Cinnamon Rock Candy 

Cinnamon Rock Candy is the ultimate old-fashioned holiday treat bright, bold, spicy, and unbelievably fun to make! With its festive red sparkle and crunchy crackle, this candy is perfect for Christmas treat bags, cookie trays, handmade gifts, and party favors. A little cinnamon oil goes a long way, giving each piece that warm holiday heat everyone loves.

Ingredients

• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup light corn syrup
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon oil (NOT extract much stronger)

Optional:

• Red food coloring
• Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

1. Prepare the setup
   Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
   Measure your cinnamon oil and food coloring before you begin you’ll need to work fast once the syrup hits temperature.
2. Heat the mixture
   In a heavy saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup, and water.
   Cook over medium heat, stirring until the sugar fully dissolves.
3. Cook to hard-crack stage
   Stop stirring once the sugar has dissolved.
   Attach a candy thermometer and continue cooking until the mixture reaches 300°F (150°C) the hard-crack stage. This usually takes 10–15 minutes.
4. Add flavor + color
   Remove from heat immediately.
   Stir in the cinnamon oil and a few drops of red food coloring if desired.
   (Expect bubbling totally normal!)
5. Pour and cool
   Pour the hot candy mixture onto the prepared pan and tilt to spread it into a thin layer.
   Let cool completely, about 30 minutes.
6. Break into pieces
   Once hardened, crack into pieces using your hands or a mallet.
   Dust with powdered sugar to keep pieces from sticking (optional but pretty!).

Variations

1. Peppermint Rock Candy
   Swap the cinnamon oil for peppermint oil. This version gives you a cool, icy bite great for winter candy bowls or pairing with hot cocoa.
2. Cherry Rock Candy
   Use cherry flavoring and a few drops of red or pink coloring. It creates a sweeter, kid-friendly version with a bright, fruity punch.
3. Orange Rock Candy
   Add orange oil and orange coloring for a citrusy twist. It tastes like sunshine and looks gorgeous on holiday dessert boards.

Cooking Notes

1. The mixture heats quickly in the final minutes watch your thermometer carefully to avoid burning.
2. High-altitude cooks may need to adjust temperatures slightly; hard-crack may occur a few degrees earlier.
3. Be extremely careful when adding the oil hot sugar can bubble aggressively when flavoring hits.

Serving Suggestions

1. Fill Holiday Gift Bags
   Wrap the colorful pieces in cellophane bags tied with ribbon for a cheerful homemade present.
2. Add to Dessert Trays
   Bright red shards add sparkle and variety to cookie platters, fudge assortments, and charcuterie-style dessert boards.
3. Crush and Use as Toppings
   Sprinkle crushed cinnamon candy over cupcakes, gingerbread, sugar cookies, or even ice cream for an extra festive pop of flavor.

Tips

1. Cinnamon Oil Strength
   Cinnamon oil is extremely potent 1 teaspoon creates a spicy candy. For kids or sensitive palettes, start with 1/2 teaspoon.
2. Use a Heavy Pot
   A thick, heavy-bottomed saucepan helps heat evenly so the sugar doesn’t scorch.
3. Store Correctly
   Keep candy in an airtight container to maintain its crisp texture for up to 3 weeks — moisture is its enemy!

Prep Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving approx. 1 oz)

• Calories: ~110
• Protein: 0g
• Sodium: 0mg

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use cinnamon extract instead of cinnamon oil?
   No extract isn’t strong enough for this recipe. You’d need far too much, which would affect texture.
2. Why did my candy turn sticky?
   Humidity or improper storage can cause sugar to soften. Keep it sealed tightly in a cool, dry place.
3. Do I need a candy thermometer?
   Yes! Hard-crack stage is key, and a thermometer ensures accuracy.
4. Can I double the recipe?
   Absolutely just use a larger pan and be ready to pour quickly since sugar cools fast.

Conclusion

This Cinnamon Rock Candy is the perfect festive treat bold, beautiful, budget-friendly, and easy enough for any home cook. Whether you’re gifting it, serving it, or nibbling it straight from the container, its holiday sparkle and spicy-sweet crunch will brighten every celebration. Want to create more candy-shop magic? Just swap the flavoring and keep the fun going!

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