Master the art of making Dragon's Beard Candy right in your kitchen! This guide has all the necessary tips and tricks, so you can create perfect treats every time! (gluten free, dairy free, nut free, soy free, vegetarian, egg free, coconut free option)
What is Dragon's Beard Candy?
Old legend says that Dragons beard candy was served to the Emperor's of China. It was said that the Hans dynasty Emperor would eat the candy and the white wisps of candy would get stuck in his beard and resemble the whisks of the dragon. It's also thought that the candy was simply named after the mythical dragon creature.
Whether you’re a confectionery connoisseur or just looking to impress, Dragon's Beard candy could be the perfect solution. Learn how to master this traditional Chinese treat with our step-by-step guide on making easy Dragon's Beard candy at home!
What is It Made of?
The candy has a very simple ingredient list:
- Sugar
- Cornstarch
- Water
- Corn Syrup
- Vinegar
Gather All the Necessary Ingredients
The main ingredients for Dragon’s Beard candy are sugar, corn syrup, water, corn syrup and vinegar. Before diving into the candy-making process, make sure to have all the ingredients on hand. Measure out ½ cup each of sugar and corn syrup, ¼ cup of honey, ½ cup of water, and 2 tablespoons of sesame seeds. Ensuring that you have the perfect quantity of each ingredient will ensure a successful attempt at making Dragon’s Beard candy.
Begin Preparing the Sugar Syrup
Bring the mixture to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer gently for 10 minutes. As it simmers, add in your honey and sesame seeds and continue stirring until the mixture is combined evenly. Then remove from the heat and let cool for 10 minutes before using. After you will pour the mixture into a silicone mold to finish cooling completely.
Once it's cooled you will drop the candy in cornstarch, then stretch it out to make long strands of beard.
Start Pulling the Threads of Dough Apart
Once the mixture has cooled for 10 minutes, begin pulling the threads of dough apart. Use your hands to pull the Dragon’s Beard Candy dough into long, fine strands. Pull until they reach a desired length and thickness. Keep in mind that depending on how thick or thin you make the strands, you’ll have different sizes of candy afterwards. For example, if you have thinner strands, then each candy will end up smaller!
Generously Brush With Toasted Sesame Seeds or Nuts if Desired
This is totally optional but there are some additions you can add to the candy including:
- Peanuts
- Coconuts
- Chocolate
For an added flavor and crunch, brush your candy threads generously with toasted sesame seeds or nuts. Give them a gentle shake to help set the seeds and prevent them from falling all over the place. Finally, twist together two or three strands into a single strand of Dragon’s Beard Candy. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and let cool until hardened (about 10 minutes). Enjoy!
Roll Up the Dragon’s Beard Candy and Enjoy!
Once everything has been kneaded and cut, it’s time to start rolling the Dragon’s Beard Candy. Take a single thread of the taffy-like sugar paste in between your palms and roll it evenly and slowly. Gently separate each thread from the bundle, creating an ever longer candy strand in the process. When done correctly, you should be able to form 20-30 fine strings from each ball of sugar mixture!
Storing
Your Dragon's beard candy can be stored in an airtight container for a week or two.
Tips, Recipe and More!
Recipe
First, candy is my nemesis. Next to steak. So I'm going to give you the recipe site we went to make it. Tastemade had the simpliest instructions and prettiest pictures making it simple and easy to make with the kids. Who first found it on TikTok and then HAD to make it!
Mold
The mold is also important. We used this silicone round donut pan mold to place our dragons beard syrup into.
Silicone Round Donut Candy MoldsTips
- We thought the candy was a little bland. So we added ½-1 teaspoon of flavoring and it made it much better to eat the candy.
- You also do not need to add the the dye. Traditionally it was not made with any dye.
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