i have a thing for old fashioned candy.....especially colorful candy like swirly lollipops, gumballs, and these cute candy buttons. and guess what...i didn't buy these.....i made them!
1) Cut non-toxic computer paper into 2 ¾" x 10” strips.
2) Whip together confectioners sugar, meringue powder OR egg whites and lemon juice on low speed using a stand mixer for 1 minute. (you may need to add water) continue to whip for 10 minutes on high speed.
3) Divide “icing” into small bowls. Color each bowl different colors. If desired, add different flavorings to each.
4) If icing is too thick, thin out with drops of water, until it is the consistency of sour cream. A drop should hold its shape and slowly smooth out to create smooth button.
5) Pour each color into a sandwich bag and seal. (Placing the open baggie in a small cup and then pouring the icing in, is a great trick to keep things nice and clean). Then cut a VERY small corner off of each bag.
6) Squeeze a drop of icing at a time onto the paper. You can place the strip of paper on top of the template, you
will then see where to place each drop evenly.
7) Place on baking sheets in a cool dry place uncovered to dry overnight.
8) Candy will harden overnight. Store in a zipper bag or
airtight container.
Megan
how cool! those look better than the real deal! I can't wait to try these out, my kids are going to love them!
modchik
that is pretty darn cool!!
Erika Jean
So cute!!
Sweetie1313
I LOVE this! Thanks so much for sharing. I'll be trying these for sure, they look adorable. Found you through Funky Polkadot Giraffe and am your newest follower also. Feel free to follow back. 🙂
http://helpfuldaddy.blogspot.com
nicole
Oh my gosh! These are adorable!!! Thanks so much for sharing- I'm going to try making them with my daughter 🙂
Hope
Really cute Idea!
Laurel {Make and Takes}
Cool! Who knew?! I'd love for you to submit this to the M&T Spotlight at http://www.makeandtakes.com/spotlight
Megan
very cute. I want to try with hearts.
megan
craftycpa.blogspot.com
sugarswings
awesome!!!
Scrapporreia (Linda)
Those are sooo cute! Love them. thanks for sharing!
Jenn Miyamoto
You've just made my day with this post! These were one of my favorite candies growing up. Thanks SO much for sharing!!
Jenn
sharon
I love this idea! I was in a gift shop this weekend and saw packages of candy buttons, and almost bought them for the kids. Now I am glad that I didn't- I would rather make them myself to put into the kids Easter baskets! Thanks for this great idea, and please let me say that your blog is beautiful, and your photography is gorgeous!
I plan to link to this post in my weekly "Links to Love" post on Sunday 4/10 at http://www.momof6.com!
Warmly,
Sharon
Colleen
My favorite candy growing up in PA!
It's me!....Jill
I am so excited that everyone loves these as much as I do! already made two batches this month!
Vivian
I was wondering how thin/thick the consistency of your icing was and what do you need the almond extract for? I've been meaning to make these for a Valentine's Day gift for a party but I'm worried I'll get the recipe wrong.
Jill
I would start of thicker and try it. if the buttons aren't coming out smooth, then add a drop of water to this a bit. You don't need the almond extract….I just like the flavor.
Kymberly
These were my mom's favorite candy when she was little and we can never find them anymore. I can't wait to make a homemade version for her.
A Fancher
would piping these onto wax paper work?
leslie
That was actually suggested on another site. They said to apply the dots to the "dull" side. They also warned that regular food safe paper should be used instead if you plan to ship them.
leslie
BTW...this was this first place I saw this idea! Super smart and super cute. This recipe is the best I have seen and the color and form of your dots is strictly professional looking. I, of coarse, pinned it on Pinterest right away! I am a children's pastor and mom of 6 and Nana of 7, so this cute idea will sure get a work out from me! Thank you so much for sharing your creativity with the world!! God only blesses through us when we share!
Blissful Babe
This is fabulous! I might try this for Easter!
It's me!....Jill
Yes, you can use wax paper.
A Fancher
Thanks Jill! I will try these later!
AllieMakes!
