Wash and thoroughly dry the apples.

Remove the stems and insert a wooden stick about halfway into the top of each apple.

Set the apples upright on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

In a medium saucepan, mix the granulated sugar, corn syrup, and water. Stir over medium heat until the sugar dissolves completely.

Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil without stirring. Monitor closely with a candy thermometer, cooking until it reaches 300°F (150°C). This should take about 10-15 minutes.

Remove from heat immediately. Quickly stir in the vanilla extract and a few drops of orange food coloring.

Tilt the saucepan slightly and dip each apple into the candy mixture, turning to coat evenly. Allow excess to drip off.

If desired, sprinkle the tops with chopped nuts before the coating hardens.

Let the candied apples sit at room temperature until the coating fully hardens, approximately 30 minutes.