Kentucky Cream Pull Candy is a rich, buttery treat that melts in your mouth with every bite. Soft, creamy, and lightly sweetened, this candy has a smooth texture and indulgent flavor that makes it perfect for holiday gift-giving, special occasions, or just a nostalgic treat to enjoy at home. Pulling the candy gives it a glossy finish and airy texture that is as fun to make as it is to eat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Rich & Creamy: Buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Classic Nostalgia: Reminiscent of homemade candies from candy shops.
Perfect for Gifting: Wrap in wax paper or cellophane for a festive treat.
Fun Process: Pulling the candy gives it a glossy, soft, and chewy texture.
Ingredients
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup light corn syrup
- ½ cup sweetened condensed milk
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Optional: food coloring for a festive look
Instructions
1. Prepare Your Work Surface
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease. Have a spatula or buttered hands ready for handling the hot candy.
2. Cook the Candy Base
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar, corn syrup, sweetened condensed milk, and butter. Stir constantly until the mixture reaches a boil and melts into a smooth syrup. Continue cooking until it reaches the soft-ball stage (234–240°F / 112–115°C) on a candy thermometer.
3. Add Flavor
Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. If desired, add a few drops of food coloring for visual appeal.
4. Cool Slightly
Pour the candy onto the prepared baking sheet. Let it cool for 5–10 minutes until it is safe to handle but still pliable.
5. Pull the Candy
Using lightly buttered hands or a spatula, stretch and fold the candy repeatedly. Continue pulling until the candy becomes glossy, light, and slightly airy in texture.
6. Shape and Cut
Roll the candy into ropes or flatten it and cut into bite-sized pieces. Wrap individually in wax paper if desired.
7. Store
Store in an airtight container at room temperature. Candy stays soft and chewy for several days.

Nutritional Information
Calories: 90
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fat: 3g
Protein: 0g
Fiber: 0g
Tips for Success
- Soft-Ball Stage is Key: Use a candy thermometer to ensure perfect texture.
- Butter Hands or Tools: Prevents sticking while pulling the candy.
- Pulling Makes It Glossy: Don’t skip this step for the ideal texture.
- Add Flavor Variations: Try almond or peppermint extract for a festive twist.
Why This Recipe Works
By combining sugar, cream, butter, and corn syrup, this candy achieves the perfect balance of richness, softness, and chewiness. Pulling the candy introduces air, giving it a glossy sheen and melt-in-your-mouth texture that is both fun to make and delicious to eat.
Kentucky Cream Pull Candy is a timeless treat that delights with every bite. Buttery, creamy, and irresistibly soft, it’s a perfect homemade candy for holidays, gifts, or cozy afternoons at home. With simple ingredients and a little hands-on fun, you can enjoy this classic confection anytime.
Kentucky Cream Pull Candy – Buttery, Creamy, and Delightfully Soft
2
servings15
minutes10
minutes90
kcal1
hourKentucky Cream Pull Candy is a rich, buttery treat that melts in your mouth with every bite. Soft, creamy, and lightly sweetened, this candy has a smooth texture and indulgent flavor that makes it perfect for holiday gift-giving, special occasions, or just a nostalgic treat to enjoy at home. Pulling the candy gives it a glossy finish and airy texture that is as fun to make as it is to eat.
Ingredients
2 cups granulated sugar
½ cup light corn syrup
½ cup sweetened condensed milk
¼ cup unsalted butter
1 tsp vanilla extract
Optional: food coloring for a festive look
Instructions
- Prepare Your Work Surface
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease. Have a spatula or buttered hands ready for handling the hot candy. - Cook the Candy Base
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar, corn syrup, sweetened condensed milk, and butter. Stir constantly until the mixture reaches a boil and melts into a smooth syrup. Continue cooking until it reaches the soft-ball stage (234–240°F / 112–115°C) on a candy thermometer. - Add Flavor
Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. If desired, add a few drops of food coloring for visual appeal. - Cool Slightly
Pour the candy onto the prepared baking sheet. Let it cool for 5–10 minutes until it is safe to handle but still pliable. - Pull the Candy
Using lightly buttered hands or a spatula, stretch and fold the candy repeatedly. Continue pulling until the candy becomes glossy, light, and slightly airy in texture. - Shape and Cut
Roll the candy into ropes or flatten it and cut into bite-sized pieces. Wrap individually in wax paper if desired. - Store
Store in an airtight container at room temperature. Candy stays soft and chewy for several days.
Notes
- Soft-Ball Stage is Key: Use a candy thermometer to ensure perfect texture.
Butter Hands or Tools: Prevents sticking while pulling the candy.
Pulling Makes It Glossy: Don’t skip this step for the ideal texture.
Add Flavor Variations: Try almond or peppermint extract for a festive twist.