Recipe courtesy of Gale Gand

Homemade Chocolate Tootsie Rolls

Getting reviews...
Tootsie Rolls seem to be on everyone's top 10 list of childhood treats. I toted two lunchboxes packed with bite-size Tootsie Rolls to Brownie camp; they came in handy as friend magnets, bribes and peace offerings, as well as snacks. Later on, I found that you never forget that chewy texture or the chocolatey, surprisingly orange-tinged flavor. So imagine my surprise when I learned that the basic formula is so simple: melted chocolate mixed with corn syrup. Pastry chefs have long used this combination, which takes on a plasticine-like texture, as a kind of moldable chocolate. It lasts almost forever and is incredibly easy to shape into roses, roll into sheets, form into a child's initials -- whatever you can think of. These make a glamorous presentation when wrapped in gold or silver foil paper and served on a silver platter.
  • Level: Easy
  • Total: 25 min
  • Prep: 15 min
  • Cook: 10 min
  • Yield: 75 pieces
Share This Recipe

Ingredients

Directions

Special equipment:
About 75 squares of colored foil or cellophane, for wrapping, optional
  1. Line a 13 by 17-inch cookie sheet with sides with plastic wrap. 
  2. Melt the chocolate. Add the remaining ingredients, stir well, and scrape into the prepared pan. The mixture should be about 1 inch thick in the pan; it will not fill the pan entirely. Cover and let set overnight at room temperature; the mixture will be stiff but still flexible. 
  3. Turn the candy out onto a work surface and peel off the plastic wrap. Cut into 3/4-inch wide strips, then use your hands to "scrunch" each strip into a log. Roll the logs thin between your hands (or on the work surface) until they are about 1/2-inch in diameter. Cut into 1-inch long sections. Set aside to firm up a bit before wrapping or serving (the mixture warms up and softens as you handle it). 
  4. Roll each candy up in a square of colored foil or cellophane, twisting the ends to secure. You can also form the modeling chocolate into leaves, roses, ropes for initials or animals.

Choose a topic to find related recipes.

Fudge Factor

Review: Anthony Bourdain and Eric Ripert's Chocolate Bar Nov 16, 2012

Anthony Bourdain and Eric Ripert have teamed up with master chocolatier Christopher Curtin to create the "Good & Evil" chocolate b …

Sifted: Plan-Ahead Valentine's Day Desserts Feb 6, 2013

By: Lauren Miyashiro

Get our take on the best in food news, recipes and more from around the web, including the best Valentine's Day recipes.

Over-the-Top-Delicious Treats to Satisfy Your Food Obsession

Are you infatuated with ice cream? Do you lust over lobster? Swoon at the sight of chocolate? Here's the best recipe for each food …

The Craziest Chocolate Creations for American Chocolate Week Mar 17, 2013

It’s officially American Chocolate Week. Check out photos of mind-blowing chocolate creations.

Train Frontman Pat Monahan's Dark Chocolate Obsession Feb 11, 2013

By: Cameron Curtis

Train frontman Pat Monahan, an avid chocolate lover, shared with us his top five reasons for eating dark chocolate.

Chocolate Desserts

Indulge in our decadent chocolate desserts, from cookies and cakes to puddings, souffles and truffles.

How to Chop and Melt Chocolate

Lots of recipes call for melted chocolate. Follow these step-by-step instructions to do it properly.

Essentials: Chocolate Basics Sep 1, 2016

Satisfy that chocolate craving in your very own kitchen. All you need is baking chocolate and a little know-how. It also helps to …