Cowboy Candy
Published May 16, 2025
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A Sweet & Spicy Treat You Can Make at Home
If you love the combo of sweet and spicy, you’re going to be obsessed with Cowboy Candy just like we are. This addictive condiment is made from sliced chiles simmered in a sweet, tangy syrup—and yes, it’s as good as it sounds. The best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make at home, and you can control the heat to suit your taste.
Want it mild? Simply remove the seeds from your jalapeños and serranos before slicing. Love the heat? Leave those seeds in for a bold kick that’ll wake up your taste buds.
Once you’ve made a batch, the real fun begins. Cowboy Candy is incredibly versatile:
- Add it to burgers, hot dogs, or grilled cheese for a spicy-sweet twist.
- Spoon it over cream cheese or dairy-free cheese and serve with crackers for an instant party app.
- Stir it into salad dressings or marinades to punch up the flavor.
- Or keep it simple—just eat it straight from the jar (we won’t judge).
Made with pantry-friendly ingredients like Marukan Organic Apple Cider Vinegar, garlic powder, and mustard seed, this Cowboy Candy recipe is all about bold flavor with minimal effort. Make a jar for yourself and another to gift—if you can bear to share it!
Cowboy Candy
Ingredients
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 cup Marukan Organic Apple Cider Vinegar
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon turmeric
- ½ teaspoon mustard seed
- 1- pound fresh jalapeños, serrano chiles, or a combination of both, sliced into rings*
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, turmeric, and mustard seed. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
- Add the sliced chiles to the boiling syrup. Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 5-7 minutes, until they soften slightly, and the jalapeños turn a darker green.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Using a slotted spoon, transfer to a clean jar.
- Pour the hot syrup over the chiles in the jar, leaving about ¼ inch of headspace. Seal the jar with a lid.
- Let the jar cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 24 hours before eating. The flavors will develop further over time!
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
