There’s something magical about homemade candy during the holidays, and this Cinnamon Rock Candy delivers just that. Sweet with a fiery kick of cinnamon, it’s the perfect festive treat to share (or savor all to yourself!). With its bright red hue and nostalgic crunch, this candy not only tastes incredible but looks stunning as part of a holiday spread or gift basket.
Ready to make your home smell like Christmas magic? Let’s dive in! And don’t forget to subscribe to my blog for more holiday-inspired recipes delivered straight to your inbox.
Why You’ll Love Cinnamon Rock Candy
1. Festive and Fun:
The bold red color and spicy cinnamon flavor make this candy a standout for the holidays.
2. Easy to Customize:
Adjust the spice level to your liking—mildly warm or irresistibly fiery!
3. Perfect for Gifting:
Beautiful, delicious, and easy to package, this candy makes a thoughtful homemade gift.
4. Long Shelf Life:
Stored properly, it lasts for weeks, making it an excellent make-ahead treat.
What Does Cinnamon Rock Candy Taste Like?
Think of a fiery cinnamon hard candy that melts on your tongue. This recipe has a delightful balance of sweetness from the sugar and corn syrup, paired with the unmistakable warmth of cinnamon oil. It’s bold, bright, and oh-so-addictive!
Ingredients for Cinnamon Rock Candy
- 1 cup water
- 3 ¾ cups sugar
- 1 ¼ cups light corn syrup
- 1 tsp red food coloring
- 1-2 tsp cinnamon oil (adjust for spice preference)
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar (for dusting)
- Butter (for greasing the pan)
Tools You’ll Need
- 15x10x1-inch sheet cake pan
- Parchment paper
- Candy thermometer (a must for precise results)
- Large saucepan
- Wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula
- Knife or hammer (for breaking the candy into pieces)
Ingredient Additions and Substitutions
- Other Extracts: Swap cinnamon oil for peppermint, clove, or orange for different holiday flavors.
- Color Options: Use green or white food coloring for festive variety.
- Flavor Infusions: Add a dash of nutmeg or allspice for a more complex flavor profile.
How to Make Cinnamon Rock Candy
1. Prepare the Pan
Butter your 15x10x1-inch sheet cake pan, line it with parchment paper, and generously butter the parchment paper to ensure easy release.
2. Make the Candy Base
In a large saucepan, combine water, sugar, light corn syrup, and red food coloring. Stir over medium-high heat until the sugar starts to dissolve.
3. Heat to Hard Crack Stage
Attach a candy thermometer to the pan. Bring the mixture to a boil, letting it heat to 300°F (hard crack stage). This will take about 20 minutes—be patient, and don’t stir as it heats. If the mixture threatens to overflow, briefly remove it from the heat.
4. Add Cinnamon
Once the mixture reaches 300°F, remove it from the heat. Carefully stir in the cinnamon oil (it’s potent, so watch out for strong fumes!). Quickly pour the mixture into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Allow it to cool for at least 4 hours.
5. Break and Dust
Once the candy has completely cooled, dust the top with powdered sugar. Flip the candy onto a cutting board, peel off the parchment, and use a knife or hammer to break it into bite-sized pieces. For extra flair, dust the pieces with more powdered sugar.
6. Store
Transfer the candy to an airtight container and store it at room temperature. It will stay fresh and crunchy for up to 3 weeks.
What to Serve with Cinnamon Rock Candy
- Holiday Dessert Platters: Pair it with cookies, fudge, or peppermint bark for a colorful spread.
- Hot Beverages: Serve alongside tea, coffee, or hot cocoa for a sweet treat with your drink.
- Cocktail Garnishes: Use as a striking garnish for holiday cocktails or mocktails.
Tips for Making Cinnamon Rock Candy
- Use a Candy Thermometer: Precision is key for candy-making, so don’t skip this tool.
- Handle Cinnamon Oil with Care: It’s strong—use sparingly and avoid skin contact.
- Don’t Stir While Heating: Stirring during the boiling process can cause crystallization.
- Cool Completely: Rushing this step can result in sticky candy that’s difficult to break.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I make this candy without a candy thermometer?
A: While possible, a candy thermometer ensures accuracy. Alternatively, you can test the mixture by dropping a bit into ice water—it should form hard, brittle threads.
Q: Can I use cinnamon extract instead of cinnamon oil?
A: Cinnamon oil provides a stronger flavor, but you can substitute extract—just use 2-3 times the amount.
Q: Why is my candy sticky?
A: Humidity can cause stickiness. Be sure to cool the candy fully and store it in an airtight container with powdered sugar.
Conclusion
This Cinnamon Rock Candy is the perfect addition to your holiday festivities. Its vibrant red hue, sweet-and-spicy flavor, and satisfying crunch make it a treat everyone will love. Plus, it’s a joy to make and share!
If you’re ready to spread some holiday cheer, whip up a batch of this candy today—and don’t forget to share your creations on Pinterest or tag me on Instagram! Looking for more festive sweets? Check out my recipes for Peppermint Bark or Old-Fashioned Peanut Brittle.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Fat: 0g
- Carbs: 104g
- Protein: 0g
- Sugar: 98g
Make sweet memories this holiday season! ❤️
