP PRETTY

they're now ready to give out as favors or treats

OR you could keep them all to yourself...depending on how you feel that day! *smile*

and let me just say...

if you happen to be so overly excited to make these and you forget to spray your lollipop mold...

here's what you'll get:

BUT...all is not lost...

just put the pieces back in your candy mold...

just like I did...

reheat and you are "good-to-go"!

i hope you enjoyed the tutorial.

if you have any questions or need clarification on anything...let me know.

and if you try this out...i'd LOVE to see the results.

have a fantastic Tuesday!

KEEPING IT REAL:

On my first attempt at making these, I didn't KNOW to use a non-stick cooking spray (frustrated)

AND so...i threw my ruined lollipops & perfectly wasted lollipop sticks into the trash! (not good)

On my 2nd attempt, I knew to use the non-stick spray but was so overzealous with excitement to try again, I completely forgot to add it. (just plain silliness)

BUT...that's when it dawned on me I didn't have to throw the lollipops away...

By remelting them...I was back in business!! brilliant & beaming! *wink*