Gather apples, sugar, water, corn syrup, red food coloring, and a candy thermometer
Wash and dry the apples completely
Remove the stems and insert sticks into the tops of the apples
Line a tray with parchment paper or a greased surface
Combine sugar, water, and corn syrup in a saucepan
Heat the mixture over medium heat until the sugar dissolves
Boil without stirring until the mixture reaches hard crack stage
Add red food coloring and mix gently
Remove the saucepan from heat
Dip each apple into the candy mixture and rotate to coat evenly
Let excess candy drip off
Place the coated apples on the prepared tray
Allow the candy coating to harden completely
Store the candy apples in a cool, dry place