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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Line a rimmed baking sheet with a silicone mat or parchment paper, creating a smooth, even surface for candy setting.
- Combine sugar, water, and corn syrup in a heavy-bottomed saucepan, stirring gently until sugar dissolves completely over medium-high heat.
- 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.
- Remove syrup from heat immediately and quickly whisk in ground cinnamon and cinnamon extract, ensuring thorough and rapid incorporation.
- Carefully pour the molten cinnamon syrup onto prepared baking sheet, tilting pan to spread evenly and create a thin, uniform layer.
- Allow candy to cool and harden completely at room temperature for approximately 30-45 minutes without disturbing the surface.
- Once fully solidified, break candy into irregular, rustic pieces using the handle of a knife or a clean kitchen mallet.
- Mix powdered sugar, granulated sugar, and additional ground cinnamon in a shallow dish.
- Coat each candy fragment in the sugar-cinnamon mixture, ensuring complete and even coverage.
- Transfer coated candy pieces to a clean, dry container, shaking off excess coating.
- 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