PrintEasy Homemade Cinnamon Rock Candy: Spicy, Crunchy Holiday Treats
Make this classic, old-fashioned cinnamon rock candy at home. It is simple to prepare, delivers a bold spicy-sweet flavor, and creates crunchy treats perfect for gifting or holiday parties.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 25 min
- Total Time: 45 min
- Yield: About 2 cups 1x
- Category: Candy
- Method: Stovetop Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2/3 cup light corn syrup
- 2/3 cup water
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon oil (optional, for stronger flavor)
- Red food coloring (gel or liquid)
- Cooking spray or non-stick baking mat
Instructions
- Prepare your workspace. Lightly grease a baking sheet with cooking spray or line it with a silicone baking mat. Set aside.
- Combine sugar, corn syrup, and water in a medium, heavy-bottomed saucepan. Stir gently over medium heat until the sugar dissolves completely. Do not stir once the mixture begins to boil.
- Attach a candy thermometer to the side of the pan, making sure the tip is submerged but not touching the bottom.
- Bring the mixture to a boil. Let it cook, without stirring, until the temperature reaches 300 degrees Fahrenheit (Hard Crack stage). This usually takes about 15 to 25 minutes. Watch the temperature closely.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat immediately when it reaches 300 degrees Fahrenheit. Carefully stir in the cinnamon extract, cinnamon oil (if using), and several drops of red food coloring until the color is uniform and vibrant.
- Quickly pour the hot candy mixture onto your prepared baking sheet or mat. Spread it slightly if needed, but let it sit undisturbed.
- Allow the candy to cool completely and harden for at least 30 minutes. Do not touch or try to break it while warm.
- Once fully hardened, place the candy sheet inside a sturdy plastic bag or wrap it in a clean kitchen towel. Use a meat mallet or the back of a heavy spoon to break the candy into small, irregular pieces.
- Store the finished cinnamon rock candy in an airtight container at room temperature.
Notes
- For a perfect, clear candy, avoid stirring the sugar mixture once it starts boiling. If sugar crystals form on the sides of the pan, use a wet pastry brush to wipe them down.
- If you want to avoid the stress of making hard candy from scratch, consider using a service like one of the best meal delivery services for your weeknight dinners instead.
- This candy is a wonderful DIY edible gift when packaged in small cellophane bags tied with ribbon.
- If you are looking for other simple holiday baking projects, skip the complex meal planning and try this recipe.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup pieces
- Calories: 750
- Sugar: 195
- Sodium: 1
- Fat: 0
- Saturated Fat: 0
- Unsaturated Fat: 0
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 200
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 0
- Cholesterol: 0