How to Make Honey-Infused Russian Ledentsy (Lollipops)

Discover the art of making traditional Russian Ledentsy with a honey twist. These homemade lollipops offer a perfect balance of sweetness and a satisfying crunch, making them an ideal treat for both children and adults. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you'll create a delightful confection that captures the essence of Russian candy-making.

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Recipe Details

Prep Time

10 minutes

Cook Time

20 minutes

Servings

12-15 lollipops (depending on mold size)

Difficulty

Intermediate

Simple Summary

Ledentsy with Honey are traditional Russian lollipops that combine the sweetness of honey with the satisfying crunch of hard candy. These homemade treats offer a delightful blend of nostalgia and natural flavors.

Recipe Details

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour (including cooling time)
  • Servings: 12-15 lollipops (depending on mold size)
  • Difficulty: Intermediate

Ingredients

  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
  • Food coloring of your choice (optional)
  • Lollipop molds or silicone molds
  • Lollipop sticks

Instructions

  1. Prepare your lollipop molds by lightly greasing them with cooking spray or vegetable oil. Insert lollipop sticks into the molds.

  2. In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, water, honey, and cream of tartar. Stir gently to combine.

  3. Place the saucepan over medium heat and attach a candy thermometer to the side of the pan. Do not stir the mixture once it starts heating.

  4. Allow the mixture to cook until it reaches 300°F (150°C), which is known as the "hard crack" stage. This usually takes about 15-20 minutes.

  5. Once the temperature is reached, remove the pan from heat immediately.

  6. If using, quickly stir in the vanilla extract and a few drops of food coloring.

  7. Carefully pour the hot syrup into the prepared molds, filling them to the top.

  8. Allow the lollipops to cool and harden completely at room temperature, which usually takes about 30-40 minutes.

  9. Once fully set, gently remove the lollipops from the molds.

  10. Wrap individual lollipops in cellophane or wax paper for storage or gifting.

Chef's Notes

  • Be extremely careful when working with hot sugar syrup as it can cause severe burns.
  • For best results, use a candy thermometer to ensure the correct temperature is reached.
  • If you don't have lollipop molds, you can pour the syrup onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and break it into pieces once cooled for hard candy.
  • Experiment with different flavors by adding 1/2 teaspoon of natural extracts like lemon, orange, or peppermint instead of vanilla.
  • Store the lollipops in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

Nutritional Info

Per lollipop (approximate):

  • Calories: 80
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Sugar: 20g
  • Protein: 0g
  • Fat: 0g
  • Sodium: 1mg These lollipops are fat-free and provide a quick energy boost due to their natural sugar content. The honey adds trace amounts of vitamins and minerals.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve these lollipops as a sweet treat after meals or as a special dessert.
  • Package them in decorative bags for party favors or holiday gifts.
  • Create a colorful display by making batches with different food coloring.
  • Pair with a cup of Russian tea or hot chocolate for a cozy afternoon snack.
  • Crush the lollipops to use as a decorative topping for cakes or cupcakes.