Description
Create playful, winter-themed tree sprinkle candy apples using green candy coating, white chocolate garlands, and star sprinkles. These treats are perfect for holiday parties or family fun.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup water
- ½ teaspoon cream of tartar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon green gel food coloring
- 8 small crisp apples
- 8 sturdy wooden sticks or paper straws
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil
- 3 tablespoons star-shaped sprinkles
- 8 larger star candies for toppers
- 3 tablespoons red nonpareils
- 3 tablespoons gold nonpareils
- 3 tablespoons green nonpareils
Instructions
- Wash the apples in warm water and dry them very well. Remove stems and insert a wooden stick straight down into the center of each apple.
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment or a silicone mat and lightly grease it.
- In a medium heavy saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup, water, and cream of tartar. Stir gently until everything is moistened.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat without stirring. Cook until it reaches 300°F, the hard-crack stage, using a candy thermometer.
- Remove the pan from the heat once at temperature. Carefully stir in the vanilla extract and green gel food coloring until the syrup is evenly tinted.
- Tilt the pan slightly. Dip each apple into the hot candy mixture, turning to coat. Let excess drip back into the pan, then place the apples onto the prepared baking sheet to set.
- Let the candy coating sit for 5 to 8 minutes until mostly firm but still slightly tacky.
- Place the white chocolate chips and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in short bursts, stirring between each, until smooth and pourable.
- Spoon the melted white chocolate into a small piping bag or zip-top bag with a tiny corner snipped off. Drizzle it around each candy apple in loose swoops like garlands.
- While the white chocolate is soft, immediately press one large star candy at the very top of each apple where the stick meets the candy.
- Sprinkle the red, gold, and green nonpareils all over the sides of the apples as ornaments. Add smaller star sprinkles to complete the tree look.
- Allow the decorated candy apples to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes or until everything is completely set and dry before serving.
Notes
- Scrub waxed apples with warm water and baking soda, then dry well for smooth coating adhesion.
- Have all toppings measured and ready before you cook the candy for quick decorating.
- Rotate apples over the pan after dipping to avoid thick candy puddles at the bottom.
- Gently rewarm the candy mixture over low heat if it thickens, keeping it from darkening.
- Store finished apples in a cool, dry spot to maintain crispness.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop candy making
- Cuisine: American