Why You’ll Love Cinnamon Rock Candy Recipe
This Cinnamon Rock Candy recipe is a fun, hands-on kitchen project that yields a beautiful and flavorful result. Whether you’re making it for a holiday candy tray or wrapping it up as homemade gifts, the spicy-sweet cinnamon flavor and brilliant color make it a standout. Plus, it’s customizable, shelf-stable, and doesn’t require any fancy tools beyond a candy thermometer.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Granulated sugar
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Light corn syrup
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Water
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Red food coloring
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Cinnamon oil or cinnamon flavoring
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Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)
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Butter or nonstick spray (for greasing the pan)
Directions
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Line a large baking sheet with foil or parchment paper and lightly grease it with butter or nonstick spray.
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In a large, heavy saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, and water. Stir over medium heat until the sugar dissolves.
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Attach a candy thermometer to the pan. Continue cooking without stirring until the mixture reaches 300°F (hard crack stage).
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Immediately remove the pan from the heat and carefully stir in the cinnamon oil and red food coloring. Be cautious—cinnamon oil is very potent and may release strong fumes.
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Quickly pour the hot mixture onto the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Let it cool completely at room temperature.
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Once hardened, break the candy into bite-sized pieces using a mallet or the handle of a kitchen utensil.
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If desired, toss the pieces in powdered sugar to prevent sticking.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 1 to 1½ pounds of candy, enough for approximately 20 servings.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Cooling time: 1 hour
Total time: About 1 hour 30 minutes
Variations
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Mild Flavor: Use less cinnamon oil for a gentler heat.
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Color Swap: Use green food coloring and peppermint oil for a holiday mint version.
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Fruit Flavors: Replace cinnamon oil with cherry, orange, or lemon flavoring.
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Shaped Candy: Pour the mixture into silicone molds for uniform pieces.
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Sugar-Free: Experiment with sugar substitutes made for candy-making.
Storage/Reheating
Store Cinnamon Rock Candy in an airtight container at room temperature. It will keep for up to 2 months in a cool, dry place.
Avoid moisture and humidity to prevent the candy from becoming sticky.
No reheating is required, as the candy is ready-to-eat once broken into pieces.
FAQs
What is the best way to break the candy into pieces?
Use the handle of a wooden spoon or a mallet to crack the candy into chunks once it has cooled and hardened.
Can I use ground cinnamon instead of cinnamon oil?
No, ground cinnamon won’t provide the same intense flavor and may clump in the hot syrup. Use cinnamon oil or concentrated flavoring.
Is a candy thermometer necessary?
Yes, a candy thermometer ensures the mixture reaches the hard crack stage (300°F), which is crucial for proper texture.
How do I prevent the candy from sticking together?
Toss the broken pieces in a little powdered sugar or cornstarch before storing.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but use a larger saucepan and be cautious when pouring to avoid spills or burns.
Why is my candy sticky?
Humidity or undercooking can cause stickiness. Make sure the candy reaches 300°F and is stored in a dry, airtight container.
Can I use food coloring gels instead of liquid?
Yes, gel food coloring works well, but add it quickly after removing the syrup from heat.
What type of cinnamon oil should I use?
Use food-grade cinnamon oil or candy flavoring, which is much stronger than regular extracts.
Can kids help make this recipe?
Kids can help with breaking and dusting the candy, but adults should handle the hot sugar syrup.
How spicy is cinnamon rock candy?
It’s fairly spicy depending on the amount of cinnamon oil used. You can adjust to taste.
Conclusion
Cinnamon Rock Candy is a timeless treat that combines nostalgic charm with bold flavor. With just a few ingredients and some careful attention, you can create a homemade candy that looks stunning and tastes even better. Whether you’re sharing it with loved ones or keeping it for yourself, this fiery red confection is sure to delight.
Cinnamon Rock Candy
This homemade Cinnamon Rock Candy delivers bold cinnamon flavor with a fiery kick and a beautiful crystalline appearance. Perfect for gifting, decorating, or enjoying as a nostalgic sweet treat, this old-fashioned candy is simple to make and full of holiday charm.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: About 2 pounds of candy
- Category: Candy
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Stovetop
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 3 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 1 ¼ cups light corn syrup
- 1 cup water
- 1 tsp cinnamon oil (food-grade)
- Red food coloring (optional)
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- Prepare a large baking sheet by lining it with foil and lightly greasing it.
- In a heavy saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, and water. Stir over medium heat until sugar dissolves.
- Attach a candy thermometer and bring the mixture to a boil. Continue cooking without stirring until the temperature reaches 300°F (hard crack stage).
- Immediately remove from heat. Carefully stir in the cinnamon oil and food coloring (stand back — the oil is potent).
- Pour the hot mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and spread evenly. Let cool completely.
- Once hardened, break into pieces using a kitchen mallet or the back of a spoon.
- Toss candy pieces in powdered sugar to prevent sticking. Store in an airtight container.
Notes
- Cinnamon oil is much stronger than extract. Use with caution and in a well-ventilated area.
- Adjust food coloring to get your desired intensity of red.
- This candy makes great gifts and can be stored for several weeks in a cool, dry place.
