Bring a bit of sunshine to your kitchen with these Golden Dandelion Lollies—a delicate, herbal candy infused with the natural essence of spring. Crafted from wild dandelion tea, honey, and warming spices like ginger and turmeric, these lollipops are more than just a sweet treat. They’re soothing, aromatic, and perfect for gifting, enjoying with tea, or easing a sore throat the natural way.
With their golden hue and optional floral accents, these handmade candies capture the beauty of wild foraging and old-fashioned herbal remedies in one enchanting bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unique and naturally inspired– Made with real dandelions and honey, these lollies are unlike anything you’ll find at the store.
- Soothing and functional– Ginger, turmeric, and lemon make them a natural choice for calming coughs or sore throats.
- Perfect for gifts or spring celebrations– Wrap them up with ribbon and give them as thoughtful handmade gifts.
- No artificial dyes or flavors– Just simple, wholesome ingredients with a beautiful golden color.
Essential Equipment
Before you begin, gather the following tools to ensure candy-making success:
- Heavy-bottomed saucepan
- Candy thermometer (crucial for accuracy)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Silicone lollipop molds or parchment-lined baking tray
- Lollipop sticks
- Fine mesh strainer
- Spoon or spatula
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 cups strong dandelion tea– Steeped from fresh or dried petals
- 2 cups raw cane sugar– Provides structure and caramelization
- 1 cup honey– Adds sweetness and a soft floral note
- ½ teaspoon powdered ginger– For warmth and subtle spice
- ½ teaspoon ground turmeric– Adds color and gentle earthiness
- Juice of 1 lemon, strained– Brightens the flavor and balances sweetness
- Optional– Edible flower petals or gold leaf flakes for decoration
- Lollipop sticks– Wooden or paper
- Molds or parchment tray– To shape the lollies
How to Make Golden Dandelion Lollies
Step 1: Brew the Tea
Steep about 1 packed cup of dandelion petals in 2½ cups of boiling water. Let sit for 30 to 60 minutes, then strain through a fine mesh sieve. Measure out exactly 2 cups of the steeped tea.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the tea with raw cane sugar, honey, ginger, turmeric, and lemon juice. Stir gently until everything is fully blended.
Step 3: Begin Cooking
Set the pan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the sugar dissolves completely. Clip your candy thermometer to the side of the pan.
Step 4: Heat to Hard Crack Stage
Continue heating without stirring. As the mixture begins to boil, gently swirl the pot to ensure even cooking. Watch closely as the temperature rises to 300°F (149°C)—the hard crack stage. This is essential for proper lollipop texture.
Step 5: Pour and Decorate
Immediately remove from heat and pour into your prepared silicone lollipop molds or small circles on parchment paper. Insert lollipop sticks. If using, quickly press edible petals or gold flakes onto the surface before the candy sets.
Step 6: Let Cool and Set
Allow the lollipops to cool at room temperature for 30 to 60 minutes until fully hardened.
Step 7: Unmold and Finish
Gently pop the lollies out of the molds. Dust lightly with powdered sugar or arrowroot powder to prevent sticking.
Step 8: Store Properly
Transfer the finished lollipops to an airtight container. Store in a cool, dry place away from moisture and direct heat.
Helpful Notes and Tips
- Use a reliable candy thermometer– Precision is critical. If the temperature is too low, the lollipops won’t harden; too high, and they may burn.
- Avoid humidity– Candy is best made on dry days. Moisture in the air can cause stickiness or improper setting.
- Infuse longer for bolder flavor– For a more intense herbal taste, steep your dandelion petals overnight in cold water before boiling.
- Make lozenges instead– Skip the sticks and pour small rounds to create homemade cough drops.
Creative Ways to Use Golden Dandelion Lollies
While these lollipops are delightful on their own, they can also be used in a variety of creative ways beyond just enjoying them as candy. Their herbal, citrusy, and subtly spiced flavor profile makes them a versatile addition to both edible and decorative projects. Here are a few inspired ideas to get the most out of your homemade golden lollies:
1. Stir Into Warm Drinks
Drop a lollipop into a hot cup of herbal tea or warm lemon water and stir as it melts. The honey, ginger, and lemon infusion will enhance the flavor of the drink while soothing your throat and adding a gentle sweetness.
2. Gift as Natural Wellness Treats
Wrap individual lollies in parchment or wax paper and tie with twine or ribbon. Pair with a jar of homemade tea blend or dried dandelion petals for a thoughtful springtime gift, especially for herbalists or nature lovers.
3. Use as Edible Decorations
Place them on cakes, cupcakes, or dessert platters for an eye-catching garnish. Their golden hue and potential floral accents (like edible petals or gold flakes) make them beautiful conversation pieces.
4. Soothing Sore Throats
Because these lollipops contain honey, lemon, and ginger, they double as herbal lozenges. Keep a few on hand during cold season as a natural remedy for scratchy throats.
5. Incorporate into Charcuterie or Dessert Boards
Add lollipops to a spring-themed grazing board. Their unique shape and handmade appeal add visual interest and a whimsical touch, especially for outdoor gatherings or floral-inspired spreads.
6. Create a DIY Lollipop Bar
For parties or events, set up a small display where guests can choose from a variety of homemade lollies—like dandelion, lavender, or rose. Provide gift bags or boxes so they can take a few home.
7. Sweeten Oatmeal or Porridge
Use one to slowly melt into a bowl of hot oatmeal in place of honey or sugar. It adds a floral note and a gentle spiced finish that pairs well with other toppings like nuts, seeds, or fresh fruit.
8. Package for Seasonal Markets
If you sell at farmers markets or local events, these lollies are a beautiful product to feature in spring. Emphasize their handmade, botanical appeal and natural ingredients for customers seeking unique, artisan goods.
A Seasonal Treat with Herbal Charm
These Golden Dandelion Lollipops are a sweet way to preserve the taste of spring. Whether you’re using them to ease a sore throat, add beauty to a dessert table, or simply enjoy the process of creating something from foraged flowers, these lollies offer more than just flavor—they offer connection to nature and tradition.
Perfectly golden, lightly spiced, and sweetened with honey, they’re a reminder that sometimes, the best treats are the ones we make ourselves.
Golden Dandelion Lollies
Equipment
- – Saucepan (heavy-bottomed)
- – Candy thermometer
- – Measuring cups and spoons
- – Silicone lollipop molds or parchment-lined tray
- – Lollipop sticks
- – Fine mesh strainer
- – Spoon or spatula
Ingredients
- – 2 cups strong dandelion tea made from fresh or dried petals
- – 2 cups raw cane sugar
- – 1 cup honey
- – ½ teaspoon powdered ginger
- – ½ teaspoon ground turmeric
- – Juice of 1 lemon strained
- – Optional: edible flower petals or gold leaf flakes for decoration
- – Lollipop sticks
- – Silicone lollipop molds or parchment-lined tray
Instructions
- Make the tea by steeping about 1 packed cup of dandelion petals in 2½ cups of boiling water for 30–60 minutes. Strain and measure out exactly 2 cups of strong tea.
- In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the dandelion tea, raw sugar, honey, ginger, turmeric, and lemon juice. Stir to blend.
- Set the pot over medium heat and stir occasionally until the sugar fully dissolves. Attach a candy thermometer and heat until the mixture reaches 300°F (hard crack stage).
- Do not stir once the mixture begins to boil. Instead, gently swirl the pot to ensure even heating.
- Once it reaches the correct temperature, remove from heat and immediately pour into prepared silicone molds. Insert lollipop sticks. Optionally, press in edible petals or gold flakes for decoration.
- Allow the lollipops to cool and harden for 30–60 minutes at room temperature.
- Once fully set, remove the lollipops from the molds. Dust lightly with powdered sugar or arrowroot to prevent sticking.
- Store in an airtight container, away from heat and moisture.
Notes
– Avoid making candy on humid days to prevent stickiness.
– For a more intense flavor, steep the dandelion petals overnight in cold water, then bring to a boil and strain.
– These also work well as soothing lozenges for sore throats.