To make a Tootsie Roll, you will need a few key ingredients and a little bit of time. Here is a step-by-step guide to making your own delicious Tootsie Rolls at home:
1. Gather your ingredients: You will need 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, 1/2 cup of light corn syrup, 1/4 cup of unsalted butter, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, cocoa powder, corn syrup, butter, and salt. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir the mixture constantly until the butter has melted and the ingredients are well combined.
3. Continue to cook the mixture, stirring occasionally, until it reaches a temperature of 235 degrees Fahrenheit (soft-ball stage) on a candy thermometer. This will take approximately 15-20 minutes.
4. Once the mixture has reached the desired temperature, remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Be careful, as the mixture will be very hot.
5. Allow the mixture to cool slightly, just until it is cool enough to handle. Then, using clean hands or buttered gloves, knead the mixture until it becomes smooth and pliable. This will take a few minutes of kneading.
6. Once the mixture is smooth, shape it into small, bite-sized logs or roll it out and cut it into smaller pieces. You can also roll the mixture into small balls if you prefer.
7. Place the shaped Tootsie Rolls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and allow them to cool completely. This will take about an hour or so.
8. Once the Tootsie Rolls are completely cooled, they are ready to be enjoyed! Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.
Making Tootsie Rolls at home can be a fun and rewarding process. You can experiment with different flavors by adding extracts or flavorings, such as mint or orange, to the mixture. You can also dip the Tootsie Rolls in melted chocolate to add an extra layer of decadence.
I hope this guide helps you create delicious homemade Tootsie Rolls that will satisfy your sweet tooth. Enjoy!