Description
Cinnamon Rock Candy is a sweet, spicy, and crunchy treat that packs a punch of flavor. This homemade candy is simple to make and offers a bold cinnamon flavor with a crunchy texture, making it a perfect gift or addition to your candy collection.
Ingredients
3 cups granulated sugar
1 cup water
1 tablespoon light corn syrup
1 teaspoon cinnamon extract
1 drop red food coloring (optional)
1 wooden skewer or string (for hanging the candy)
Instructions
- Prepare the Skewers: If using wooden skewers, dip them in water and then coat them with a little sugar. This helps the crystals form on the skewer later. If you’re using string, tie it to a pencil or stick for easy hanging.
- Make the Syrup: In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, water, and corn syrup. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally to ensure the sugar dissolves. Once the sugar has dissolved, stop stirring.
- Heat the Syrup: Let the syrup continue to boil until it reaches the hard crack stage, which is around 300°F (150°C) on a candy thermometer. This usually takes about 10-15 minutes.
- Add Flavor and Color: Once the syrup reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the heat. Stir in the cinnamon extract and, if desired, the red food coloring for a festive look.
- Pour and Cool: Carefully pour the syrup into a prepared dish or mold (if you’re making individual pieces) or let it cool slightly in the pan before dipping your skewer or string into the syrup. Be cautious as the syrup will be extremely hot.
- Set the Candy: Allow the candy to cool and harden. Once it has set, the candy will be rock-hard with a crunchy texture and intense cinnamon flavor.
- Enjoy: Once the candy is fully cooled, it’s ready to be enjoyed. If you made individual pieces, you can break them into smaller bits. If you made skewer or string candy, simply cut them into desired lengths.
Notes
- Ensure the syrup reaches the hard crack stage for the best texture.
- If you don’t have a candy thermometer, you can test the syrup by dropping a small amount into cold water to check if it hardens into a brittle texture.
- Store the candy in an airtight container at room temperature to prevent moisture from making it sticky.
- Kids can help with sugar coating or coloring but should avoid handling the hot syrup.
- You can try other flavor extracts, such as peppermint, vanilla, or lemon, to customize the candy to your liking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
- Category: Candy
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
