Looking for a sweet treat that packs a punch? Cinnamon Hard Candy is the perfect blend of fiery cinnamon and sugary sweetness, making it a festive favorite for the holidays or any time you want to spice things up. This homemade candy is easier to make than you’d think and creates a fun, nostalgic experience that will have you reminiscing about classic candy shop goodies.
What makes this recipe stand out is its bold cinnamon flavor. Infused with a hint of spice and that signature warmth, each piece feels like a mini explosion of holiday cheer. Pair it with a comforting cup of hot chocolate for the coziest treat or enjoy it alongside cinnamon rolls for a double dose of cinnamon bliss.
These candies are also ideal for gifting—tuck them into a jar, tie them with a ribbon, and you’ve got a homemade gift that everyone will love. Whether you’re indulging solo or sharing with loved ones, this candy is pure joy in every bite.
Why This Is My Go-To Recipe?
- Quick and simple: Just a few ingredients and steps to create magic.
- Holiday spirit in candy form: The warm cinnamon flavor screams festive vibes.
- Perfect for gifting: Thoughtful, homemade, and oh-so-delicious.
- Customizable: Adjust the spice level to suit your taste buds.
- Lasts for weeks: Keep it in an airtight container, and it’s ready for whenever cravings strike.
Sweet, spicy, and everything nice, this Cinnamon Hard Candy will quickly become a favorite addition to your holiday traditions.
Cinnamon Hard Candy Recipe
Equipment
- 3.5-quart saucepan
- Candy Thermometer
- Baking sheet
- Heavy-duty foil
- Non-stick cooking spray
- Kitchen mallet or heavy-bottomed measuring cup
- Measuring spoons
- Stirring spoon
Ingredients
- 3 3/4 cups sugar
- 1 1/4 cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon oil add another 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon oil for extra spicy
- 2/3 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- In a saucepan, heat sugar, corn syrup, and water over medium heat until the sugar dissolves.
- Increase heat to high and boil until the mixture reaches 300°F (hard crack stage).
- Remove from heat and stir in food coloring and cinnamon oil.
- Pour the hot candy mixture onto a foil-lined baking sheet.
- Let it cool completely.
- Once cooled, break it into pieces using a kitchen mallet.
- Sprinkle the pieces with powdered sugar.
Nutrition Info:
| Nutrition | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 160kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 42g |
| Sodium | 5mg |
| Fat | 0g |
| Protein | 0g |
| Sugar | 42g |
Variations You Will Love Trying!
- Extra Cinnamon Spice
For a spicier kick, you can increase the cinnamon oil to 1 1/2 teaspoons, as mentioned in your instructions. Be cautious when adding more, as cinnamon oil is quite potent. - Color Variations
Though this recipe uses red food coloring, feel free to experiment with different colors. For a festive touch, try using green or even multicolored layers. - Infuse with Other Flavors
You can substitute cinnamon oil with other flavor oils, such as peppermint or wintergreen, to create different flavored rock candies. - Prevent Sticking
If the candy is too sticky to handle, dust your hands with powdered sugar when breaking it into pieces. - Storage Tips
Store the candy in an airtight container to keep it fresh. To prevent pieces from sticking together, line the container with parchment paper between layers. - Finer Powdered Sugar Coating
If you prefer a lighter dusting of powdered sugar, use a fine mesh strainer to sift it over the candy pieces. - For a Softer Candy
If you prefer a slightly softer texture (like a taffy), lower the boiling temperature to around 275°F for a chewy result. - Candy Molds
If you’d like to make the candy into specific shapes, pour the hot candy mixture into silicone candy molds instead of spreading it on a baking sheet.
This cinnamon candy is wonderfully spicy and sweet, perfect for gift-giving or enjoying with a warm beverage!
