Christmas Coal Candy (Carbon Dulce)
Christmas Coal Candy is a fun and festive holiday treat that looks like lumps of coal but is sweet, crumbly, and totally edible. Perfect for stockings, holiday parties, or as a playful gift, this candy combines simple ingredients like sugar, egg whites, and black gel food coloring to create a striking, black candy that’s whimsical and sweet.
Ingredients
- 1 egg white
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar divided (plus extra if needed)
- 2 teaspoons black gel food coloring Wilton brand recommended
- 1/2 tsp lemon juice
- 3 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar, egg white, black gel food coloring, and lemon juice.
- Gradually whisk in remaining 1/2 cup powdered sugar until mixture is very stiff. It should cling to the whisk and fall in thick pieces. Add extra powdered sugar if needed. Set aside.
- Line an 8×8-inch heatproof pan with parchment paper.
- In a large non-stick saucepan, combine granulated sugar and water. Stir and mash until the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Insert a candy thermometer and cook until 258–260°F. The mixture will look grainy and may lightly brown — this is normal.
- Carefully stir in the egg white/powdered sugar mixture with a heat-proof spoon (do not whisk). Mixture may foam.
- Pour into the prepared pan and let harden completely.
- Break into chunks using a chisel and hammer for best results.
Notes
Ensure a deep black color with gel food coloring; otherwise, candy may appear purplish. You can also replace 1/2 cup of the powdered sugar for black cocoa powder (available for purchase online).
Use parchment paper for easy removal. Small burlap pouches and red ribbons make festive presentation simple.
Pair a chunk with a tiny hammer for a playful holiday gift.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature to preserve crumbly texture; avoid humidity.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!