Magical Homemade Cinnamon Rock Candy Recipe for Sweet Treats

Sweet memories of childhood sparkle through this delightful cinnamon rock candy creation that brings pure joy to your kitchen.

Crafting sugary crystals becomes an enchanting adventure for anyone curious about homemade treats.

Crystal formations emerge like magical sugar sculptures when patience meets precise technique.

Kitchen experiments transform simple ingredients into spectacular edible gems that shimmer with spicy warmth.

Delicate amber-hued pieces glisten with intense cinnamon flavor, promising a nostalgic experience.

Sugaralchemy turns ordinary moments into extraordinary sensations that dance across your taste buds.

Gather your ingredients and let the sweet transformation begin – you’ll be amazed how something so simple can create such spectacular delight.

FAQs

• What is cinnamon oil, and why is it used in this recipe?

Cinnamon oil is a concentrated extract from cinnamon bark, providing intense flavor and warmth. It’s used to give the rock candy a strong, spicy cinnamon taste that’s more potent than ground cinnamon.

• How do I know when the candy has reached the hard crack stage?

Use a candy thermometer to check the temperature. When it hits exactly 300°F, the mixture has reached the hard crack stage, which means it will create a brittle, crisp texture when cooled.

• Is it safe to work with hot sugar syrup?

Always use caution when handling hot sugar syrup. Wear long sleeves, use oven mitts, and work carefully to avoid burns. The mixture is extremely hot and can cause serious injuries if it touches your skin.

Cinnamon Rock Candy Rundown

• Craft a Spicy Sweet Sensation: Create a delightful homemade candy that packs a powerful cinnamon punch, bringing excitement to your taste buds with every crisp bite.
• Master Candy-Making Magic: Learn a professional-level technique that transforms simple ingredients into a stunning, shiny red treat that looks as impressive as it tastes.
• Perfect for Festive Gifting: Prepare a unique homemade present that shows off your culinary skills and delights friends and family with its bold, nostalgic flavor profile.
• Customize with Creativity: Experiment with different colors and adjust the cinnamon intensity to make this recipe truly your own signature candy creation.

Ingredients for Cinnamon Rock Candy

• Sugar: The primary sweetener that forms the main structure of the rock candy.
• Water: Helps dissolve the sugar and create the candy's liquid base.
• Corn Syrup: Prevents sugar crystallization and provides smooth texture.

• Red Food Coloring: Gives the candy its vibrant red appearance.
• Cinnamon Oil: Provides the signature spicy and intense cinnamon flavor.

• Butter: Used for greasing the pan to prevent sticking.
• Parchment Paper: Helps in easy removal of the hardened candy.
• Powdered Sugar: Dusts the candy and prevents pieces from sticking together.

How to Make Cinnamon Rock Candy

Step 1: Prepare The Baking Surface

Grab a large sheet cake pan and coat it generously with butter. Line the entire pan with parchment paper, then brush more butter over the paper to ensure nothing sticks during the candy-making process.

Step 2: Create The Candy Mixture

• Water
• Sugar
• Corn syrup
• Red food coloring

Stir the mixture over medium-high heat until the sugar starts to dissolve smoothly.

Step 3: Heat The Candy Liquid

Attach a candy thermometer to the saucepan’s side, making sure the tip doesn’t touch the bottom.

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil and cook until it reaches exactly 300°F, which signals the hard crack stage. This typically takes around 20 minutes.

Watch carefully to prevent any boiling over.

Step 4: Infuse With Cinnamon Flavor

Remove the saucepan from heat.

Carefully stir in cinnamon oil. Open kitchen windows or turn on ventilation, as the cinnamon fumes can be quite strong.

Step 5: Pour And Set The Candy

Quickly transfer the hot liquid into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly across the surface. Let the candy cool completely undisturbed for at least 4 hours until it hardens entirely.

Step 6: Break Into Delicious Pieces

Sprinkle powdered sugar over the cooled candy surface. Flip the candy onto a clean cutting board and remove the parchment paper.

Use a knife or mallet to break the candy into bite-sized chunks. Add extra powdered sugar if desired.

Step 7: Store And Enjoy

Place the cinnamon rock candy pieces into an airtight container to maintain crispness and prevent pieces from sticking together. Enjoy your homemade spicy sweet treat!

Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Rock Candy

• Grease the pan and parchment paper generously to ensure the candy doesn't stick and comes out cleanly.
• Use a candy thermometer and monitor the mixture carefully to reach exactly 300°F without burning the sugar.
• Open windows or turn on fans when adding cinnamon oil, as the strong fumes can be overwhelming and irritating.
• Let the candy rest undisturbed for at least 4 hours to ensure proper hardening and prevent cracking.
• Sprinkle powdered sugar over the candy to prevent pieces from sticking together and add a delicate finishing touch.

Variations on Cinnamon Rock Candy

• Spicy Ginger Kick: Replace cinnamon oil with ginger extract for a zesty, warming alternative that tingles the taste buds and offers a different aromatic experience.
• Honey Lavender Blend: Swap corn syrup with honey and add a few drops of lavender essential oil for a floral, sophisticated rock candy variation with natural sweetness.
• Sugar-Free Stevia Version: Use stevia-based sweetener and sugar substitute to create a low-calorie, diabetic-friendly rock candy that maintains the classic crunch and texture.
• Herbal Mint Infusion: Incorporate peppermint oil instead of cinnamon for a cool, refreshing candy with a clean, crisp flavor profile perfect for after-dinner treats.

Pairing Ideas for Cinnamon Rock Candy

Hot mulled wine or spiced apple cider perfectly complement the cinnamon’s warmth, creating a delightful winter flavor explosion.

Creamy chai tea balances the rock candy’s intense heat, offering a smooth counterpoint that softens the cinnamon’s sharp edges.

Vanilla bean ice cream provides a cool, creamy contrast that beautifully neutralizes the candy’s fiery cinnamon kick.

Dark chocolate truffles enhance the candy’s spicy profile, creating a sophisticated taste experience that layers complex flavors deliciously.

Storage Instructions for Cinnamon Rock Candy

• Layer candy pieces between parchment paper in an airtight container, keeping them cool and dry to preserve texture for up to 2 weeks.
• Store in sealed glass jar away from direct sunlight and humidity, maintaining crisp texture at room temperature for 5-7 days.
• Pack rock candy in freezer-safe container with wax paper separating layers, freeze up to 3 months without losing flavor intensity.
• Always include small silica gel packet inside storage container to absorb excess humidity and prevent candy from becoming sticky or soft.

Cinnamon Rock Candy Recipe

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4.8 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sweet crystals of Cinnamon Rock Candy sparkle with festive holiday spirit, promising delightful spicy warmth. Home bakers can craft these elegant treats with simple ingredients, creating magical sugar confections that wow family and friends.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 3 3/4 cups sugar
• 1 1/4 cups light corn syrup
• 1 cup water

Flavoring and Coloring:

• 1–2 teaspoons cinnamon oil
• 1 teaspoon red food coloring

Finishing Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• Butter (for greasing)

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Instructions

1. Prepare a 15x10x1-inch sheet cake pan by generously coating with butter. Layer parchment paper over the butter, then apply another butter layer to ensure effortless candy removal.
2. In a large saucepan, blend water, sugar, corn syrup, and red food coloring. Heat the mixture over medium-high temperature, stirring gently until sugar begins dissolving.
3. Secure a candy thermometer on the saucepan’s side, avoiding contact with the bottom. Allow the mixture to boil, monitoring closely until it reaches precisely 300°F, approximately 20 minutes.
4. Remove the molten mixture from heat. Carefully incorporate cinnamon oil, being mindful of potent fumes by ensuring kitchen ventilation.
5. Swiftly transfer the scorching liquid into the prepared pan, distributing evenly across the surface. Let the candy rest undisturbed for 4 hours, allowing complete solidification.
6. Sprinkle powdered sugar over the hardened surface. Invert the candy onto a cutting board, delicately peel away parchment paper, and fragment into bite-sized fragments using a knife or mallet.
7. Dust additional powdered sugar if desired. Carefully relocate the cinnamon rock candy pieces into an airtight container to preserve texture and prevent adhesion.

Notes

• Precise temperature control is crucial for achieving the perfect hard crack stage, so invest in a reliable candy thermometer to avoid crystallization or burning.
• Wear long sleeves and use caution when handling the hot sugar syrup, as it can cause severe burns if it splashes on your skin.
• Cinnamon oil is intensely strong, so add it sparingly and adjust to taste, starting with just a few drops and increasing gradually.
• For a gluten-free and allergen-friendly version, ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free and use pure cinnamon oil without any additional additives.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 678
• Sugar: 170 g
• Sodium: 1 mg
• Fat: 0 g
• Saturated Fat: 0 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 170 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 0 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg