Prepare the Ingredients and Equipment
Grease a marble slab or line a baking sheet with well-buttered parchment paper.
Gather all ingredients and tools, including a candy thermometer.
Cook the Candy Base
Combine sugar, corn syrup, warm water, and salt in a medium saucepan.
Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves.
Once dissolved, stop stirring and let the mixture boil. Attach a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature.
Reach the Hard-Ball Stage
Allow the mixture to boil until it reaches 255°F (hard-ball stage).
Remove the pan from heat immediately once the desired temperature is reached.
Add Flavoring and Coloring
Stir in the butter, flavoring extract, and food coloring (if using). Mix thoroughly until combined.
Pour and Cool
Carefully pour the hot mixture onto the prepared surface.
Let the taffy cool until it’s safe to handle, about 15 minutes.
Pull the Taffy
Grease your hands with butter to prevent sticking.
Gather the cooled taffy into a ball and begin pulling and folding it repeatedly. Continue pulling until the taffy becomes light in color and glossy, about 10-15 minutes.
Shape and Cut
Stretch the taffy into a long, even rope.
Use greased scissors to cut it into bite-sized pieces.
Wrap each piece in wax paper to keep it fresh.
