Cinnamon Rock Candy

Name: Cinnamon Rock Candy
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 4 h 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup water; 3 ¾ cups sugar; 1 ¼ cups light corn syrup; 1 tsp red food coloring; 1–2 tsp cinnamon oil (adjust for spice); 1 ½ cups powdered sugar; Butter (for greasing)

Isabella

🌟Life, Love, and Gastronomy 🍷

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If you’re looking for a holiday treat that’s as beautiful as it is delicious, homemade cinnamon rock candy is the perfect choice. With its vibrant red color and spicy-sweet flavor, this candy adds a festive touch to any celebration. Plus, it’s easier to make than you might think! Follow this step-by-step guide to create a batch of cinnamon rock candy that’s sure to impress your family and friends.

Ingredients:

1 cup water

3 ¾ cups sugar

1 ¼ cups light corn syrup

1 tsp red food coloring

1–2 tsp cinnamon oil (adjust for spice)

1 ½ cups powdered sugar

Butter (for greasing)

Instructions:

Prepare the Pan:

Start by buttering a 15x10x1-inch sheet cake pan. Line it with parchment paper, then butter the parchment as well. This prevents the candy from sticking during cooling.

Make the Candy Base:

In a large saucepan, combine the water, sugar, light corn syrup, and red food coloring. Stir over medium-high heat until the sugar begins to dissolve.

Heat to Hard Crack Stage:

Attach a candy thermometer to the side of the pan. Boil the mixture until it reaches 300°F (hard crack stage). This typically takes around 20 minutes. Be cautious as the mixture can rise; remove it briefly from the heat if needed to prevent overflow.

Add Cinnamon Flavor:

Once the mixture hits 300°F, remove it from heat and carefully stir in the cinnamon oil. Be careful — the oil is potent and may release strong fumes.

Pour and Cool:

Quickly pour the candy mixture into your prepared pan. Let it cool at room temperature for at least 4 hours until it hardens completely.

Break and Dust:

Dust the top of the hardened candy with powdered sugar. Flip the candy onto a cutting board, peel off the parchment paper, and use a knife to break it into bite-sized pieces. For extra sparkle, dust with additional powdered sugar.

Store Properly:

Store your cinnamon rock candy in an airtight container to keep it fresh and crisp.

Serving Tips:

Festive Displays: Arrange the candy in clear jars or bowls for a holiday table centerpiece.

Gift Packaging: Wrap pieces in cellophane bags tied with festive ribbons or place them in decorative tins.

Hot Drink Garnish: Drop a piece into hot tea, cider, or coffee for a sweet and spicy flavor infusion.

Party Favors: Include them in small favor bags for parties, weddings, or holiday events.

Storage Tips:

Airtight Container: Store the candy in an airtight container to keep it crisp and prevent it from absorbing moisture.

Layering: If storing multiple layers, place parchment or wax paper between them to prevent sticking.

Cool, Dry Place: Keep the container in a cool, dry spot away from direct sunlight or humidity.

Shelf Life: Properly stored, cinnamon rock candy can last up to 2 months, making it an excellent make-ahead treat.

Avoid Refrigeration: Humidity in the fridge can cause the candy to become sticky.

Related Recipes:

Easy Cool Whip Candy

The Best Candy Apple Bags

FAQs:

Can I use cinnamon extract instead of cinnamon oil?

While cinnamon extract can be used, cinnamon oil is much more concentrated and provides a stronger, spicier flavor. If you substitute extract, you may need to use more to achieve a similar intensity, but be careful not to add too much liquid as it can affect the candy’s texture.

What should I do if my candy doesn’t harden properly?

If your candy remains sticky or doesn’t harden, it likely didn’t reach the correct temperature. Make sure your candy thermometer is accurate and heat the mixture to exactly 300°F (hard crack stage). Humidity can also affect hardening, so try making candy on a dry day.

How do I safely handle cinnamon oil?

Cinnamon oil is very potent and can cause skin or eye irritation if not handled carefully. Use a small amount (1–2 tsp) and avoid inhaling directly over the pan when adding it to the hot mixture. Wearing gloves can also protect your skin when working with the oil.

Can I make this candy in other colors or flavors?

Absolutely! You can swap the red food coloring for other colors to suit different occasions. Similarly, you can replace the cinnamon oil with other flavorings, such as peppermint, orange, or vanilla, for a custom candy experience. Adjust quantities based on the strength of the flavoring used.

Conclusion:

Homemade cinnamon rock candy is a delightful treat that’s perfect for the holiday season. Its vibrant color, spicy flavor, and homemade charm make it a standout addition to your dessert table or a thoughtful gift for loved ones. Gather your ingredients and candy thermometer, and enjoy crafting this festive confection!

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