Diy Jumbo Candy Ornaments

Add a touch of whimsy to your home decor this holiday season by creating your own large candy ornaments. Not only are they fun to make, but they also double as fabulous decorations and edible treasures. Let's dive into this sweet DIY project that's perfect for both kids and adults alike.

Before we jump into the recipe, gather your ingredients and tools. You'll need marshmallows, corn syrup, powdered sugar, water, icing glucose, edible glitter and candy melts, along with funspoken lollipop sticks or ribbons for hanging. As for tools, you'll need a large pot, a candy thermometer, a mixing bowl, a whisk, a silicone spatula, a baking sheet, parchment paper, and an offset spatula.

Creating the Candy Dough

The first step in making these enormous candy ornaments is creating the candy dough. It's similar to making fondant, but with a marshmallow twist.

In a large pot over medium heat, combine 16 oz of marshmallows, 1/4 cup of corn syrup, 1/4 cup of water, and 1 tbsp of icing glucose. Stir occasionally until the marshmallows are completely melted and the mixture comes together. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

Adding Powdered Sugar

Now it's time to add the powdered sugar. Start with 4 cups and slowly mix it in using your whisk or a stand mixer with the paddle attachment. You may need to add more powdered sugar to reach the right consistency, which should be similar to Play-Doh. Be careful not to add too much, as this can make the candy brittle.

To check if you've added enough powdered sugar, lightly press the dough with your fingers. If it's still sticky, add more powdered sugar until it's no longer tacky. Once it's the right consistency, wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest for about 30 minutes.

Decorating the Dough

While the dough is resting, it's time to prepare your decorations. You can use edible glitter, candy melts, or even small sprinkles to add extra sparkle to your ornaments. If you're using candy melts, melt them according to the package instructions and transfer them to a piping bag or a zip-top bag with a small corner cut off.

Once the dough has rested, knead it lightly to soften it. Now it's time to have fun! Divide the dough into smaller portions and use your hands to shape them into ornaments. You can make traditional shapes like spheres and bells, or get creative and make your own unique designs.

Shaping and Hardening the Ornaments

Now that your ornaments are shaped, it's time to decorate them and let them harden.

To add edible glitter or sprinkles, simply press them onto the surface of the ornaments while they're still soft. For candy melts, pipe them onto the ornaments in whatever design you desire. Use a silicone spatula to spread the candy melts if needed. If you want to hang your ornaments, insert the lollipop sticks or tie on ribbons at this stage.

Cooling and Hardening

Once you've decorated your ornaments, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Let them sit at room temperature for at least 24 hours to allow them to harden completely.

After they've hardened, you can gently rub any excess powdered sugar off the surface with a soft brush. If there are any imperfections, you can use a little bit of melted candy melts to fill them in. Let the candy melts cool and harden before handling your finished ornaments.

Displaying Your Creations

Finally, it's time to display your beautifully handcrafted large candy ornaments. They'll make a stunning addition to your Christmas tree or can even be used as table decorations. Just remember to keep them away from direct sunlight and moisture to prevent melting.

So go ahead, let your creativity flow, and create some unforgettable, delicious memories this holiday season. Happy crafting, and happy holidays!