I love this super easy Valentine Kool-Aid Candy Suckers Recipe and couldn’t wait to share it with you today!
These homemade candy suckers have such a childhood feel to them and remind me of picking out treats at an old fashioned candy store, so I created a free Valentine printable set to go right along with them which you can find at the bottom of this post.
It’s so easy to make these cute homemade Valentine suckers, using just a few ingredients and this inexpensive heart sucker mold.
How to Make Suckers
You could use this candy recipe and a few simple ingredients to make your own homemade Kool-Aid Suckers in any flavors that you like such as grape or tropical punch. .
Just choose whichever unsweetened powdered drink mix flavor you want to use to create these homemade suckers.
Kool-Aid Candy
If you do not have sticks to make these homemade lollipops, you could skip the lollipop sticks and just make Kool-Aid hard candy instead.
You can also use any shape molds you like, but the heart molds are great for making Valentine suckers.
Gather these ingredients to make your Suckers.
Then scroll down for full Homemade Suckers Recipe Measurements and instructions on creating this recipe – including a full recipe card that you can print for free that helps you shop and create easily in your kitchen!
Candy Suckers Ingredients
- Sugar
- Water
- Light Corn Syrup
- Unsweetened Kool-Aid drink mix
Equipment Needed:
How to Make a Lollipop
Step 1: Before you get started, you’ll need to spray your candy mold with nonstick cooking spray.
Step 2: Place lollipop sticks in mold and put in freezer until ready to use.
Step 3: Combine granulated sugar, water, and corn syrup in a large pan. Cook the sugar mixture on medium high heat until you get to 300 degrees. This is considered the hard crack stage and where you need it to get to successfully make hard candy.
You can use a candy thermometer to check your temperature. You’ll want to make sure the granulated sugar is completely dissolved.
Step 4: Add 1/8 of the contents of the Kool-Aid packet to the sugar mixture after it has reached the hard crack stage. (The amount in each packet varies based on flavor and brand).
Step 5: Remove the sugar mixture from the heat and stir for 1-2 minutes.
Step 6: Carefully pour the hot syrup into molds and allow to cool for 15 minutes before removing. It may be easier to add it to the mold by the spoonful.
Expert Tip: You may want to place your mold on a cookie sheet before pouring the candy mixture into the prepared molds.
Tips for Making the Best Heart Lollipops
Use a candy thermometer if possible
Candy suckers need to reach the hard crack stage so they set properly. A candy thermometer makes this much easier and helps prevent sticky or chewy suckers.
No thermometer? Try the cold water test
Drop a small amount of the hot candy mixture into a bowl of cold water. If it hardens immediately and snaps when broken, it is ready for molding.
Work quickly once the mixture is ready
Candy hardens fast. Have your sucker molds and sticks ready ahead of time so you can pour right away.
Lightly grease your molds
Even nonstick molds benefit from a light spray of cooking spray. This helps the candy release cleanly without cracking.
Be careful with moisture and humidity
Hard candy does best on dry days. Humidity can cause suckers to turn sticky or not set properly, so avoid making them during very humid weather if possible.
Change up the flavors
Kool Aid gives great color and flavor, but you can experiment with different flavors or mix two packets for something fun and unique.
Store candy suckers correctly
Once completely cooled, store suckers in an airtight container at room temperature. If gifting, wrap each sucker individually to keep them fresh and prevent sticking.
Perfect for gifts and parties
These candy suckers are great for Valentine’s Day treats, party favors, classroom gifts, or added to a homemade candy gift basket.
You should be able to keep your homemade lollipops for up to three weeks when stored properly in an airtight container.
You can place each sucker in an individual cellophane sucker bag and close using a twist tie. You could also use a sandwich bag, although it won’t be as pretty looking.
If you don’t need to store them individually, you could also keep them in an airtight container. Place a piece of wax paper between layered to keep them from sticking together.
There is no need to refrigerate, but you will want to keep them in a cool, dark place.
Printable “I’m a Sucker for You” Valentine’s Cards
To make these candy suckers even more fun, I created a free Valentine printable set that pairs perfectly with this recipe.
Each Valentine says “I’m a sucker for you” and includes space to write a name, making them super easy for kids, classrooms, or parties. Just print, cut, and attach a homemade sucker for a simple Valentine that feels thoughtful without being expensive.
How to use these Valentines:
- Print on cardstock for best results
- Cut out each Valentine
- Use clear treat bags or plastic wrap to hold the sucker
- Attach the Valentine with tape, glue dots, or a small stapler
These are great for:
- Classroom Valentine exchanges
- School parties
- Church or youth group treats
- Neighbors or friends
- A fun Valentine surprise for kids at home
Pairing homemade candy suckers with a printable Valentine keeps things budget friendly, simple, and adorable, all without running out to buy boxed valentines.
Related Candy Recipes
- Contrary to the name, these little bite-sized sweet Potato Candy treats have no mashed potato in them. That’s right! They get their name because they look like little potatoes.
- This Homemade Snickers Candy Bar recipe is SO GOOD! Make your own chocolate candy bars at home whenever you want!
- Who remembers those candy dots that came stuck to strips of paper? What is it about these sugary dots that you would peel off a strip of paper that kids love? Now you can make them with this easy Candy Dots Recipe.
- This Homemade Pay Day Candy Bar Recipe is dangerously delicious and super easy to make!
Valentine Suckers Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup Sugar
- 1/2 cup Water
- 1/3 cup Corn Syrup
- 1/8 of Unsweetened Kool Aid drink mix cherry, Black Cherry, Pink Lemonade, etc.
- 5 Lollipop Sticks
Instructions
- Spray mold with non stick cooking spray.
- Place sticks in mold and put in freezer until ready to use.
- In a large pan, combine sugar, water and corn syrup.
- Cook on high until you get to 300 (hard crack stage).
- Add 1/8 of the contents of the Kool-Aid packet (amount in paket varies based on flavor).
- Remove from heat and stir for 1-2 minutes.
- Pour into molds and allow to cool for 15 minutes before removing.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is automatically calculated with ingredients and serving size and may not be accurate. Please always double check with your own nutritional apps as well.
It was strong enough for me.