Homemade Dandelion Candy captures the delicate, floral essence of spring in sweet golden bites. Made with fresh petals and a hint of vanilla, this old-fashioned treat is a magical way to turn wildflowers into edible jewels—perfect for gifting or tea-time delight.
1/2cupdandelion petalsloosely packed, yellow parts only
1/4tspvanilla extractoptional
1/8tspbutterjust a dab, to reduce bubbling
powdered sugarfor dusting, optional
Instructions
Pick dandelions from a clean, unsprayed area. Rinse and dry. Remove yellow petals only, discarding green parts.
In a saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, water, and lemon juice. Stir to dissolve, then heat without stirring to 300°F (hard crack stage).
Remove from heat and quickly stir in dandelion petals, vanilla (if using), and a dab of butter. Mix gently.
Carefully spoon into candy molds or drop onto lined baking sheets. Let cool completely until firm.
Dust with powdered sugar if desired and store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
Notes
Use only yellow petals to avoid bitterness. A thermometer is essential for proper texture. Don’t freeze these candies—store at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.