If you have a sweet tooth and love a little warm spice, this Cinnamon Rock Candy Recipe is going to become your new favorite treat. Imagine crispy, glassy shards of sugary goodness infused with that unmistakable spicy warmth of cinnamon—a candy that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. It’s an amazing twist on classic rock candy, perfect for sharing at parties or keeping close for personal indulgence. The vibrant red color and aromatic cinnamon oil make this candy not just delicious but also a feast for the eyes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating this Cinnamon Rock Candy might look fancy, but it actually calls for a handful of simple ingredients you might already have on hand. Each one plays a crucial role—from the sweet base to the fiery cinnamon punch that wakes up your taste buds.
- Water: The foundation that helps dissolve the sugar perfectly, creating the right texture.
- Sugar: The superstar ingredient that forms the crystal structure of the candy, giving it that satisfying crunch.
- Light corn syrup: A secret weapon to keep the sugar from crystallizing too quickly and to add smoothness.
- Red food coloring: Gives the candy a tempting, vibrant hue that matches its spicy character.
- Cinnamon oil: Packed with flavor, this oil infuses the candy with that signature cinnamon kick—you can adjust how spicy you like it.
- Powdered sugar: Dusting the finished candy prevents stickiness and adds a touch of elegance.
- Butter: For greasing your pan and parchment paper, ensuring your candy releases easily without any frustration.
How to Make Cinnamon Rock Candy Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Start by buttering a 15x10x1-inch sheet cake pan on the inside and lining it with parchment paper. Don’t forget to butter the parchment itself—this little step guarantees your candy won’t stick as it cools and hardens.
Step 2: Combine and Dissolve Ingredients
In a large saucepan, pour in the water, sugar, light corn syrup, and red food coloring. Stir gently over medium-high heat until the sugar completely dissolves. This ensures the candy will have a smooth texture instead of any grainy bits.
Step 3: Boil to the Right Temperature
Attach a candy thermometer to the saucepan and bring your mixture to a boil without stirring any more. You want it to reach 300 degrees Fahrenheit, the perfect point to achieve that hard-crack stage; this usually takes about 20 minutes. Precision here is key for that satisfying snap and crystal-clear look.
Step 4: Add Cinnamon Oil and Pour
As soon as the mixture hits 300°F, remove the saucepan from heat and carefully stir in your cinnamon oil. Be cautious here since the mixture is extremely hot. Once combined, pour the syrup evenly into your prepared pan, allowing the magic to begin.
Step 5: Let It Cool and Finish
Let the candy cool completely at room temperature for at least four hours. Once it’s firm, dust the surface generously with powdered sugar—this prevents stickiness and adds a lovely finishing touch. Flip the pan over, gently peel off the parchment, and break your candy into beautiful bite-sized pieces.
Step 6: Store for Freshness
Place your cinnamon rock candy pieces in an airtight container and keep them in a cool, dry place to maintain their crispness and flavor. Now you’re ready to enjoy or share this sweet creation anytime!
How to Serve Cinnamon Rock Candy Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle extra powdered sugar on top just before serving to brighten the look and add a delicate sweetness. A small dusting of cinnamon powder on the side adds an extra aroma boost for guests. You can even tie pieces with festive ribbons for a charming presentation.
Side Dishes
Cinnamon rock candy pairs wonderfully with hot beverages like tea, spiced cider, or coffee, where it can be stirred in as a natural sweetener. It also makes an amazing topping for ice cream or a crunchy contrast sprinkled on top of creamy puddings and custards.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, arrange your broken candy pieces in glass jars layered with cinnamon sticks and dried orange slices—perfect as gifts or centerpiece displays. Try embedding them in sugar cookie bars or crushing them over cupcakes for a sparkly crunch that surprises the palate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your cinnamon rock candy keeps best when stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry spot away from direct sunlight. This prevents moisture buildup that could soften the candy and keeps those wonderful cinnamon aromas locked in.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t recommended for rock candy since the humidity during thawing can cause it to become sticky or lose its crispness. It’s best enjoyed fresh within a few weeks, giving you plenty of time to savor each piece.
Reheating
Since this candy is best served at room temperature for that perfect crunchy texture, reheating isn’t necessary. Avoid microwaving or warming, as this will melt the candy and ruin its structure.
FAQs
Can I use ground cinnamon instead of cinnamon oil?
While ground cinnamon adds flavor, it doesn’t dissolve or infuse evenly like cinnamon oil, and might affect texture. For best results and that intense cinnamon punch, use cinnamon oil as directed.
Is it possible to make this recipe without corn syrup?
Corn syrup helps prevent crystallization so your candy stays smooth and shiny. You can try using alternatives like honey or glucose syrup, but the texture might vary, and crystallization may occur.
How do I know when the candy reaches 300°F?
A candy thermometer is essential here for accuracy. Once the thermometer reads 300°F, your candy has reached the hard-crack stage, ideal for that classic rock candy crunch.
Can I adjust the cinnamon flavor to be stronger or milder?
Absolutely! The recipe suggests 1 to 2 teaspoons of cinnamon oil. Start with less if you prefer subtle spice, and increase gradually to suit your personal taste.
Why is the candy red?
The red food coloring adds visual appeal, making the candy look festive and inviting. It pairs beautifully with the warm cinnamon flavor to create a sensory delight.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Rock Candy Recipe is an absolute joy to make and even more fun to share. Its blend of sweet crunch and cinnamon warmth is a match made in candy heaven. Whether you’re gifting it or keeping it all to yourself, it’s sure to bring a smile with every bite. So grab your saucepan and get ready for a sweet adventure that will fill your kitchen with delicious aroma and bright, joyful color!
Print
Cinnamon Rock Candy Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 1 large sheet pan of rock candy
- Category: Candy
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cinnamon Rock Candy recipe creates a spicy-sweet, crunchy treat perfect for candy lovers. Made with simple ingredients like sugar, cinnamon oil, and corn syrup, it offers a delightful cinnamon flavor with a beautiful red hue, ideal for gifting or holiday snacking.
Ingredients
For the Candy
- 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)
For Finishing
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- Butter (for greasing)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Butter a 15x10x1-inch sheet cake pan thoroughly, then line it with parchment paper. Butter the parchment as well to ensure the candy will not stick, making it easier to remove once set.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large saucepan, combine water, sugar, light corn syrup, and red food coloring. Stir the mixture over medium-high heat until the sugar dissolves completely to ensure a smooth texture.
- Boil to Hard Crack Stage: Attach a candy thermometer to the saucepan and bring the mixture to a boil. Continue heating until the temperature reaches 300°F (hard crack stage), which typically takes about 20 minutes. This step ensures the candy will harden properly.
- Add Cinnamon Flavor and Pour: Remove the saucepan from the heat carefully, then stir in 1 to 2 teaspoons of cinnamon oil depending on your preferred spice level. Immediately pour the hot candy mixture into the prepared pan.
- Cool and Finish: Let the candy cool undisturbed for at least 4 hours until fully hardened. Once set, dust the top with powdered sugar to prevent sticking. Flip the candy out of the pan, peel off the parchment paper, and break into bite-sized pieces for serving.
- Storage: Store the cinnamon rock candy in an airtight container in a cool, dry place to maintain its crisp texture and flavor.
Notes
- Adjust cinnamon oil carefully as it is potent; start with 1 teaspoon and increase if desired.
- Use a candy thermometer for precise temperature to ensure proper hard crack stage.
- Red food coloring is optional and can be omitted or replaced with food coloring of your choice.
- Ensure the candy is completely cool before breaking to get clean breaks.
- Store candies away from humidity to prevent them from becoming sticky or soft.
