Cinnamon Rock Candy Recipe

 

Cinnamon Rock Candy Recipe: A Sweet and Spicy Treat You Can Make at Home

If you're craving a nostalgic, old-fashioned treat with a fiery twist, this Cinnamon Rock Candy recipe is just the thing. Bright, bold, and bursting with cinnamon flavor, it’s a fun DIY candy that's perfect for holidays, gift-giving, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth with something homemade.

Don’t be intimidated—making rock candy at home is easier than it looks, and the results are stunning: shimmering red crystals with a sweet crunch and a spicy kick. Whether you’re making it for Christmas, Valentine’s Day, or just because, this cinnamon candy is sure to impress!

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🍬 Ingredients

• 3¾ cups granulated sugar

• 1¼ cups light corn syrup

• 1 cup water

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon oil (not extract – oil is stronger)

• Red food coloring (optional, but traditional)

• Powdered sugar (for dusting)

• Candy thermometer

• Large baking sheet

• Aluminum foil or parchment paper

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🔥 Instructions

1. Prepare Your Pan:
   Line a large baking sheet with foil or parchment paper. Lightly grease with nonstick spray or butter.

2. Boil the Mixture:
   In a heavy saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, and water. Stir over medium heat until sugar dissolves. Then, stop stirring and let the mixture come to a boil.

3. Watch the Temperature:
   Insert a candy thermometer and continue boiling until it reaches 300°F (hard crack stage). This can take 20–30 minutes. Be patient!

4. Add Flavor and Color:
   Remove from heat. Quickly stir in the cinnamon oil and a few drops of red food coloring (if using). Be careful—the oil is strong and can cause fumes, so work in a well-ventilated space and avoid breathing it in directly.

5. Pour and Cool:
   Immediately pour the hot candy onto your prepared pan. Tilt the pan to spread the candy out evenly. Let it cool completely—about 1 hour.

6. Break into Pieces:
   Once hardened, crack the candy into bite-sized pieces using the back of a spoon or a clean hammer. Dust with powdered sugar to prevent sticking.

7. Store It Right:
   Keep your cinnamon rock candy in an airtight container at room temperature. It stays fresh for weeks!

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❤️ Why You’ll Love It

• Perfect holiday treat or homemade gift

• Spicy-sweet flavor with a nostalgic candy-shop feel

• Customizable with different colors or flavor oils (like clove or peppermint)

• No special molds needed—just pour, crack, and enjoy!

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👩‍🍳 Tips for Success

• Don’t substitute cinnamon extract for oil—it's not strong enough for candy making.

• Use a candy thermometer—guessing won’t work here.

• Be very careful when handling the hot syrup—it’s extremely hot and sticky.

• Wrap pieces in wax paper or cellophane for gifting.

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Final Thoughts

Making Cinnamon Rock Candy at home is a fun and rewarding kitchen project. With its vibrant color, glass-like texture, and bold flavor, this homemade treat stands out on any dessert table. Whether you're whipping up a batch for yourself or sharing with loved ones, one thing’s for sure: it won’t last long!