Cinnamon Rock Candy Recipe
If you’re looking to spice up your candy dish with something that packs a punch, Cinnamon Rock Candy is the treat you need. This homemade favorite combines the fiery warmth of cinnamon oil with the satisfying crunch of classic hard candy, all finished with a snowy dusting of powdered sugar. Whether you’re making it for holiday gifts, a nostalgic snack, or just because you love a bit of heat, Cinnamon Rock Candy is a showstopper that’s surprisingly easy to make right in your own kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things simple, but each ingredient is crucial for the perfect Cinnamon Rock Candy experience. From the sweetness of sugar to the boldness of cinnamon oil, every component matters for flavor, texture, and that iconic red color.
- Granulated sugar: The foundation of the candy, giving it structure and sweetness.
- Light corn syrup: Prevents crystallization and keeps the candy glassy and smooth.
- Water: Helps dissolve the sugar and creates the right consistency for boiling.
- Cinnamon oil: The star flavor—adjust to your desired level of heat, but remember, a little goes a long way!
- Red food coloring (optional): Gives your Cinnamon Rock Candy its classic, vibrant hue.
- Powdered sugar: Dusts the finished candy so it doesn’t stick and adds a touch of sweetness.
How to Make Cinnamon Rock Candy
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Start by lining a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly greasing it. This step ensures your Cinnamon Rock Candy won’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze when you’re ready to break it into pieces.
Step 2: Combine and Dissolve
In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, mix together the granulated sugar, corn syrup, and water. Place the pan over medium heat and stir gently until all the sugar has completely dissolved. This creates a smooth syrup base for your candy.
Step 3: Bring to Hard Crack Stage
Insert a reliable candy thermometer into the mixture. Stop stirring and let it boil until it reaches 300°F, the “hard crack” stage. This is the secret to that perfect snap when you bite into your Cinnamon Rock Candy. Be patient—this can take some time, but it’s worth it!
Step 4: Flavor and Color
As soon as the thermometer reads 300°F, remove the pan from the heat right away. Working quickly and carefully (the steam can be intense!), stir in the cinnamon oil and red food coloring if you’re using it. Keep your face back from the steam—cinnamon oil is extra potent when heated!
Step 5: Pour and Cool
Pour the hot, fragrant mixture onto your prepared baking sheet. Tilt the pan gently to spread the candy in an even layer. Let it cool completely at room temperature until it’s hard and ready to crack.
Step 6: Break and Dust
Once your Cinnamon Rock Candy is fully hardened, use the back of a spoon or a kitchen mallet to break it into small, bite-sized pieces. Toss the pieces in powdered sugar to prevent them from sticking together, and you’re done!
How to Serve Cinnamon Rock Candy
Garnishes
For a truly eye-catching finish, roll your candy pieces in extra powdered sugar or even edible glitter. The snowy coating makes each shard sparkle, and a sprig of fresh mint or a cinnamon stick on the serving plate adds a festive touch.
Side Dishes
Cinnamon Rock Candy is bold on its own, but it pairs beautifully with mugs of hot cocoa, spiced cider, or a creamy latte. Set out a bowl alongside your favorite hot drinks for a sweet-spicy contrast that warms you from the inside out.
Creative Ways to Present
Package your Cinnamon Rock Candy in clear cellophane bags tied with ribbon for a charming homemade gift. For parties, display the jewel-red pieces in glass jars or scatter them across dessert platters for a pop of color and flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your Cinnamon Rock Candy in an airtight container at room temperature. Keep it in a cool, dry spot—humidity is the enemy of hard candy and can make it sticky or soft over time.
Freezing
Freezing Cinnamon Rock Candy isn’t recommended, as moisture from condensation can ruin its crisp texture. Stick to room temperature storage for the best results.
Reheating
There’s no need to reheat this candy—once it’s set, it’s ready to enjoy. If pieces get a little sticky, simply toss them again in powdered sugar to refresh them.
FAQs
Can I use cinnamon extract instead of cinnamon oil?
Cinnamon oil is much more concentrated than extract, giving the candy its signature kick. If you only have extract, you’ll need much more, but the flavor may not be as strong or clear. For authentic Cinnamon Rock Candy, stick with the oil.
How do I know when the candy has reached the hard crack stage?
Use a candy thermometer for accuracy—300°F is your target. If you don’t have one, drop a tiny bit of the mixture into cold water; if it hardens instantly and cracks, you’re there!
Is the red food coloring necessary?
No, the food coloring is optional. It gives Cinnamon Rock Candy its traditional vibrant color, but the flavor will be just as bold without it if you prefer to skip artificial colors.
Can I make this candy less spicy?
Absolutely! Use less cinnamon oil if you want a milder flavor. Start with half the amount, taste, and adjust in your next batch until you find your perfect heat level.
What’s the best way to break the hardened candy?
Once cooled, simply use the back of a heavy spoon or a kitchen mallet to crack the candy into pieces. Be sure to protect your hands—wearing gloves is a good idea, especially if you used a lot of cinnamon oil.
Final Thoughts
If you love a sweet treat with a spicy twist, you owe it to yourself to try making Cinnamon Rock Candy at home. The process is straightforward, the results are dazzling, and every bite delivers a nostalgic crunch with a little fiery flair. Gather your ingredients and get ready to share (or savor!) a batch of homemade Cinnamon Rock Candy—you’ll be hooked after the very first taste.
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Cinnamon Rock Candy Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: About 2 pounds of candy 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cinnamon Rock Candy recipe creates a deliciously hard, spicy treat perfect for holiday gifting or satisfying your sweet tooth. Made with granulated sugar, light corn syrup, and infused with fragrant cinnamon oil, this homemade candy boasts a delightful crunch and warm cinnamon flavor. The optional red food coloring adds a festive touch, while the powdered sugar coating prevents sticking, making it an irresistible and easy-to-make confection.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 3 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 1 1/4 cups light corn syrup
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon oil (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon red food coloring (optional)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- Prepare the baking sheet: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it and set aside to prevent the candy from sticking once poured.
- Combine ingredients: In a heavy saucepan, mix the granulated sugar, light corn syrup, and water. Stir over medium heat until all the sugar dissolves completely.
- Cook to hard crack stage: Attach a candy thermometer to the pan, then continue cooking the mixture without stirring until it reaches 300°F (hard crack stage), ensuring the perfect texture for the candy.
- Add flavor and color: Remove the saucepan from the heat immediately. Working quickly and carefully to avoid steam burns, stir in the cinnamon oil and red food coloring if using, which will give the candy its distinct spicy taste and vibrant color.
- Pour and spread: Pour the hot candy mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and carefully tilt the sheet to spread it evenly into a flat layer.
- Cool and harden: Allow the candy to cool completely at room temperature until it hardens fully and is safe to handle.
- Break into pieces: Using the back of a spoon or a kitchen mallet, crack the hardened candy into small, bite-sized pieces.
- Dust and store: Toss the candy pieces with powdered sugar to prevent them from sticking together, then store the candy in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
Notes
- Cinnamon oil is highly potent; adjust the amount based on your preferred level of spiciness.
- Wear gloves when handling cinnamon oil or breaking the candy to avoid skin irritation.
- Store the candy in a cool, dry environment to keep it crisp and prevent humidity from softening it.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ounce
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
