Simple & Sweet: Homemade Cinnamon Rock Candy Recipe

Sweet cinnamon rock candy brings pure childhood nostalgia racing back to my kitchen memories.

Sugar crystals sparkle like delicate winter gems waiting to form.

Crafting these crimson-hued treats requires patience and simple kitchen magic.

Childhood treats often carry powerful emotional connections that transport us instantly.

Delicate sugar structures emerge through careful temperature control and precise techniques.

Homemade confections like this connect generations through shared culinary experiences.

You can create these brilliant crimson crystals with just a few basic ingredients and some careful attention.

Each sweet shard promises a warm, spicy adventure that delights from first crunch to final melt.

Why Cinnamon Rock Candy Brings Sweet Nostalgia

• Quick Cinnamon Candy Crafting: Dive into a simple, fast recipe that transforms basic ingredients into a spicy, sweet treat without complex techniques.
• Minimal Kitchen Gear Needed: Requires only standard tools like a saucepan, baking sheet, and thermometer, making it accessible for home cooks of all skill levels.
• Customizable Spice Adventure: Adjust cinnamon intensity by playing with extract and ground cinnamon quantities, creating a personalized flavor profile that suits your taste preferences.
• Perfect Party Pleaser: Delivers a homemade confection that impresses guests, works great for holiday gifts, potlucks, and special celebrations with its unique, nostalgic cinnamon kick.

What Goes In To Make That Spicy Crunch

• Sugar: Provides the foundational sweetness and structure for the cinnamon candy.
• Water: Helps dissolve sugar and create the syrup base for the candy.
• Corn Syrup: Prevents sugar crystallization and ensures a smooth, glossy candy texture.

• Ground Cinnamon: Delivers a warm, spicy flavor and signature cinnamon taste to the candy.
• Cinnamon Extract: Intensifies the cinnamon flavor with a concentrated aromatic boost.

• Powdered Sugar, Granulated Sugar, Ground Cinnamon: Creates a sweet and spicy coating that adds texture and extra cinnamon flavor to the candy pieces.

• Silicone Mat or Parchment Paper: Provides a non-stick surface for cooling and setting the molten candy syrup.

How To Rock Candy Like Grandma Did

Step 1: Prepare Baking Surface

Line a rimmed baking sheet with a silicone mat or parchment paper to create a smooth surface for candy setting.

Step 2: Create Sugar Syrup

• Sugar
• Water
• Corn syrup

Stir gently over medium-high heat until sugar completely dissolves.

Step 3: Monitor Candy Temperature

Insert a candy thermometer and let the mixture boil without stirring. Watch the temperature carefully until it reaches 300°F (hard crack stage), which typically takes 10-12 minutes.

Step 4: Add Cinnamon Flavors

• Ground cinnamon
• Cinnamon extract

Ensure thorough and rapid incorporation of flavors.

Step 5: Spread Candy Mixture

Carefully pour the molten cinnamon syrup onto the prepared baking sheet. Tilt the pan to spread evenly and create a thin, uniform layer.

Step 6: Cool and Harden

Allow the candy to cool and solidify completely at room temperature for 30-45 minutes. Do not disturb the surface during cooling.

Step 7: Break Into Pieces

Once fully solidified, break the candy into irregular, rustic pieces using a knife handle or clean kitchen mallet.

Step 8: Create Coating Mixture

• Powdered sugar
• Granulated sugar
• Ground cinnamon

Step 9: Coat Candy Fragments

Roll each candy piece in the sugar-cinnamon mixture, ensuring complete and even coverage.

Step 10: Store Candy

Transfer coated candy pieces to an airtight container. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Store at room temperature.

Tips For Candy That Snaps Just Right

• Prevent Sticking: Line baking sheet with silicone mat or parchment paper for easy candy removal and clean surface.
• Monitor Temperature Precisely: Use a candy thermometer to reach exactly 300°F, ensuring perfect hard crack stage without burning.
• Whisk Quickly: Remove syrup from heat and rapidly incorporate cinnamon and extract to distribute flavors evenly and prevent burning.
• Spread Smoothly: Tilt baking sheet gently to create thin, uniform candy layer for consistent texture and even cooling.
• Handle with Care: Break hardened candy into rustic pieces using knife handle or kitchen mallet, then coat with sugar-cinnamon mixture for extra flavor.

Spins On Cinnamon Rock Candy To Try

• Spicy Chili Candy: Replace cinnamon with ground chili powder for a fiery, intense flavor kick that tingles the taste buds.
• Lavender Honey Brittle: Swap corn syrup with honey and add dried lavender buds for a delicate, aromatic candy experience.
• Vegan Maple Crunch: Use maple syrup instead of corn syrup and replace cinnamon extract with pure maple extract for a plant-based version.
• Ginger Spice Brittle: Incorporate finely ground ginger and a splash of ginger extract to create a warming, spicy-sweet treat with a zesty profile.

