Pastel Easter Candies

1/4 cup granulated sugar
Food coloring of choice
1/4 cup butter, softened
4 ounces regular cream cheese, softened
1 teaspoon flavor extract of choice*
4 cups powdered sugar (1 pound)
2 1/2 cups shredded sweetened coconut (7 ounces)

Place 1-2 Tbsp granulated sugar in a small bowl, add a small drop of food color and stir to thoroughly mix and color the sugar. If color is too dark, add additional sugar. If color is too light, add more food coloring. *For fun, create a variety of colored sugars to match the extract flavoring used (yellow for lemon, orange for orange flavor, etc) Can also use Almond extract.

Soften butter and cream cheese, add flavor extract of choice* and powdered sugar; stir to blend. Add coconut and mix well (using clean hands or cookie dough attachment on a stand mixer).

Roll candy into small egg shapes then roll in colored sugar; place candy on a cookie sheet to set up. This is fun for the kids to help make! I will add a picture very soon!

Lifesaver Candy Canes

 A great project for kids

 

How to Make

1. Preheat oven to 325°F.

2. Arrange the eight lifesavers into the shape of a candy cane, alternating between the two colors.

3. Bake for 3 to 6 minutes, until candies are melted.

4. Remove from oven.

5. (if desired) Make a hole in the "top most" candy by pressing the drinking straw piece into the ornament, leaving it there until the candy has cooled.

6. After the candy is completely cool, gently remove the straw and thread the ribbon or yarn through the hole to hang the ornament.