Aren't these SO fun? My daughter had SO much fun making them to hand out for Halloween this last year. But they are SO much prettier (and more appetizing) in Easter colors than Halloween colors, LOL.
AllieMakes.Blogspot.com
Sarah O
is this just regular computer paper or does it have a waxy side to it so the candy doesn't stick?
It's me!....Jill
I just used regular computer paper.....you just peel the buttons off!
Jill at www.whatwillwedotoday.com
Jill. I just love these!! I used your recipe and made these with my nieces and they were a hit (BTW, don't use parchment paper or wax paper. They slide right off. I think you knew this already, but some of the other commenters might benefit from my mistake).
I would like to feature this recipe in my blog, but want to be sure you are okay with it. I will be sure to credit you (and also intend to put you in my blogroll.) but wanted to run it by you first. I will use my own pictures and have adapted the recipe a bit to reflect my experience, but just want to be sure you are okay with it.
My blog is http://www.whatwillwedotoday.wordpress.com or you can reach me via the gmail acct listed on this comment. Thanks. Jill (my name, too)
Sandy Toes and Popsicles
Dear Jill,
I would have been okay with you featuring this content on your blog, however, you have since taken down my credits and have taken the template idea on as your own. In all fairness, you should have not done that.
Sincerely,
Jill
Jill at www.whatwillwedotoday.com
Dear Jill. Oh my goodness, you are absolutely right to be unhappy with me. I just got spanked (appropriately) from one of your fans about using your recipe and not crediting you!! As I know I had given you credit for this inspiration, I wasn't sure what she was talking about. Then I took a look at my entry. It was gone!! I had been doing a lot of cleanup when I got a new recipe widget. I am guessing I replaced that very important paragraph with the widget. I can't tell you how sorry I am. I have since re-inserted a credit that links to your site (I know a lot of people did jump over to see you at one time).
Again, my sincere apologies.
Leiza
How do you get the dots so round? I think my icing is too thick I get peaks on my dots...please help
It's me!....Jill
Leiza, just add a few more drops of water to your icing. It is the right consistency when the icing smooths out to form a round dot.
Lucy
Too darn cute and great for a vintage shower I'm planning. Thanks!
Do you think the recipe can be used in candy molds?
Kristi
VERY cool. Thanks for the tutorial. I pinned it on Pinterest, but wanted to leave a comment <3 THANK YOU! : )
Sally @ Polka Dot Market
This is so neat! What a great idea, recipe and tutorial. Thank you so much! Shared on our Facebook wall today. 🙂
lafondsi
Thanks so much for this recipe. I just made them with my nieces and they think I'm the coolest aunt ever! I should have had a little more patience and added some more water to get perfect round dots, but I don't think my audience will mind. We will definitely be trying this again.
My 4 yr old loved playing with the leftovers and making designs on paper!
Thanks again. I pinned this too.
Anonymous
I used to love candy buttons growing up. I think I may make these and use them to decorate some cake pops for my daughter's birthday party. Thanks for the recipe!
steph
I love this! As a child I used to love candy buttons, but I don't think my kids have ever had them. Ill have to give this a try.
Heidi
I just found this via Pinterest! I had seen another Valentine idea of CUTTING these candies (store bought) into the shape of hearts....NOW I'll just drop them myself into heart shaped pieces of paper.
My question is this: Will they stick to regular printing/typing paper? Or should I have some sort of coated slick paper? I don't read where you've mentioned that.
Thanks!
Abby
I just wanted to share that I used your print out and idea with my girl scout troops and they loved it! Thank you for sharing! I also talked about it on my blog and linked back this page.
http://catchinglightningbugsinajar.blogspot.com/2012/03/pinteresting-projects.html
Donelle Anderson
We made these on Easter for the kiddos. They loved them!!
Tracy Suzanne
I LOVED these growing up! Absolutely one of my very favorites candies. Thanks so much posting this now I have to make some and enjoy the memories they bring back.
Hugs…Tracy @ Cotton Pickin Cute
Taylor S
Fun! I'll make these and use them to decorate a cake or cupcakes!
Lorie Shuck
Would cash register tape work? You can buy it at an office supply store. Perfect width.
