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
Scale
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.
