How We Make the Perfect Lollipop (And Why the Details Matter)

At Lily’s Magical Treats, we believe a great lollipop should be more than just sweet — it should be clear, smooth, flavorful, and beautiful. Achieving that consistently takes the right recipe, careful timing, and professional techniques most people never see.

Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at how we make our lollipops and why each step matters.  

Scroll to the end for a list of supplies to make your own!

Please note, candy making involves extremely high temperatures and should only be attempted with proper equipment and experience.

The Foundation: A Balanced Sugar Recipe

For many of our classic lollipops, we start with a traditional sugar base:

• • 2 cups sugar

  • ¾ cup water

  • ⅔ cup tapioca syrup

This mixture is slowly heated to 300°F (hard crack stage), creating a stable, glass-like candy that sets cleanly and holds its shape.

Choosing the Right Sweetener (Especially for Edible Images)

Different sweeteners behave very differently — and clarity matters.

For standard lollipops, we often prefer organic cane sugar for flavor and ingredient quality.

For edible image lollipops, we switch to white granulated sugar, which produces a clearer base.

For ultra-clear designs, isomalt is our go-to choice.

 

Because isomalt is less sweet than sugar, we add monk fruit to balance the flavor without sacrificing clarity.

Working with Isomalt: A Different Process

Isomalt behaves very differently from traditional sugar, and it requires a slightly different approach.

Unlike sugar candy:

No syrup is needed when working with isomalt

Only a small amount of water is used — just enough to prevent scorching

Isomalt is heated to a slightly higher temperature, around 311°F

Many people melt isomalt in the microwave, but we prefer using an induction burner for all of our candy making. This gives us greater control over temperature and consistency, especially for larger or custom batches.

One of the biggest advantages of isomalt is its stability: 

It can be reheated multiple times

It does not recrystallize like sugar

It is far less prone to burning

This makes it ideal for intricate designs, edible images, and detailed finishing work.

Cooling Before Flavoring (A Crucial Step)

Once the candy reaches temperature, it’s removed from heat and allowed to cool slightly before adding:

~4 teaspoons natural flavoring

Optional: ¼ teaspoon citric acid 

Optional: plant-based color 

Optional: sprinkles for some extra fun

This preserves flavor quality and prevents bitterness.

How We Make Edible Image Lollipops

Our edible images are printed using food-safe inks on wafer paper with an edible printer, then cut on a food-only Cricut.

We use a two-pour method: 

Pour a thin base layer into the mold

Place the edible image once the base begins to set

Seal with a top pour

This protects the image while keeping it centered and clear.

Customization Through Sticks, Ties & Finishing Details

Customization goes beyond the candy itself.

We offer:

Different stick lengths

Clear or bedazzled sticks for themed or upscale events

Decorative twist ties, often finished with a bow for a playful touch

When using plastic lollipop sticks,  always wait until the candy has cooled enough before inserting them to prevent melting.

Why We Prefer Silicone Molds

Silicone molds:

• Release cleanly

• Support layered designs

• Create smooth edges

• Maintain clarity and consistency

They’re especially important for edible image lollipops.

The Finishing Touch Most People Don’t Know About

After the lollipops have fully hardened, each one is finished with a light pass of a kitchen torch to:

• Smooth sharp edges

• Remove bubbles

• Restore a glossy finish

Why This Process Matters

This method allows us to create lollipops that are:

• Crystal clear

• Smooth and polished

• Flavor-forward

• Highly customizable

• Durable enough for events and favors.

Every detail matters when lollipops are part of a celebration.

Crafted with Care, Every Time

From weddings to corporate events, every lollipop we make is crafted with intention, precision, and care.

If you’re interested in custom lollipops — including edible images, specialty sticks, or ultra-clear designs — we’re always happy to help bring your vision to life.

Tools We Use to Make Our Lollipops

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• 2" round silicone lollipop molds

• Induction burner

• Thermometer 

• Torch

• Pots with pour spout 

• Heat proof silicone spatulas 

• Wrap and twist ties

• Twist tie bows

• Clear sticks

• Bedazzled sticks 

• Natural flavors 

• Red natural food coloring This is a great bulk option! Just mix the beet powder with a little bit of water to create a paste that you mix in to the sugar mixture before pouring.  If you are doing natural colors, reds and pinks work best.  Greens and blues are extremely temperamental and don't work nearly as well with the high heats.

• Citric acid 

• Tapioca syrup Corn syrup works the same way

• Isomalt 

• Edible printer 

• Icing sheets  These produce better colored images than wafer paper but are more expensive

• Wafer paper 

• Food safe Cricut mat for use with wafer paper.  Icing sheets you need a regular Cricut mat as the back is lined with a plastic sheet

• Cricut