Pop
You said you can use eggs or meringue powder, but is there a preference? Because I know egg whites can be tricky to work with. Also, does the almond extract/lemon juice contribute to the texture or flavoring?
Thanks! I will definitely try it regardless.
Anonymous
So what can you add if you want to add a flavor to it?
Sandy Toes and Popsicles
I like to use meringue powder. I also like to use almond extract. It doesn't change the texture, just add it before the water to make sure it doesn't get to runny. You can add any type of extract that you think would taste good.
Anonymous
You Can Also Use Colored Icing, Then Put in The Fridge over Night
Andrea
How long should these keep in an airtight container? I am hoping to make these for my daughters' birthday party but with 4 kids, some things have to be done in advance. Can this be one of the things made early and if so, how early? Their party is Sept 15 and today is July 31. Thanks!
Almond Blossom
I made these for my daughter's birthday, except I did them on Wax paper about 8 feet long. I did 2 strips and made 4" circles, her party was Hello Kitty, so one of the circles I made look like Hello Kitty. I hung them up in her cake table corner and decorated the tops and bottoms with crepe paper bows and other decals around the wall. They were super easy to make and the kids all loved when it was time to "eat the wall."
Almond Blossom
I made these for my daughter's birthday, except I did them on Wax paper about 8 feet long. I did 2 strips and made 4" circles, her party was Hello Kitty, so one of the circles I made look like Hello Kitty. I hung them up in her cake table corner and decorated the tops and bottoms with crepe paper bows and other decals around the wall. They were super easy to make and the kids all loved when it was time to "eat the wall."
Anonymous
how advance can you make these? I want to make them for my daughters party and it is a month away. please advise
Sandy Toes and Popsicles
I am not sure, But I think they will be fine to make now if you put them in an airtight container or ziplock baggy.
truthspew
I wonder, would parchment paper work? It's food safe.
Electric Lizard
Hey, Question, If i were to write letters with this... would they harden up enough to handle and put on a cake?
Sandy Toes and Popsicles
I think so....as long as they are thick enough.
Emily Nordstrom
What kind of paper do you use? Like just normal printer paper?
Sandy Toes and Popsicles
Yes, printer paper is good.
Curious
Are these sweets chewy once ready or hard?
Anonymous
Look yummy, might try to use as the icing on gingerbread men for Xmas
Lynsey Gray
I made these with ener g egg replacer and it has been over two days and they are still not completely hard... they are more firm than icing but still won't peal up without falling apart... did I maybe put too much water? are you supposed to put them in fridge? I will admit I used twice as much as the recipe called for on the egg replacer bc I didn't realize I didn't have enough of the sugar... could that be it or just possibly the egg replacer all together? someone HELP!!! I need these for a birthday party next week for a child who is allergic to egg
LisaRBellski
I'm so glad to know that I'm not the only one with an obsession for old fashioned candy. Even the items you named are my favs too. Thanks for posting this! I can't wait to try this out!
Anonymous
The recipe says you can use 2 egg whites.. I hope this is safe as you are not cooking them...
Georgina Giles
Brilliant recipe, thank you for sharing! I tried this out yesterday and the dots I piped onto paper have set perfectly. I also piped some into a silicone mold but these haven't set yet. Is there anything I can do to speed up the drying process? Has anyone else tried to pipe them into molds? Thanks in advance!
Jennifer
This spring will be the 4th school year and tradition that I make them for my kids class. I make them on the 100th day of school and each student in my kids classes get a sheet with 100 buttons. The kids love it and the teachers use it as a math game. Super fun! Thanks for posting.
Julie
We had a bakery in our neighborhood that had the best thumbprint cookies with candy filling. I have tried to make them for years! I got the cookie down but could never get te candy right, I used an iceing base and it never hardened enough. I just made a batch using the dots recipee so I hope I have finally solved that mystery!
Irene
The recipe using egg whites, are these candies safe to eat if not cooked ?
jessica conley
Very cool!
Cindi Thornton
I have tried several times to download the template with the recipe and instructions and it keeps coming up 404 not found. Going to pin, and copy the recipe with instructions, but would love the actual template too.