Learning how to make licorice is simple and fun. Here is our basic homemade licorice recipe complete with vegan and gluten-free options.
Combine the dry licorice recipe ingredients in a mixing bowl. Set aside.
In a saucepan, combine the sugar, syrup, milk, and coconut oil (or butter). Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Continue to heat and stir until the temperature reaches 240°F. This is the softball stage. You can check the temperature with a candy thermometer or by dropping a small spoonful into a glass of cold water. Reach into the water and try to form a ball from the syrup with your fingers. It if stays together for a few seconds, it's ready.
Remove from the heat right away and pour over the flour mixture. Mix well.
Add the beetroot juice for color and the licorice extract for flavor. Mix these in well too.
Pour the mixture in a greased pan and set in the refrigerator for about an hour, or until set and well chilled.
When chilled, turn out onto a sheet of parchment paper or wax paper and cut into strips with a pizza cutter, keeping the strips about ⅓ to ½-inch wide. Twist them if you like.
Dust with arrowroot powder to keep from sticking and store in an airtight container.
You don't need to color homemade licorice, but it may end up being a dull grayish color. I use beetroot juice because it makes the licorice a nice rosy color. You can use any juice or concentrate that you like.
As the recipes states, you can use either unsalted butter or coconut oil, whichever you prefer.
Many people use corn syrup in their homemade licorice recipe, but we chose to go the more natural route. Use it if you prefer it.