Description
Sweet cinnamon rock candy delivers a spicy-sweet crunch that delights taste buds with its nostalgic charm. Homemade confections like this classic treat connect generations through simple sugary pleasures you’ll savor with pure delight.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3.75 cups (887.5 ml) granulated sugar
- 1.5 cups (355 ml) light corn syrup
- 1 cup (237 ml) water
- 1 tsp (5 ml) cinnamon oil
- Red food coloring (optional)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
- Candy thermometer
- Large saucepan
- Heat-resistant spoon
- Baking sheet or large heatproof surface
- Parchment paper or silicone mat
Instructions
- Preparation: Layer a parchment-lined baking sheet with a light powdered sugar coating to create a non-stick surface for candy creation.
- Sugar Syrup Creation: Merge granulated sugar, corn syrup, and water in a heavy saucepan, gently heating until the mixture transforms into a translucent liquid with completely dissolved sugar crystals.
- Temperature Monitoring: Secure a candy thermometer to the pan’s side, allowing the liquid to reach a vigorous boil without additional stirring, maintaining a consistent heat until the syrup precisely reaches 300F (typically 20-25 minutes).
- Flavor Infusion: Remove the saucepan from heat and rapidly integrate cinnamon oil and red food coloring, exercising caution with potential steam and rapid bubbling.
- Candy Forming: Execute a controlled pour of the molten mixture onto the prepared sheet, tilting to distribute an even, thin layer across the surface.
- Cooling and Crystallization: Allow the candy to rest undisturbed at room temperature for approximately one hour, enabling complete solidification and developing its characteristic brittle consistency.
- Fragmentation and Finishing: Fracture the hardened candy into irregular, bite-sized pieces using a mallet or rolling pin, then delicately dust with powdered sugar to prevent adhesion and enhance visual presentation.
- Storage: Transfer the finished cinnamon rock candy to an airtight container, preserving its crisp texture and intense flavor for up to two weeks at ambient temperature.
Notes
- Prevent Sugar Crystallization: Stir gently when dissolving sugar to avoid creating sugar crystals that can ruin the candy’s smooth texture.
- Temperature Precision: Use a reliable candy thermometer and watch carefully, as even a few degrees can dramatically change the candy’s final consistency.
- Handle Hot Syrup Safely: Wear long sleeves and use protective gloves when working with molten sugar to prevent painful burns from potential splatters.
- Manage Flavor Intensity: Adjust cinnamon oil quantity to personal taste, starting with less and adding incrementally to control the spice level without overwhelming the sweetness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 13
- Calories: 88
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg