Cinnamon Rock Candy 🎄🍬

Looking for a treat that’s sweet, spicy, and perfect for the holidays? This Cinnamon Rock Candy is a festive favorite! It’s bright, bold, and has just the right amount of heat to warm you up during chilly days. Making this candy at home feels like creating a little Christmas magic. 🎅✨ My family loves it, and it makes the perfect gift when wrapped in pretty bags or jars!

Making rock candy is so much fun, especially with the bold cinnamon flavor. The vibrant red color screams holiday cheer, and the sweet-spicy balance makes it completely irresistible. It’s surprisingly easy, and the end result looks like a professional candy shop creation!

Why You’ll Love Cinnamon Rock Candy

This homemade candy is perfect for spreading holiday cheer. It’s packed with bold cinnamon flavor and has that signature crunch we all love. Plus, it’s a great way to make something unique and heartfelt for gift-giving. You can even make it with kids—it’s a festive activity that everyone enjoys!

What You’ll Need to Make Cinnamon Rock Candy

• 3 3/4 cups granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 cups light corn syrup
• 1 cup water
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon extract
• 1/2 teaspoon red food coloring (optional, for that festive touch)
• Powdered sugar for dusting

How to Make Cinnamon Rock Candy

1. In a heavy saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup, and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves.
2. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil without stirring. Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature. Heat until it reaches 300°F (hard crack stage).
3. Once it reaches 300°F, remove the pan from the heat and quickly stir in the cinnamon extract and food coloring. Be careful—the cinnamon aroma can be strong!
4. Pour the hot mixture onto a greased baking sheet or one lined with parchment paper. Let it spread out evenly.
5. Allow the candy to cool completely. Once hardened, use a mallet or the back of a spoon to break it into bite-sized pieces.
6. Dust the pieces lightly with powdered sugar to prevent sticking, and store them in an airtight container.

More Sides & Snacks:

• Homemade Cheese Sauce Recipe
• Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls
• Sticky Chicken Meatballs
• Refreshing Blueberry Mojito
• Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars

Fun Variations

For a milder flavor, try using vanilla or peppermint extract instead of cinnamon. You can also experiment with different food coloring to make candy in festive shades like green or gold. If you want a sparkling effect, sprinkle edible glitter over the candy while it’s still slightly warm!

Perfect for Gifting

Cinnamon Rock Candy makes an amazing homemade gift! Package it in clear bags with holiday ribbons or small jars with personalized labels. It’s thoughtful, delicious, and so festive. Your friends and family will love the spicy-sweet surprise!

FAQs

1. Can I use a different extract flavor?
   Yes! Peppermint, orange, or vanilla extracts work beautifully if you’re not a fan of cinnamon.
2. Why did my candy turn sticky?
   Humidity can make rock candy sticky. Make sure to store it in an airtight container and dust it with powdered sugar to help prevent sticking.
3. Can I make this without a candy thermometer?
   It’s possible, but a candy thermometer ensures precision. If you don’t have one, drop a little of the syrup into cold water. If it forms brittle threads, it’s ready!
4. How long does Cinnamon Rock Candy last?
   When stored properly in an airtight container, it can last up to 2 weeks.
5. Can I double the recipe?
   Yes, but work quickly to pour the mixture, as it hardens fast. Consider making two separate batches for easier handling.

Get ready to spread some holiday cheer with this crunchy, cinnamon-flavored treat. It’s easy to make and a joy to share! 🍬

Cinnamon Rock Candy 🎄🍬

Looking for a treat that's sweet, spicy, and perfect for the holidays? This Cinnamon Rock Candy is a festive favorite! It’s bright, bold, and has just the right amount of heat to warm you up during chilly days. Making this candy at home feels like creating a little Christmas magic. My family loves it, and it makes the perfect gift when wrapped in pretty bags or jars!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Chill Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 40 minutes mins

Servings 1.5 pounds

Ingredients

  

• 3 3/4 cups granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 cups light corn syrup
• 1 cup water
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon extract
• 1/2 teaspoon red food coloring optional
• Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

 

• Combine the ingredients:
• In a heavy saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup, and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves.
• Boil the mixture:
• Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil without stirring. Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature. Heat until it reaches 300°F (hard crack stage).
• Add flavor and color:
• Remove the pan from the heat and quickly stir in the cinnamon extract and red food coloring. Be cautious—the cinnamon aroma can be strong!
• Pour and cool:
• Pour the hot mixture onto a greased baking sheet or one lined with parchment paper. Let it spread out evenly. Allow the candy to cool completely.
• Break into pieces:
• Once hardened, use a mallet or the back of a spoon to break the candy into bite-sized pieces.
• Dust and store:
• Dust the candy pieces lightly with powdered sugar to prevent sticking, and store them in an airtight container.

Notes

• Storage: Keep candy in an airtight container to maintain its crunch. Dusting with powdered sugar helps prevent sticking.
• No Thermometer? Drop a bit of the syrup into cold water. If it forms brittle threads, it’s ready!
• Quick Work: This mixture hardens fast—be ready to pour as soon as you stir in the extract.