Prepare the Candy Sticks
Lightly wet the wooden skewers or strings and roll them in granulated sugar. Let them dry completely for about 15 minutes. This sugar coating helps crystals begin forming more easily. Heat the Water
Pour 2 cups of water into a medium saucepan and bring it to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.Dissolve the Sugar
Slowly add the sugar one cup at a time while stirring continuously. Make sure each cup dissolves fully before adding the next. The syrup should become thick and clear.2 cups water/4 cups sugar=2:1Add Color and Flavor
Remove the syrup from the heat. Add food coloring and flavor extract if desired. Stir gently to combine.Popular flavor ideas include:CherryLemonPeppermintBlue raspberryCotton candyFill the Jars
Carefully pour the hot sugar solution into clean glass jars. Leave some space at the top to avoid overflow.Insert the Sticks
Place the prepared skewers into the jars without touching the sides or bottom. Use clothespins to keep them centered.Let Crystals Grow
Place the jars in a cool, undisturbed location. Tiny crystals will begin forming within 24 hours, while larger crystals usually take 5–7 days.Supersaturated Sugar Solution→Crystal Formationtext{Supersaturated Sugar Solution} rightarrow text{Crystal Formation}Supersaturated Sugar Solution→Crystal FormationRemove and Dry
Once the crystals reach your desired size, remove the sticks and place them on parchment paper to dry for 1–2 hours before serving.