Good and Plenty

Get ready to wow your taste buds with this delightful homemade take on the classic "Good and Plenty" candy! Bursting with the nostalgic charm of chewy licorice centers and a satisfying candy-coated shell, this recipe combines rich blackstrap molasses, buttery sweetness, and aromatic anise for a bold and authentic flavor. The preparation is fun and hands-on, making it the perfect kitchen project for candy lovers. With a simple powdered sugar and cornstarch coating that can be tinted pink and white for the classic look, these treats are sure to impress at any occasion. Whether you're a licorice enthusiast or looking for a unique DIY gift idea, this recipe delivers a sweet and flavorful experience in every bite.

Nutriscore Rating: 50/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 0.5 cup blackstrap molasses
• 0.25 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 teaspoon anise extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 0.5 cup powdered sugar
• 0.25 cup cornstarch
• 0 food coloring (pink and white, optional)
• 2 tablespoons water (for candy coating)

Directions

Step 1

In a medium saucepan, combine blackstrap molasses, granulated sugar, butter, and 2 tablespoons of water over medium heat. Stir continuously until the butter has melted and the mixture begins to bubble.

Step 2

Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in anise extract.

Step 3

Gradually add flour to the mixture, stirring until a soft, sticky dough forms.

Step 4

Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and allow it to cool for 5 minutes, until it is cool enough to handle.

Step 5

Dust your hands with flour and divide the dough into small, even portions. Roll each portion into thin, pencil-like strands, then cut them into 1-inch pieces to form the licorice centers.

Step 6

Preheat the oven to 200°F (93°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the licorice centers on the baking sheet and bake for 10–15 minutes to firm them up. Remove and let cool completely.

Step 7

In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and cornstarch. Add 2 tablespoons of water and food coloring, if desired, and stir until a smooth, slightly fluid paste forms.

Step 8

Drop the cooled licorice pieces into the candy coating mixture, one at a time, and toss until they're fully coated.

Step 9

Remove the coated licorice with a fork, letting any excess coating drip off, and place them on a wire rack or parchment paper to dry.

Step 10

Repeat the coating process 1–2 more times for a thicker shell, allowing each layer to dry before adding the next.

Step 11

Once fully dry, store your homemade Good and Plenty candies in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	459.3 grams (459.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1501

Total Fat 24.20g	31%
Saturated Fat 13.00g	65%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.70g
Cholesterol 66mg	22%
Sodium 212mg	9%
Total Carbohydrate 302.90g	110%
Dietary Fiber 3.40g	12%
Total Sugars 171.90g
Protein 12.70g	25%

Vitamin D 5IU	23%
Calcium 1230mg	95%
Iron 20mg	112%
Potassium 3149mg	67%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 14.7%

Protein: 3.4%

Carbs: 81.9%