Magical Cinnamon Rock Candy Recipe for Sweet Homemade Treats

Sweet memories dance through kitchens when cinnamon rock candy becomes a delightful culinary adventure.

Childhood nostalgia sparks bright moments of crystalline sugar and warm spice.

Sugar transforms into gleaming jewels with careful heating and precise technique.

Crafting these crimson treats requires patience and steady hands.

Delicate threads of molten sugar stretch and cool into brilliant shards.

Fragrant cinnamon weaves magic through each transparent piece.

Gather your ingredients and let the candy-making magic begin.

You’ll love creating these sparkling cinnamon gems that crackle with sweet intensity.

Ingredients In Cinnamon Rock Candy

• Granulated Sugar: The primary sweetener that forms the foundation of the candy.
• Water: Helps dissolve sugar and create the syrup base.
• Corn Syrup: Prevents sugar crystallization and provides smooth texture.

• Ground Cinnamon: Adds warm, spicy flavor to the candy.
• Cinnamon Extract: Intensifies the cinnamon taste and aroma.

• Powdered Sugar, Ground Cinnamon: Creates a sweet and spicy outer layer that adds texture and extra flavor.

• Vegetable Oil: Ensures the candy does not stick to the baking sheet.
• Parchment Paper: Helps with setting and storing the finished candy.

How To Cook Cinnamon Rock Candy

Step 1: Prepare Baking Sheet With Oil

Completely coat a baking sheet with vegetable oil to ensure the candy does not stick during the cooking process.

Step 2: Create Sugary Syrup Base

• Granulated sugar
• Water
• Corn syrup

Stir gently until sugar dissolves smoothly and creates a uniform liquid.

Step 3: Cook Syrup To Hard Crack Stage

Insert a candy thermometer into the mixture and heat without stirring. Allow the syrup to reach exactly 300°F, which signals the hard crack stage. This process typically takes 10-15 minutes.

Step 4: Add Cinnamon Flavors

• Ground cinnamon
• Cinnamon extract

Create a uniform and aromatic mixture that will deliver bold cinnamon notes.

Step 5: Pour Candy Onto Baking Sheet

Carefully transfer the molten cinnamon syrup onto the prepared oiled baking sheet. Spread evenly and allow it to cool and solidify for 5-7 minutes.

Step 6: Break Candy Into Pieces

While the candy remains warm but not hot, use a clean kitchen tool to break or cut the hardened syrup into irregular, rustic pieces.

Step 7: Create Cinnamon Sugar Coating

• Powdered sugar
• Additional ground cinnamon

Prepare for coating the candy pieces.

Step 8: Coat Candy Pieces

Gently roll each candy piece in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, ensuring complete coverage and a delicate, sparkling finish.

Step 9: Set Candy To Dry

Transfer the coated cinnamon rock candy to a parchment-lined surface. Allow the coating to set completely and crystallize.

Step 10: Store Candy Properly

Place the finished candy in an airtight container. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Consume within one week for the best flavor and texture.

Tips To Nail Cinnamon Rock Candy

• Oil Baking Sheet Thoroughly: Use a pastry brush or paper towel to evenly spread vegetable oil across the entire surface, creating a non-stick barrier for easy candy removal.
• Monitor Candy Temperature Precisely: Invest in a reliable candy thermometer to accurately track the syrup's temperature, ensuring the perfect hard crack stage for crisp, brittle texture.
• Whisk Cinnamon Quickly: Add ground cinnamon and extract immediately after removing from heat, stirring swiftly to distribute flavors evenly and prevent burning.
• Break Candy Creatively: Use the back of a wooden spoon or clean kitchen hammer to create rustic, irregular pieces that add visual interest and artisanal charm.
• Store Strategically: Keep rock candy in a cool, dry place with parchment paper between layers to maintain crispness and prevent pieces from clumping together.

Variations For Cinnamon Rock Candy

• Spicy Cayenne Candy: Replace ground cinnamon with ground cayenne pepper for a fiery, intense heat that tingles the taste buds.
• Herbal Lavender Brittle: Swap cinnamon extract with lavender extract and add dried lavender buds for a floral, soothing alternative.
• Ginger Zinger Crack: Substitute cinnamon with ground ginger and ginger extract, creating a warm, spicy-sweet hard candy experience.
• Vegan Coconut Sugar Brittle: Use coconut sugar instead of granulated sugar and coconut oil for coating, offering a rich, caramel-like flavor profile.

Cinnamon Rock Candy Pairing Ideas

• Warm Chai Latte Pairing: Complement the candy's intense cinnamon profile with a creamy, spiced chai that echoes its warm, aromatic notes and creates a harmonious flavor experience.
• Crafted Cocktail Match: Crush the candy as a rim garnish for an old fashioned or whiskey-based cocktail, adding a sweet, spicy kick that transforms the drink's complexity.
• Holiday Hot Chocolate Fusion: Dissolve a piece of cinnamon rock candy into rich, dark hot chocolate, intensifying the warmth and creating a luxurious winter beverage indulgence.

How To Store Cinnamon Rock Candy

• Layer cinnamon rock candy pieces between parchment paper in an airtight container, keeping them fresh for up to 7 days in the refrigerator.
• Place candy in a sealed glass jar away from direct sunlight and humidity, maintaining quality for 5-6 days at cool room temperature.
• Wrap individual pieces in wax paper, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months without compromising taste or texture.
• Allow frozen or refrigerated candy to sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to restore original crispness and prevent condensation.

Cinnamon Rock Candy FAQ

• Is cinnamon rock candy hard to make at home?

Not at all! With a candy thermometer and careful attention, anyone can create this delicious treat in under an hour.

• What equipment do I need for this recipe?

You’ll need a heavy-bottomed saucepan, candy thermometer, baking sheet, and a whisk. Basic kitchen tools make this recipe simple and accessible.

• Can I adjust the cinnamon intensity?

Yes! Control the flavor by increasing or decreasing ground cinnamon and cinnamon extract. Start with the recommended amount and adjust to your taste preference.

• How do I know when the syrup reaches the right temperature?

Use a candy thermometer and look for 300°F (hard crack stage). The syrup will turn golden and become thick without burning.

Why Cinnamon Rock Candy Is So Fun

• Craft Homemade Delights: Create restaurant-quality cinnamon rock candy right in your kitchen without professional culinary skills.
• Master Candy Making Techniques: Learn professional candy-making methods that transform simple ingredients into gourmet treats with precise temperature control and strategic cooking techniques.
• Customize Sweet Sensation: Personalize the recipe by adjusting cinnamon intensity, experimenting with coating variations, or presenting as unique homemade gifts for special occasions.
• Quick Impressive Treat: Prepare a sophisticated dessert that requires minimal ingredients and delivers maximum flavor, perfect for surprising guests or satisfying sudden sweet cravings.

Cinnamon Rock Candy Recipe

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4.6 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sweet and sparkling Cinnamon Rock Candy brings nostalgic charm to dessert tables with its crystalline crunch and warm spice. Simple sugar techniques create magical crimson treats that dazzle guests and bring playful sweetness to homemade confections.

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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 tbsp ground cinnamon
• Vegetable oil (for greasing)

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Instructions

1. Prepare a baking sheet by thoroughly coating it with vegetable oil, ensuring complete coverage to prevent candy from sticking.
2. Combine granulated sugar, water, and corn syrup in a heavy-bottomed saucepan, stirring gently until sugar dissolves completely.
3. Position a candy thermometer in the mixture and heat without stirring, allowing the syrup to reach 300°F (hard crack stage), which typically takes 10-15 minutes.
4. Immediately remove the saucepan from heat and quickly whisk in ground cinnamon and cinnamon extract, creating a uniform, aromatic mixture.
5. Carefully pour the molten cinnamon syrup onto the prepared oiled baking sheet, spreading it evenly and allowing it to cool and solidify for approximately 5-7 minutes.
6. While the candy is still warm but not hot, use a clean kitchen tool to break or cut the hardened syrup into irregular, rustic pieces.
7. Mix powdered sugar and additional ground cinnamon in a shallow dish.
8. Gently roll each candy piece in the cinnamon-sugar coating, ensuring complete coverage and a delicate, sparkling finish.
9. Transfer the coated cinnamon rock candy to a parchment-lined surface to set completely, allowing the coating to adhere and crystallize.
10. Store in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking, and enjoy within one week for optimal flavor and texture.

Notes

• Choose a heavy-bottomed saucepan for even heat distribution and to prevent burning the sugar syrup during caramelization.
• Work quickly when adding cinnamon and pouring the syrup, as the mixture can rapidly cool and become difficult to manipulate.
• Wear heat-resistant gloves or use long-handled utensils to protect yourself from potential hot sugar splatters during preparation.
• Humidity can affect candy-making, so attempt this recipe on a dry day to ensure proper crystallization and prevent sticky results.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Candying
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 305
• Sugar: 63 g
• Sodium: 0 mg
• Fat: 0 g
• Saturated Fat: 0 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 76 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 0 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg