Begin by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper, take the stick of butter and rub it all over the parchment paper. Be sure that you generously butter the parchment. Set this aside for later.
In a medium-sized saucepan, combine sugar, water, corn syrup, and food coloring.
Place the saucepan on the stove and bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once it's boiling, reduce the heat to medium-high heat.
Attach a candy thermometer to the side of the saucepan, making sure it's immersed in the candy mixture. Continue to let it boil until the temperature reaches 300 degrees Fahrenheit, which is referred to as the hard crack stage.
While the sugar mixture is heating, take each apple and insert a wooden stick into the top of each apple, pushing it about halfway through.
As soon as the sugar mixture reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the heat promptly. Stir the sugar mixture so it is all well mixed.
Work swiftly but carefully, dip each apple into the sugar mixture until they are completely coated with the sweet, glossy candy coating. Shake off an excess candy mixture from the apple.
After coating the apples, transfer them to the prepared baking sheet. Allow them to cool until the candy coating hardens, which should take about 15-20 minutes.