There’s something so nostalgic about homemade rock candy. The moment you drop that first piece on your tongue, you’re instantly transported to childhood—warm kitchens, holiday gatherings, and that irresistible spicy-sweet flavor that lingers just long enough to make you reach for another piece. This cinnamon rock candy is everything you love about classic hard candy, but with an extra kick of warmth and boldness from cinnamon. Trust me, you’re going to love this!
Why You’ll Love Cinnamon Rock Candy
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re making a sweet treat for the holidays, gifting jars of candy to loved ones, or just indulging in a homemade candy experiment, this one is a winner. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile
Perfect for the holidays, birthdays, or just because. You can easily switch up the flavors and colors for any occasion!
Budget-Friendly
You only need a handful of pantry staples, making this an affordable homemade treat that looks (and tastes) like it came from a fancy candy shop.
Quick and Easy
No candy thermometer? No problem! This recipe keeps things simple and approachable while delivering that perfect hard candy crunch.
Customizable
Prefer a milder cinnamon flavor? Adjust the extract. Want a deeper red color? Add an extra drop of food coloring. This recipe is all about making it your own.
Crowd-Pleasing
A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single treat can satisfy everyone at the table. This cinnamon rock candy strikes the perfect balance between sweet and spicy, making it a universal favorite.
Ingredients
Ingredients in Cinnamon Rock Candy
Here’s the magic of this candy—it’s made with just a few simple ingredients, but the result is an explosion of flavor and crunch. Let’s break it down:
Granulated Sugar The foundation of any great candy. It melts down beautifully, creating that signature hard texture.
Light Corn Syrup Helps prevent crystallization, giving the candy a smooth, glassy finish.
Water Essential for dissolving the sugar and creating a perfectly balanced syrup.
Cinnamon Oil or Extract The star of the show! This gives the candy its bold, spicy kick.
Red Food Coloring Optional, but it makes the candy look as vibrant and festive as it tastes.
Powdered Sugar A light dusting keeps the candy from sticking together and gives it that classic frosted look.
Instructions
Prepare Your Equipment
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking. If you’re using a candy thermometer, have it ready to go.
Combine Ingredients
In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup, and water. Stir until the sugar dissolves, then stop stirring to avoid crystallization.
Bring to a Boil
Over medium-high heat, bring the mixture to a boil. If using a thermometer, let it reach 300°F (hard crack stage). If not, test by dropping a small amount in cold water—it should harden instantly and snap when broken.
Add Cinnamon Flavor
Once the mixture reaches the correct temperature, remove it from heat and quickly stir in the cinnamon oil or extract. Be careful—the cinnamon aroma will be strong! If using food coloring, add it now and stir until evenly distributed.
Pour and Set
Immediately pour the hot candy onto the prepared baking sheet. Tilt the pan slightly if needed to spread it out evenly. Let it cool completely.
Break into Pieces
Once fully hardened, break the candy into bite-sized shards using a mallet or the back of a spoon. Dust with powdered sugar to keep pieces from sticking together.
Store and Enjoy
Transfer your cinnamon rock candy to an airtight container and store at room temperature. Now, it’s time to enjoy the fruits of your candy-making skills!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 10-12
Calories per serving: Approximately 90 kcal
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
How to Serve Cinnamon Rock Candy
This candy is delicious on its own, but here are a few fun ways to enjoy it:
- Gift it in festive jars for a homemade holiday treat
- Crush it and sprinkle over cookies or cupcakes for a spicy-sweet topping
- Stir a piece into hot tea for a cinnamon-infused drink
- Pack it in lunchboxes for a nostalgic surprise
Additional Tips
- Use a deep saucepan to prevent bubbling over—it gets really hot!
- Be quick when adding cinnamon extract because it can evaporate quickly from the heat.
- If you don’t have a thermometer, use the cold water test to check for doneness.
- For a milder flavor, use less cinnamon oil—it’s potent!
- Let the candy cool completely before breaking it, or it may still be slightly chewy.
FAQ
Can I use ground cinnamon instead of cinnamon oil?
No, ground cinnamon won’t give the same intense flavor or smooth texture. Cinnamon oil or extract is the best choice.
How do I prevent my candy from sticking to the pan?
Use parchment paper or a lightly greased baking sheet. A nonstick silicone mat works great too!
Can I make this in different flavors?
Absolutely! Swap cinnamon oil for peppermint, cherry, or orange extract for a fun twist.
Why did my candy turn out chewy instead of hard?
It likely didn’t reach the hard crack stage (300°F). Make sure to heat it fully before removing from the stove.
How do I store cinnamon rock candy?
Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature. A light dusting of powdered sugar helps prevent sticking.
Can I use honey instead of corn syrup?
Corn syrup helps prevent crystallization, but honey may cause the candy to become grainy. Stick with corn syrup for the best results.
How long does cinnamon rock candy last?
Stored properly, it can last for several weeks to months without losing its crunch!
What’s the best way to break the candy into pieces?
Use a rolling pin, mallet, or the back of a spoon to gently crack it into shards.
Is cinnamon oil the same as cinnamon extract?
No, cinnamon oil is much stronger. If using extract, you may need a little more to achieve the same flavor.
Can I make this candy without food coloring?
Yes! The color is purely decorative. It will taste just as amazing without it.
Conclusion
Making cinnamon rock candy at home is a fun, rewarding experience that fills your kitchen with warmth and nostalgia. With just a few simple ingredients and a little patience, you can create a bold, spicy-sweet treat that everyone will love. So why not give it a try? Your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Cinnamon Rock Candy
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: About 1 ½ pounds of candy 1x
- Category: Candy / Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cinnamon Rock Candy is a festive, spicy-sweet treat with a vibrant red color and a crunchy texture. It’s perfect for holiday gifts or snacking, made by boiling sugar, corn syrup, and cinnamon oil to a hard candy stage, then breaking it into bite-sized pieces.
Ingredients
- 4 cups granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 cups light corn syrup
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon oil
- 1/2 teaspoon red food coloring
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease it.
- In a heavy saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar, corn syrup, and water. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
- Without stirring, bring the mixture to a boil and heat to 300°F (hard crack stage) using a candy thermometer.
- Remove from heat and quickly stir in cinnamon oil and red food coloring (be cautious of the strong fumes).
- Pour the hot candy onto the prepared baking sheet and let it cool completely.
- Once hardened, break into pieces using a mallet or the back of a spoon.
- Dust with powdered sugar to prevent sticking.
- Store in an airtight container.
Notes
- Cinnamon oil is much stronger than cinnamon extract; do not substitute.
- Work in a well-ventilated area when adding the cinnamon oil.
- Store in a dry place to prevent the candy from becoming sticky.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (approx. 15g)
- Calories: 50 kcal
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg