If you’re looking to wow your taste buds and impress absolutely everyone at the next holiday gathering, you have to give this Cinnamon Rock Candy a whirl. This fiery red, sweet treat is the ultimate nostalgic candy — crunchy, jewel-toned, and infused with that unmistakable spicy cinnamon burst. It’s the kind of recipe that fills your kitchen with festive aromas, takes just a handful of common pantry staples, and delivers vibrant, beautiful candy shards perfect for gifting or enjoying all on your own. Get ready to fall in love with Cinnamon Rock Candy in a whole new way!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Making Cinnamon Rock Candy is all about starting simple — every ingredient has a starring role in creating its unforgettable crunch, bold color, and spicy-sweet flavor. Whether you want to decorate a cookie platter or just relive a childhood favorite, these ingredients work together to create pure homemade magic.
- Granulated Sugar (3 ¾ cups): Gives the candy its smooth texture and the signature glass-like crunch.
- Light Corn Syrup (1 ¼ cups): Prevents crystallization and helps develop that perfect hard candy finish.
- Water (1 cup): Dissolves the sugar and corn syrup so everything cooks evenly for flawless results.
- Cinnamon Oil (1 teaspoon, or to taste): Provides that unmistakable, intense kick of cinnamon — use sparingly for best results!
- Red Food Coloring (optional): Delivers the classic fiery color, though you can leave it out for a more natural appearance.
- Powdered Sugar (for dusting): Keeps the candy from sticking and adds a delicate, pretty finish to each piece.
How to Make Cinnamon Rock Candy
Step 1: Prepare the Pan
Begin by lining a 9×13-inch baking dish with foil, making sure the foil comes up the sides for easy candy removal later. Lightly grease the foil so your hard candy releases effortlessly (a bit of nonstick spray or a swipe of vegetable oil works perfectly). This key step keeps your Cinnamon Rock Candy shards looking crisp and beautiful right out of the pan.
Step 2: Combine Sugar, Corn Syrup, and Water
In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, mix together your granulated sugar, light corn syrup, and water. Stir this trio over medium heat until the sugar granules are fully dissolved. At this stage, a gentle hand ensures a smooth base for your Cinnamon Rock Candy and prevents those pesky sugar crystals from forming.
Step 3: Cook the Mixture to Hard Crack Stage
Attach a candy thermometer securely to the side of your pan — accuracy is the secret to perfect rock candy! Raise the heat to medium-high and allow the mixture to bubble away, resisting the urge to stir. Patience is rewarded here: Once the temperature hits 300°F (the hard crack stage), you’re ready to move to the next step. This usually takes about 25–30 minutes.
Step 4: Add Cinnamon Oil and Color
Working quickly, remove your pan from the heat the moment you hit 300°F. Immediately stir in the cinnamon oil and a few drops of red food coloring (if desired). Be ready — the mixture will bubble and release some powerful aromas! Stir carefully to ensure an even burst of flavor and color throughout your Cinnamon Rock Candy base.
Step 5: Pour and Cool
Pour the hot candy mixture into your prepared baking dish, tilting gently if needed so it spreads to all corners. Let the candy cool completely at room temperature — about 1 hour. Resist the urge to touch it; this is when your candy sets up into those signature glossy, hard slabs.
Step 6: Break and Dust
Once your slab is fully cooled and hardened, lift it out of the pan and use a mallet or the back of a heavy spoon to break it into small, rustic pieces. Toss the shards in powdered sugar to prevent sticking — now, your Cinnamon Rock Candy is ready to enjoy and share!
How to Serve Cinnamon Rock Candy
Garnishes
For an extra-festive look, sprinkle a little more powdered sugar over your Cinnamon Rock Candy just before serving. You might also add a dusting of edible glitter or tuck a few cinnamon sticks onto the plate for beautiful presentation. If you want, wrap individual pieces in clear cellophane and tie with ribbon for sweet party favors.
Side Dishes
Cinnamon Rock Candy is a cheerful companion to all sorts of treats. Serve it alongside mugs of hot cocoa, spiced cider, or strong coffee to balance its heat with rich, cozy flavors. For a dessert buffet, pair shards with bowls of vanilla ice cream — the contrast of hot and cold, spicy and creamy, is irresistible!
Creative Ways to Present
Layer pieces of Cinnamon Rock Candy in mason jars, tie with a pretty ribbon, and you have a show-stopping homemade gift. Try pressing candy shards lightly into cupcakes or frosted cakes for a playful topping, or use them to garnish cocktails for dramatic flair. The dazzling color and sparkle make it the star of any sweets table year-round.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any extra Cinnamon Rock Candy in an airtight container at room temperature, tucked away in a cool, dry spot. This helps maintain its signature crunch and spiciness for up to two weeks. Layering parchment or wax paper between layers prevents sticking and keeps the candy looking pristine.
Freezing
While Cinnamon Rock Candy generally doesn’t need freezing for long-term storage, you can freeze it if you’d like to make it far ahead. Place the pieces in an airtight, freezer-safe container and separate layers with wax paper. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature (still in the container) to prevent condensation, which could make the candy sticky.
Reheating
Cinnamon Rock Candy is best enjoyed as is and doesn’t require reheating. However, if your candy feels sticky, simply toss the pieces in a bit more powdered sugar to restore their crispness. Always avoid exposing the candy to heat or moisture, as it could cause melting or loss of texture.
FAQs
Can I use cinnamon extract instead of cinnamon oil in Cinnamon Rock Candy?
For this recipe, stick with cinnamon oil — it’s much more concentrated than extract and delivers that bold, spicy punch you want in Cinnamon Rock Candy. While you technically could use extract in a pinch, the flavor will be much milder and might get lost in the sweetness.
How do I know when the candy mixture has reached the hard crack stage?
A candy thermometer is your best friend here! You’re looking for a temperature of 300°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, drop a spoonful of the syrup into a glass of cold water — it should harden instantly and break with a snap.
Is it safe to make Cinnamon Rock Candy with kids?
Since the syrup reaches extremely high temperatures, this recipe is best suited for adults or for older children with plenty of supervision. Let little helpers handle the breaking, tossing with powdered sugar, or creative packaging once the candy is fully cool.
Can I swap out the cinnamon oil for different flavors?
Absolutely! While Cinnamon Rock Candy is a classic, you can swap in peppermint oil, clove oil, or even citrus oils for new flavor adventures. Just remember: always use oil-based flavors and start with small amounts — these oils are incredibly potent!
Why is my Cinnamon Rock Candy sticky or cloudy?
If your candy turns out sticky, it may not have reached the proper temperature before pouring. Always ensure you reach 300°F (hard crack stage), and toss the finished pieces well in powdered sugar to absorb any excess moisture. Cloudiness can happen if the sugar wasn’t fully dissolved or if the mixture was stirred after it started boiling.
Final Thoughts
Cinnamon Rock Candy is pure, old-fashioned fun — spicy, sweet, and delightfully crunchy, with a glow that’s sure to brighten any celebration. Whether you’re sharing it as a heartfelt gift or sneaking a piece straight from the jar, this recipe might just become a new family favorite. Trust me: try making a batch of Cinnamon Rock Candy and see how quickly it disappears!
Print
Cinnamon Rock Candy Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes (includes cooling)
- Yield: About 2 pounds of candy
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the sweet, spicy goodness of homemade Cinnamon Rock Candy. This hard candy is infused with the warm flavor of cinnamon and makes for a delightful treat or a charming holiday gift.
Ingredients
Granulated Sugar:
3 ¾ cups
Light Corn Syrup:
1 ¼ cups
Water:
1 cup
Cinnamon Oil:
1 teaspoon (or to taste)
Red Food Coloring:
Optional
Powdered Sugar:
For dusting
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Dish: Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with foil and grease it.
- Combine Ingredients: In a saucepan, mix sugar, corn syrup, and water. Heat until sugar dissolves.
- Cook Candy: Attach a thermometer and cook to 300°F without stirring.
- Add Flavor: Remove from heat, stir in cinnamon oil and food coloring.
- Pour and Cool: Pour into pan, cool for 1 hour, then break into pieces.
- Dust with Sugar: Toss pieces in powdered sugar to prevent sticking.
Notes
- Cinnamon oil is potent; use in a ventilated area.
- Store candy airtight at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
- Experiment with other flavors like peppermint or clove.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4–5 small pieces
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