Perfect Pairings For That Sugary Kick

• Warm Beverage Companion: Brew a steaming mug of chai tea, whose spicy notes perfectly harmonize with the candy's intense cinnamon profile.
• Dessert Wine Match: Select a sweet port wine or late-harvest Riesling, whose fruity complexity balances the candy's sharp cinnamon heat.
• Cheese Board Enhancement: Serve alongside creamy aged gouda or mild blue cheese, creating a delightful contrast between sweet and savory elements.
• Espresso Accent: Enjoy with a shot of rich espresso, allowing the candy's warmth to mellow the coffee's robust intensity.

Store It Without Losing That Snap

• Place cooled candy pieces in an airtight container lined with parchment paper between layers, keeping away from moisture and heat for up to 2 weeks.
• Wrap individual candy fragments tightly in plastic wrap, then store in freezer-safe ziplock bags for maximum preservation up to 3 months.
• Keep candy in sealed container with tight lid, positioned in cool, dry space away from direct sunlight, maintaining freshness for 1-2 weeks.
• Dust extra powdered sugar-cinnamon mixture between candy pieces or separate layers with wax paper to avoid clumping during storage.

Candy Questions? You’re Covered

• What ingredients make this candy unique?

Ground cinnamon and cinnamon extract provide intense, warm flavor that distinguishes this candy from traditional hard candies, creating a spicy-sweet profile.

• How difficult is this recipe for home cooks?

This recipe requires precise temperature monitoring and careful handling of hot syrup, making it moderately challenging for intermediate home cooks with basic candy-making experience.

• Why is a candy thermometer crucial for this recipe?

A candy thermometer ensures the syrup reaches exactly 300°F (hard crack stage), which is critical for achieving the correct texture and preventing burning or undercooking.

• Can I substitute ingredients if I don't have exactly what's listed?

Use pure cinnamon extract if possible; artificial flavors might alter taste. Ground cinnamon should be fresh and high-quality for best results.

Cinnamon Rock Candy Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour (including cooling)
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Sweet cinnamon rock candy delivers a spicy-sweet crunch that sparks nostalgic memories of traditional confectionery. Homemade crystals shimmer with warm, intense flavor, inviting you to savor each delightful bite of this classic treat.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Candy Base:

• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 cup light corn syrup

Flavoring:

• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp cinnamon extract

Coating/Finishing:

• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp ground cinnamon

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Instructions

1. Line a rimmed baking sheet with a silicone mat or parchment paper, creating a smooth, even surface for candy setting.
2. Combine sugar, water, and corn syrup in a heavy-bottomed saucepan, stirring gently until sugar dissolves completely over medium-high heat.
3. Insert a candy thermometer and allow mixture to boil without stirring, watching temperature carefully until it reaches 300°F (hard crack stage), which typically takes 10-12 minutes.
4. Remove syrup from heat immediately and quickly whisk in ground cinnamon and cinnamon extract, ensuring thorough and rapid incorporation.
5. Carefully pour the molten cinnamon syrup onto prepared baking sheet, tilting pan to spread evenly and create a thin, uniform layer.
6. Allow candy to cool and harden completely at room temperature for approximately 30-45 minutes without disturbing the surface.
7. Once fully solidified, break candy into irregular, rustic pieces using the handle of a knife or a clean kitchen mallet.
8. Mix powdered sugar, granulated sugar, and additional ground cinnamon in a shallow dish.
9. Coat each candy fragment in the sugar-cinnamon mixture, ensuring complete and even coverage.
10. Transfer coated candy pieces to a clean, dry container, shaking off excess coating.
11. Store in an airtight container at room temperature, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Notes

• Always use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to prevent sugar from burning and ensure even heat distribution during candy making.
• Avoid stirring the sugar syrup once it starts boiling, as this can cause crystallization and ruin the smooth texture of the rock candy.
• Work quickly when adding cinnamon and extract to prevent the syrup from cooling and becoming difficult to pour evenly.
• Use a candy thermometer for precise temperature control, as reaching exactly 300°F is crucial for achieving the perfect hard crack stage.
• Create gluten-free and vegan versions by ensuring all ingredients are free from animal products and certified gluten-free.
• Experiment with different extract flavors like peppermint or vanilla for unique variations of rock candy.
• Store in a cool, dry place away from humidity to maintain the candy’s crisp texture and prevent stickiness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 202
• Sugar: 40 g
• Sodium: 0 mg
• Fat: 0 g
• Saturated Fat: 0 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 51 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 0 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg