Cinnamon Rock Candy Recipe: Easy & Delicious

Name: Cinnamon Rock Candy Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup water; 3 3/4 cups granulated sugar; 1 1/4 cups light corn syrup; 1 teaspoon red food coloring; 1-2 teaspoons cinnamon oil (adjust for desired spice level); 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar; Butter (for greasing)

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Cinnamon Rock Candy is a delightful treat that blends the perfect amount of sweetness with a spicy kick. Whether you’re making it for the holidays or just craving a fun homemade candy, this recipe is a simple, fast, and satisfying way to create your own candy at home. The best part? You can customize the spice level with cinnamon oil, making it as fiery as you like.

Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Rock Candy

This Cinnamon Rock Candy recipe is a true crowd-pleaser. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a batch of sweet, crunchy, and spicy rock candy that will delight both your taste buds and your friends and family. Whether you’re an experienced candy maker or a beginner, this recipe is easy to follow and delivers great results every time. Plus, you can adjust the spice level to suit your preferences, making it a versatile treat for everyone.

Ingredients for Cinnamon Rock Candy

To make this homemade cinnamon rock candy, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Water: Provides the liquid base for the candy mixture.
• Granulated Sugar: The key ingredient that gives the candy its sweetness and hard texture once boiled.
• Light Corn Syrup: Helps prevent the sugar from crystallizing, ensuring a smooth texture.
• Red Food Coloring: Adds a festive and vibrant color to the candy.
• Cinnamon Oil: This gives the candy its spicy kick. You can adjust the amount based on how strong you want the cinnamon flavor to be.
• Powdered Sugar: Used for tossing the finished candy to prevent it from sticking together.
• Butter: For greasing the baking sheet to prevent sticking.

Alternative Ingredient Suggestions

If you’re looking for alternatives or need to make substitutions, here are a few suggestions:

• Glucose Syrup: Instead of corn syrup, you can use glucose syrup for a slightly different texture.
• Natural Food Coloring: If you’re looking for a more natural option, try using beet juice or other plant-based colorings instead of traditional food coloring.
• Cinnamon Extract: If cinnamon oil is too strong for your liking, you can use cinnamon extract, though it will produce a slightly milder flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Cinnamon Rock Candy

Creating Cinnamon Rock Candy is easy if you follow these step-by-step instructions:

Prepare your baking sheet: Grease a large baking sheet with butter and set it aside. Then, sift powdered sugar evenly over a large piece of parchment paper and place it near your work area.
Combine the ingredients: In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the water, granulated sugar, and light corn syrup. Stir the mixture over medium heat until the sugar dissolves completely.
Boil the mixture: Attach a candy thermometer to the side of the pan. Increase the heat to medium-high and allow the mixture to come to a boil. Avoid stirring the mixture at this point. Continue boiling until the temperature reaches 300°F, the “hard crack” stage. This step typically takes about 10-15 minutes, but be sure to monitor the temperature closely.
Add flavor and color: Once the mixture reaches the right temperature, remove the pan from the heat immediately. Stir in the red food coloring and cinnamon oil. Be careful when adding the cinnamon oil, as it can produce strong fumes that might irritate your eyes and throat.
Pour the mixture: Quickly pour the hot candy mixture onto the prepared greased baking sheet. Use a spatula to spread it out if needed. Let the candy cool for a few minutes before scoring the surface with a sharp knife to create break lines. Alternatively, allow it to cool completely and break it into pieces using a mallet.
Coat the candy: Once the candy has cooled and broken into pieces, toss each piece in the powdered sugar to prevent sticking.
Store the candy: Store your Cinnamon Rock Candy in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh for up to two weeks.

Tips & Tricks for Perfect Cinnamon Rock Candy

To ensure your Cinnamon Rock Candy turns out perfectly, keep these tips in mind:

Monitor the temperature closely: The most important part of making rock candy is reaching the right temperature. If you don’t let the mixture reach 300°F, it won’t harden properly. Always use a reliable candy thermometer.
Work quickly: Once you remove the candy from the heat, you’ll need to act fast. Stir in the cinnamon oil and food coloring quickly, and pour the mixture onto the baking sheet before it begins to harden.
Avoid humidity: Candy-making can be tricky if the air is too humid. Make your candy on a dry day to prevent it from becoming sticky.
Break the candy into pieces carefully: If you score the surface while it’s still warm, you can break it easily into neat pieces. If you let it cool completely, you’ll need a mallet or another hard tool to break it into shards.

Pairing Ideas and Variations

Cinnamon Rock Candy is great on its own, but you can also enjoy it with a few fun pairings or variations:

Side dishes: Pair it with a warm mug of hot chocolate, a cup of coffee, or a cold glass of milk for a delightful treat.
Toppings: Use crushed Cinnamon Rock Candy as a topping for cupcakes, cakes, or ice cream for an extra burst of sweetness and spice.
Spicy version: For those who love even more heat, increase the amount of cinnamon oil. You can also add a dash of cayenne pepper for an unexpected twist.
Make-ahead notes: This candy can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to two weeks. It’s perfect for holiday gift-giving or just as a fun snack to have on hand.

Seasonal and Health Benefits of Cinnamon Rock Candy

While cinnamon is often thought of as a holiday flavor, its appeal goes beyond just the festive season. Cinnamon has been used for centuries for its health benefits, including its ability to support healthy blood sugar levels and provide antioxidant properties. While Cinnamon Rock Candy should be enjoyed in moderation, it’s a fun way to experience the flavors of this beloved spice.

Enjoy making your Cinnamon Rock Candy, and don’t forget to share it with friends and family — they’ll be sure to love its spicy-sweet crunch!

Conclusion

Cinnamon Rock Candy is a simple yet delicious treat that offers the perfect balance of sweetness and spice. Whether you’re new to candy making or a seasoned pro, this recipe will help you create a delightful homemade treat that everyone will enjoy. The combination of granulated sugar, cinnamon oil, and a splash of red food coloring not only makes this candy irresistible but also visually stunning. With its straightforward instructions and customizable spice level, Cinnamon Rock Candy is a great choice for special occasions or just a fun afternoon of candy-making. So, grab your ingredients, get cooking, and treat yourself to this spicy-sweet candy today!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How do I know when the candy has reached the right temperature?

To make sure your Cinnamon Rock Candy reaches the right consistency, use a candy thermometer. The mixture should reach 300°F (hard crack stage). This is the temperature where the syrup becomes hard and brittle once it cools, ensuring the perfect crunch for your candy.

2. Can I adjust the spice level in Cinnamon Rock Candy?

Yes! You can adjust the spice level to suit your preferences by adding more or less cinnamon oil. For a mild flavor, start with 1 teaspoon and taste the mixture. If you prefer more heat, add another teaspoon. Just be cautious, as cinnamon oil can be quite strong.

3. How should I store my Cinnamon Rock Candy?

Store your Cinnamon Rock Candy in an airtight container at room temperature. This will keep it fresh for up to two weeks. Be sure to separate the pieces with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together, especially if the air is humid.

More Relevant Recipes

Cinnamon Bread Recipe for Gifting: This warm, aromatic cinnamon bread is the perfect homemade gift for the holidays. With its soft, fluffy texture and comforting cinnamon flavor, it complements the spicy kick of Cinnamon Rock Candy, making it a great pairing for sweet, festive treats.
No-Bake Gingerbread Cheesecake: If you love the rich and spicy flavors of gingerbread, this no-bake cheesecake is an excellent choice. The smooth, creamy texture and warm spices provide a perfect contrast to the crunch and sweetness of Cinnamon Rock Candy.
Gingerbread Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting: These soft and spiced gingerbread cupcakes are topped with a tangy cream cheese frosting, creating a delightful balance of flavors. They’re a great alternative to Cinnamon Rock Candy for those who enjoy a spiced dessert with a more cake-like texture.