Cinnamon Rock Candy Recipe
Get ready to ignite your taste buds with the bold, spicy-sweet thrill of Cinnamon Rock Candy! This nostalgic treat delivers a delightful crunch and a burst of warm cinnamon flavor, all wrapped up in a gorgeous ruby hue. Whether you grew up breaking candy into shards for the holidays or you’re making edible gifts from scratch for the first time, you’ll be amazed by how simple it is to create Cinnamon Rock Candy at home. With just a handful of pantry staples and a bit of kitchen magic, you’ll have a dish that brightens up any candy jar, dessert table, or gift basket.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be pleasantly surprised by how a few familiar ingredients come together to create something as spectacular as Cinnamon Rock Candy. Each element is carefully chosen: some for sweetness, others for structure, and, of course, that iconic cinnamon heat and brilliant red color.
- Granulated sugar: This is the backbone of our candy, giving it both sweetness and the crystallized crunch that everyone loves.
- Light corn syrup: Corn syrup keeps the sugar from crystallizing too early, ensuring the smooth glass-like texture of the finished candy.
- Water: Just a cup helps dissolve the sugar and jumpstarts the candy-making process.
- Cinnamon oil (not extract): The star of the show, this oil infuses the candy with intense spicy warmth—a little goes a long way!
- Red food coloring (optional): For that signature fiery look; you can leave it out, but the vivid color is half the fun.
- Powdered sugar: Tossing your shards in a dusting of powdered sugar prevents sticky pieces and adds a touch of elegance.
- Cooking spray or oil: Greasing the pan makes unmolding and breaking the candy into pieces a breeze and saves your knuckles.
How to Make Cinnamon Rock Candy
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Start by lightly greasing a 15×10-inch jelly roll pan, or, if you prefer, line it with parchment paper for extra-easy cleanup. This quick step will save you so much effort when you’re ready to break up the cooled candy later. Set the prepared pan aside on a level, heat-safe surface.
Step 2: Combine the Base Ingredients
In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, add your granulated sugar, light corn syrup, and water. Stir everything together over medium heat until the mixture is uniform and the sugar is fully dissolved. This initial mixing is key to preventing grainy candy later on.
Step 3: Heat to Hard Crack Stage
Once the sugar has dissolved, attach a candy thermometer to the side of the pan. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil. This part requires patience! Let the syrup bubble away, avoiding stirring at this stage, until it reaches 300°F on the thermometer (the hard crack stage). This is what gives Cinnamon Rock Candy its irresistible snap.
Step 4: Add the Cinnamon Oil and Color
Remove the pan from the heat the moment it hits temperature. Now, carefully stir in the cinnamon oil and red food coloring. A word of advice: the cinnamon oil is strong, so make sure your kitchen is well-ventilated to avoid watery eyes or a tickly throat. Swirl in the oil and coloring until the mixture becomes a shimmering sheet of fiery red.
Step 5: Pour, Cool, and Break
Quickly, while the candy is still hot and pourable, tilt the pan to spread it evenly into all four corners. Let the Cinnamon Rock Candy cool completely at room temperature—this will take 30 minutes to an hour. Once hard, use a mallet or the back of a heavy spoon to break the candy into bite-sized shards. It’s immensely satisfying!
Step 6: Finish with Powdered Sugar
To keep the pieces from sticking together, toss them in some powdered sugar until they’re lightly coated. Then, just shake off any excess and admire your sparkling, beautiful homemade Cinnamon Rock Candy.
How to Serve Cinnamon Rock Candy
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar is classic, but you can get creative! Try sprinkling edible glitter or crushed cinnamon sticks for a festive look, or nestle each candy shard into a mini cupcake liner for an extra-polished presentation.
Side Dishes
Serve Cinnamon Rock Candy alongside a mug of hot tea, coffee, or even hot chocolate—the warm drinks mellow out the spice and help the flavors pop. They also make a pretty addition to cookie platters, providing a spicy-sweet contrast to buttery shortbreads or chocolatey brownies.
Creative Ways to Present
Cinnamon Rock Candy makes gorgeous edible gifts! Package in clear cellophane bags tied with ribbon or tuck pieces into mason jars for a vintage touch. For parties, fill an apothecary jar or candy dish and let guests scoop out shards. They even look (and taste) incredible as cupcake toppers or cake decorations during the holidays.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Cinnamon Rock Candy in an airtight container at room temperature, and store it in a cool, dry place—humidity is the enemy of hard candy. If stored well, it will stay fresh and crunchy for up to two months.
Freezing
There’s no need to freeze Cinnamon Rock Candy, as it keeps well at room temperature and freezing can cause it to become sticky once thawed. In fact, exposing the candy to moisture is best avoided to preserve that signature brittle texture.
Reheating
Cinnamon Rock Candy doesn’t need reheating and is best enjoyed crisp right out of the jar. If a piece sticks together, simply separate it by gently tapping with a spoon or mallet. For extra crunch, you can pop it into the fridge for a few minutes before serving.
FAQs
Is cinnamon oil the same as cinnamon extract?
No, cinnamon oil is much more concentrated in flavor and heat than cinnamon extract. For Cinnamon Rock Candy, you need the oil to get a strong, true cinnamon flavor—extract won’t have the same effect and may not set correctly with the sugar syrup.
What if I don’t have a candy thermometer?
While a candy thermometer ensures the perfect hard crack stage, you can test by dropping a little of the syrup into cold water—it should instantly harden and crack when bent. Just be careful, as the sugar syrup is extremely hot!
Can I make Cinnamon Rock Candy without food coloring?
Absolutely! The red color is just for dramatic effect. If you skip it, your candy will be a lovely clear or amber shade, but the flavor will be just as intense and delicious.
Why did my candy turn sticky?
Stickiness usually happens if the candy wasn’t cooked to a high enough temperature or if it’s stored in a humid environment. Double-check the thermometer next time, and always keep your candies in an airtight, dry spot dusted with powdered sugar.
Can I use other flavors besides cinnamon?
Definitely! Once you’ve mastered this recipe, try using other candy oils like peppermint or lemon for a fun twist. The process is exactly the same—just swap out the flavoring.
Final Thoughts
Making your own batch of Cinnamon Rock Candy is a joyful kitchen adventure, and the rewards are as beautiful as they are delicious. If you love a candy with flair and flavor, don’t hesitate to give it a try—one crunchy, spicy bite will win you over! Share your creations, and bring a little homemade sparkle to your holidays or any day that needs a sweet, cinnamon kick.
Print
Cinnamon Rock Candy Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes (plus cooling time)
- Yield: About 1½ pounds 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free, Vegan
Description
Learn how to make delicious cinnamon rock candy at home with this simple recipe. Perfect for holiday treats or a sweet homemade gift!
Ingredients
Sugar Mixture:
- 3¾ cups granulated sugar
- 1½ cups light corn syrup
- 1 cup water
Flavoring and Coloring:
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon oil (not extract)
- ½ teaspoon red food coloring (optional)
Other:
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
- Cooking spray or oil (for greasing)
Instructions
- Prepare Pan: Lightly grease a 15×10-inch jelly roll pan or line it with parchment paper and set aside.
- Cook Sugar Mixture: In a large, heavy saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves. Attach a candy thermometer and cook to 300°F (hard crack stage).
- Flavor and Pour: Remove from heat, stir in cinnamon oil and food coloring. Pour into prepared pan.
- Cool and Break: Let candy cool, then break into pieces using a mallet. Dust with powdered sugar.
- Store: Store in an airtight container.
Notes
- Ensure good ventilation when adding cinnamon oil due to strong vapors.
- Store candy at room temperature in a dry place for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Candy
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3–4 small pieces
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
