Hard, stale licorice can usually be softened in under a minute using a microwave, hot water, or a bit of trapped moisture. The candy hardens because it loses water over time, and the fix is simply reintroducing that moisture or enough heat to relax the texture. Here’s how to do it without turning your licorice into a sticky mess.
Why Licorice Gets Hard
Licorice is a starch-based candy, and starch-based foods harden through a process called retrogradation. After the starch in licorice is heated and shaped during manufacturing, it gradually recrystallizes as it cools and sits in storage. The starch molecules rearrange themselves into tighter, more rigid structures while moisture migrates out of the candy. The result is that chewy, pliable texture turning firm and tough.
This process speeds up when licorice is exposed to dry air, left in an open bag, or stored for a long time. Sugar and small amounts of fat in the candy slow retrogradation somewhat, but once enough moisture escapes, the texture change is noticeable. The good news: because the problem is mostly about lost water, adding moisture back works well.
The Microwave Method
This is the fastest approach. Place your licorice pieces on a microwave-safe plate and heat them in short bursts of 5 to 10 seconds. Check the texture after each burst. The heat loosens the starch structure and drives any remaining internal moisture toward the surface, softening the candy quickly.
The risk here is overdoing it. Licorice heated too long melts into a gooey puddle or becomes even harder once it cools again. Start with 5 seconds for a few pieces and add time only if needed. Let the candy sit for 10 to 15 seconds after microwaving before you handle it, since it will be hotter than it feels at first. Eat it while it’s still warm for the best texture.
The Hot Water Bag Method
If you’d rather skip the microwave, place the licorice in a sealed zip-lock bag and submerge it in hot water for about 15 seconds. The heat transfers through the bag and softens the candy without getting it wet. This gives you more control than microwaving because the temperature is limited by the water, so you’re less likely to melt the licorice into a puddle.
Use water that’s just off the boil. Seal the bag tightly so no water leaks in, since direct contact with water will dissolve the sugary outer layer and leave you with a sticky, misshapen piece. If the licorice is extremely hard, you can leave the bag submerged for 30 seconds or repeat the process.
The Bread Slice Trick
For a slower, gentler fix, place the hard licorice in a sealed container or zip-lock bag with a slice of fresh bread. The bread releases moisture gradually, and the candy absorbs it over several hours. Check after 8 to 12 hours. This method works especially well for a whole bag of licorice that’s gone stale, since it softens the pieces evenly without any risk of melting.
A damp (not dripping) paper towel works the same way if you don’t want to use bread. Wrap it loosely around the licorice or place it in the same sealed container, making sure the towel doesn’t touch the candy directly. Direct contact can make the surface sticky or dissolve coatings.
The Damp Paper Towel Microwave Combo
For licorice that’s seriously dried out, combining moisture and heat works better than either alone. Wrap the pieces loosely in a lightly dampened paper towel and microwave for 5 to 8 seconds. The steam from the towel rehydrates the surface while the heat softens the interior. This is the closest you’ll get to restoring the original chewy texture on candy that’s been sitting open for weeks.
Keeping Licorice Soft in the First Place
Prevention is easier than any rescue method. Once you open a bag, squeeze out as much air as possible and seal it tightly. A zip-lock bag or airtight container keeps moisture from escaping. Store licorice at room temperature rather than in the fridge, since cold temperatures actually accelerate the starch recrystallization that causes hardening.
If you live in a dry climate or keep your home air-conditioned, licorice dries out faster than you might expect. Wrapping the sealed bag inside a second bag adds another barrier against moisture loss. Properly stored licorice stays soft for several weeks after opening. If you buy in bulk, consider dividing it into smaller portions so you’re only exposing one batch to air at a time.