Cinnamon Rock Candy is a classic, eye-catching treat that never fails to make a bold impression, with its vivid color and fiery, sweet crunch. Whether you’re making it for a holiday platter, a party favor, or simply to indulge your inner child, this nostalgic candy combines playful sparkle with that signature, warming cinnamon kick you can’t resist. Let’s dive into this joyful recipe and create a batch of Cinnamon Rock Candy you’ll want to share with everyone—though you might want to keep a secret stash for yourself!

Cinnamon Rock Candy Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of basic pantry staples to whip up homemade Cinnamon Rock Candy, but each ingredient is absolutely essential. From the glassy texture to the robust, spicy aroma, every component has its special job, so don’t skip or swap anything if you want that unforgettable, old-fashioned candy shop result.

Granulated Sugar: The backbone of the candy, giving it structure and that irresistible sweetness everyone loves.
Light Corn Syrup: Prevents the sugar from crystallizing, ensuring your Cinnamon Rock Candy stays beautifully clear and glossy.
Water: Helps dissolve the sugar and sets the stage for the syrup to reach the ideal consistency.
Cinnamon Oil: Provides a powerful, spicy cinnamon flavor—essential for getting that nostalgic candy shop zing!
Red Food Coloring (optional): Gives your cinnamon rock candy that signature fiery red hue, though you can have fun with other colors for different occasions.
Powdered Sugar (for dusting): Keeps the finished candy pieces from sticking together and adds a touch of frosty sweetness.

How to Make Cinnamon Rock Candy

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan

Start by lining a rimmed baking sheet (about 15×10 inches) with parchment paper, or give it a light coating of butter. This creates a smooth, nonstick surface for your molten candy, which makes both spreading and later breaking it up so much easier!

Step 2: Combine Ingredients and Dissolve

In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, mix together the granulated sugar, corn syrup, and water. Set it over medium heat, stirring often until all of the sugar is dissolved and the mixture looks clear and glassy. This patience now pays off in perfectly smooth Cinnamon Rock Candy later!

Step 3: Bring to Hard Crack Stage

Insert a candy thermometer into the pan and stop stirring. Let the syrup cook undisturbed until it reaches 300°F—the hard crack stage. This step determines your candy’s final crunch and snap, so keep an eye on the temperature and don’t wander off.

Step 4: Add Cinnamon Oil and Coloring

Once the syrup hits 300°F, pull the pan from the heat immediately. Carefully stir in the cinnamon oil and a few drops of red food coloring. Be cautious—this step can create some strong, aromatic steam, so avoid leaning directly over the pan!

Step 5: Pour, Cool, and Break

Without delay, pour the hot candy onto your prepared baking sheet and gently tilt the pan to spread the mixture out into an even layer. Allow it to cool completely at room temperature—no fridge shortcuts! When the candy is hard, use a kitchen mallet or the back of a spoon to break it into delightfully rustic pieces.

Step 6: Dust and Store

Finish by tossing your candy shards in a little powdered sugar to keep them from sticking. Store your Cinnamon Rock Candy in an airtight container, and it’ll stay crisp and delicious for weeks of snacking or sharing.

How to Serve Cinnamon Rock Candy

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar gives Cinnamon Rock Candy a snowy, magical finish, but you can also roll a few edges in extra cinnamon sugar if you want a little sparkle and spice on top. For a chic touch, tuck each piece into colorful cellophane wrappers or tie them in clear treat bags with a festive ribbon.

Side Dishes

Cinnamon Rock Candy truly shines on a holiday dessert platter alongside chocolate truffles, shortbread cookies, or creamy caramels. You can also pop a few pieces on top of scoops of vanilla ice cream, or pair them with mugs of hot chocolate for a sweet-and-spicy surprise.

Creative Ways to Present

For gifting, layer Cinnamon Rock Candy in mason jars or tall glass containers so every glimmering shard catches the light. For parties, scatter the pieces across a serving board with miniature marshmallows and dried fruit for a playful, edible centerpiece. You can even use them as edible stir sticks for mulled cider or hot toddies—just stick a piece on a cocktail skewer and watch your guests light up!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Cinnamon Rock Candy crisp and fresh by storing pieces in an airtight container at cool room temperature. It’ll easily last for a couple of weeks (even longer if you can resist snacking on it), so feel free to make a big batch in advance.

Freezing

While you technically can freeze Cinnamon Rock Candy, it’s not usually recommended. Candies like this can absorb moisture during thawing and lose their satisfying snap, so it’s best to make only what you’ll enjoy within a few weeks.

Reheating

If your candy does become a bit sticky or cloudy from humidity, spread the pieces on a parchment-lined tray and place in a warm, dry area for a few hours—just don’t heat it directly, or it may melt or become tacky. Powdered sugar can work wonders to refresh the surface.

FAQs

Can I use cinnamon extract instead of cinnamon oil?

Cinnamon oil is much more concentrated than extract and is what gives Cinnamon Rock Candy that intense, signature flavor. Using extract will result in a much milder and possibly uneven taste, so stick with cinnamon oil for best results.

What if I don’t have a candy thermometer?

While a thermometer is the most reliable way to hit the hard crack stage (300°F), you can test by dropping a little hot syrup into cold water—if it forms brittle threads that snap, you’ve reached the right stage!

Can I color the candy something other than red?

Absolutely! You can use any color food coloring you like—try green for holiday festivities or pastels for a spring party. Cinnamon Rock Candy is all about fun and flexibility.

Is this recipe safe for kids to help with?

While kids can help with prepping the pan or breaking up cooled candy, the syrup reaches extremely high temperatures, so adults should always handle the cooking and pouring steps for safety.

How can I make the candy less spicy?

The heat level comes from the cinnamon oil, so just use a little less if you prefer a more subtle, gently warming candy. Start with half a teaspoon and add more to taste.

Cinnamon Rock Candy: Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like homemade Cinnamon Rock Candy for adding a splash of nostalgia and vibrant flavor to your table. Whether you’re gifting, sharing, or secretly snacking, this simple recipe is sure to become a new tradition. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how easy and fun it is to create your own sparkling, spicy treats at home!

Cinnamon Rock Candy Recipe

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4.9 from 6 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes (plus cooling)
Yield: About 2 pounds 1x
Diet: Gluten-Free, Vegan

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Description

Indulge in the sweet and spicy delight of homemade Cinnamon Rock Candy. This crunchy, red-hued treat is bursting with cinnamon flavor, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth with a kick.

Ingredients

Scale

Sugar Mixture:

3 3/4 cups granulated sugar
1 1/4 cups light corn syrup
1 cup water

Additional Ingredients:

1 teaspoon cinnamon oil (or to taste)
Red food coloring (optional)
Powdered sugar (for dusting)

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Instructions

Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a 15×10-inch baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly butter it.
Cook Sugar Mixture: In a large saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, and water. Cook over medium heat until sugar dissolves. Continue cooking without stirring until the mixture reaches 300°F (hard crack stage).
Add Flavor and Color: Remove from heat and stir in cinnamon oil and red food coloring. Pour onto prepared sheet and let cool.
Break and Dust: Once hardened, break into pieces and dust with powdered sugar. Store in an airtight container.