Cinnamon Rock Candy

Introduction

This cinnamon rock candy is the ultimate treat for anyone who loves a combination of sweet and spicy flavors. The holiday season is the perfect time to try making this candy, as it adds a festive touch to your candy collection. The bright red color, spicy cinnamon flavor, and crunchy texture make it a delightful gift or a sweet snack to enjoy during family gatherings. I made this recipe for the first time last year, and it became an instant hit with my friends and family. The sweet, spicy kick of cinnamon combined with the crispy candy texture was addictive, and everyone loved the festive red color. The best part? It’s simple to make and requires just a few ingredients! Let’s dive into the recipe and learn how to make this sweet and spicy treat.

Ingredients

For the candy:

• 1 cup water
• 3 3/4 cups sugar
• 1 1/4 cups light corn syrup
• 1 tsp red food coloring
• 1-2 tsp cinnamon oil (adjust for spice level)
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• Butter for greasing the pan

Instructions

Prepare the Pan:

1. Start by buttering a 15x10x1-inch sheet cake pan. Line it with parchment paper and butter the parchment paper well. This will make it easier to remove the candy later and prevent sticking.

Make the Candy Base:

2. In a large saucepan, combine the water, sugar, corn syrup, and red food coloring. Stir over medium-high heat until the sugar starts to dissolve. Be sure to stir frequently to prevent the sugar from burning at the bottom.

Heat to Hard Crack Stage:

3. Attach a candy thermometer to the side of the pan, making sure it doesn’t touch the bottom of the pan. Bring the mixture to a boil and heat it until it reaches 300°F (the hard crack stage). This should take about 20 minutes, so keep an eye on the temperature. If the mixture rises too close to the edge, remove the pan briefly from heat to prevent overflow.
4. Once the mixture reaches 300°F, immediately remove it from the heat. This is the perfect time to add the cinnamon oil, but be cautious—it’s very strong! Stir the cinnamon oil in carefully.

Pour and Cool:

5. Quickly pour the hot candy mixture into the prepared pan. Allow it to cool for at least 4 hours, or until it is completely set. Do not touch it during this time as the candy can be very hot when it’s freshly poured.

Break and Dust:

6. After the candy has cooled, dust the top with powdered sugar to prevent it from sticking to itself when broken into pieces.
7. Flip the candy onto a cutting board, peel off the parchment paper, and use a sharp knife to break it into bite-sized pieces. You can break it into large shards or smaller pieces depending on your preference.
8. Dust the pieces with more powdered sugar to ensure they don’t stick together.

Store:

9. Store the cinnamon rock candy in an airtight container to keep it fresh for as long as possible. It should stay crisp and crunchy if stored properly.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Servings: Varies (approximately 16-20 pieces depending on size)
• Calories per serving: 400 kcal (approximate, based on a standard serving size of 1 piece)
• Fat: 0g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 5mg
• Carbohydrates: 102g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 101g
• Protein: 0g

(Note: The calorie count can vary depending on how large you cut the pieces and how much powdered sugar you use for dusting.)

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 4 hours 40 minutes (including cooling time)

How to Serve

• As a Gift: Cinnamon rock candy makes a fantastic homemade gift. Package it in cute holiday gift bags or jars and give it to friends, family, or coworkers.
• As a Snack: Enjoy it as a spicy sweet treat on its own or with a warm cup of hot chocolate or tea.
• For Holiday Gatherings: This candy is perfect for sharing during holiday parties or family get-togethers. Its vibrant red color will look festive on any candy table.

Additional Tips

1. Be Careful with Cinnamon Oil: Cinnamon oil is potent and can be overwhelming if used too much. Start with 1 teaspoon and add more if you prefer a stronger flavor. Always stir it in slowly and carefully.
2. Watch the Temperature: The hard crack stage is crucial for getting the perfect texture. Make sure your candy thermometer is accurate, and remove the pan from heat immediately when it reaches 300°F.
3. Use Parchment Paper: Lining the pan with parchment paper and buttering it well makes it much easier to remove the candy after it’s set.
4. Storage: To keep the candy fresh, store it in an airtight container. Make sure the candy is completely cooled before storing it to prevent condensation from making it sticky.
5. Dust with Powdered Sugar: This helps prevent the pieces from sticking together. Be sure to coat both sides for easy handling and storage.

Recipe Variations

• Different Colors: You can experiment with different food coloring to create different holiday-themed candies. Green for Christmas or pink for Valentine’s Day, for example.
• Add More Spice: If you like a stronger cinnamon flavor, increase the amount of cinnamon oil or even add a pinch of ground cinnamon to the candy mixture.
• Make It Sparkly: To give your cinnamon rock candy an extra festive touch, sprinkle some edible glitter over the candy pieces before it fully sets.

Serving Suggestions

• With a Hot Beverage: Cinnamon rock candy pairs beautifully with hot drinks like tea, cider, or hot chocolate.
• As Part of a Candy Box: Combine this cinnamon rock candy with other homemade treats like fudge, caramel, or truffles to create a variety-filled holiday gift box.
• On a Dessert Table: This candy looks great as part of a dessert spread during the holidays. It adds a pop of color and a spicy-sweet flavor that complements other sweets like cookies and pies.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: While cinnamon rock candy doesn’t freeze particularly well because it can become sticky upon thawing, it can still be stored in the freezer if you need extra storage space. Be sure to place it in an airtight, freezer-safe container to prevent moisture from getting in.
• Storage: Keep the candy stored in an airtight container at room temperature. It should stay fresh and crispy for up to 2 weeks. If it starts to soften or stick together, dust it again with powdered sugar.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use ground cinnamon instead of cinnamon oil? You can, but ground cinnamon won’t give the same intensity of flavor or the smooth texture that cinnamon oil provides. If you do use ground cinnamon, add it at the same time as the sugar and syrup.

2. What can I do if the candy mixture overflows during cooking? If the candy mixture starts to rise too high, carefully remove it from the heat for a few seconds to let it settle before returning it to the heat.

3. How do I prevent the candy from sticking to the pan? Make sure to butter both the pan and the parchment paper well. The powdered sugar coating also helps prevent stickiness.

4. Can I add other flavors to the candy? Yes! You can experiment with different flavored oils like peppermint, wintergreen, or even orange to create unique variations of rock candy.

5. How do I know when the candy reaches the hard crack stage? Use a candy thermometer and wait until the temperature reaches 300°F. You can also test the candy by dropping a small amount into ice water; if it cracks and hardens immediately, it’s ready.

6. Is there a way to make this recipe less sweet? While this candy is meant to be sweet, you can reduce the sugar slightly or use less cinnamon oil to balance the flavors more to your liking.

7. Can I make this without food coloring? Yes, the candy will still taste great without food coloring. The red color is just for visual appeal.

8. Can I make a smaller batch? Yes, you can halve the ingredients to make a smaller batch, though be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly as the mixture may cook faster in a smaller quantity.

9. Is there an alternative to corn syrup? Corn syrup helps prevent crystallization, but if you need a substitute, you can use honey or golden syrup, though it may slightly affect the flavor and texture.

10. Can I use a different type of oil? Cinnamon oil is ideal for this recipe, but you could experiment with other types of candy oils like peppermint or clove oil to create a unique flavor profile.

Conclusion

Cinnamon rock candy is a simple yet delicious treat that combines the perfect balance of sweetness and spice. It’s perfect for the holidays, adding a festive and flavorful touch to any candy collection. Whether you’re gifting it to friends and family, serving it at holiday parties, or enjoying it as a special treat for yourself, this candy is sure to impress. With just a few ingredients and some careful attention to detail, you’ll have a crunchy, flavorful candy that everyone will love. So gather your ingredients, get your candy thermometer ready, and enjoy making this sweet and spicy holiday treat!

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