The Best Homemade Cinnamon Hard Candy Recipe for Sweet Moments

Crafting sweet memories starts with this delightful cinnamon hard candy recipe that packs a spicy punch.

Homemade candies bring nostalgic warmth to any kitchen gathering.

The crisp, fiery flavor of cinnamon transforms simple ingredients into a spectacular treat.

Sugar bubbles and crystallizes, creating a mesmerizing dance of culinary magic.

Precision matters when brewing these vibrant red confections that snap and crackle with intense heat.

Each piece promises a bold, tongue-tingling experience that connects generations through a shared love of traditional sweets.

Prepare to savor every spicy, sparkling moment of this classic candy adventure.

FAQs

• What is the hard crack stage in candy making?

The hard crack stage is when sugar syrup reaches 300-310°F, creating a brittle, glass-like texture that snaps when broken, perfect for making hard candies.

• Why use a candy thermometer for this recipe?

A candy thermometer ensures precise temperature control, which is critical for achieving the right sugar crystallization and preventing burning or undercooking.

• Can I substitute cinnamon oil with ground cinnamon?

No, cinnamon oil provides intense flavor and is specifically designed for candy making, while ground cinnamon won’t dissolve properly and can affect the candy’s texture.

• How do I prevent the hot sugar mixture from burning?

Stir regularly, use medium-high heat after the initial boiling, and remove from heat immediately when the thermometer reaches 310°F to prevent burning.

Hot Cinnamon Hard Candy: Spice Up Snack Time

• Dive into a bold cinnamon candy experience that packs a punch of flavor and warmth in every bite.
• Create professional-looking hard candies at home with simple ingredients and basic kitchen tools, perfect for aspiring home confectioners.
• Whip up a delightful treat in just a few steps, transforming basic pantry ingredients into a spectacular homemade candy that impresses family and friends.
• Craft a unique, personalized gift that shows off your culinary skills and brings a touch of homemade love to special occasions or holiday gatherings.

Ingredients Needed for Cinnamon Hard Candy

• Sugar: The primary sweetener that forms the base of the hard candy.
• Corn Syrup: Helps prevent sugar crystallization and creates a smooth, glossy texture.

• Cinnamon Oil: Provides the intense, spicy hot cinnamon flavor characteristic of the candy.
• Red Food Coloring: Gives the candy its vibrant red appearance and enhances visual appeal.

• Butter: Used for greasing baking sheets to prevent sticking and facilitate easy candy removal.
• Pizza Wheel: Helps in scoring the cooling candy to create clean, even break lines.

Candy-Making Equipment and Tools

• Candy Thermometer: Essential for precisely monitoring sugar temperature during cooking.
• Large Pot: Needed for mixing and heating sugar syrup to correct temperature.
• Wooden Spoon or Heat-Resistant Spatula: Perfect for stirring mixture without scratching pot.
• Baking Sheets: Two buttered sheets for cooling and setting the hot candy.
• Pizza Wheel: Used to score lines in cooling candy for easy breaking.
• Butter: For greasing baking sheets and preventing candy from sticking.
• Measuring Cups: For accurately measuring sugar and corn syrup.

Making Hot Cinnamon Candy Step by Step

Step 1: Butter Your Baking Sheets

Grab two baking sheets and slather them generously with butter.

Make sure every inch is coated to prevent the candy from sticking.

Set these prepared sheets aside and get ready for some sweet candy magic.

Step 2: Create Sugar Base

Combine sugar and corn syrup in a large pot.

Crank the heat to high and bring the mixture to a rolling boil.

Cover the pot and let it bubble away for 3 minutes, creating a sweet foundation for your candy.

Step 3: Cook to Perfection

Remove the lid and lower the heat to medium-high.

Stir constantly as the mixture heats up.

Watch your candy thermometer carefully – you’re aiming for the magical hard crack stage between 300-310°F.

This is where sugar transforms into crisp, beautiful candy.

Step 4: Bring on the Color

Once you hit 310°F, pull the pot off the heat.

Add red food coloring and mix thoroughly.

Swirl and stir until the mixture looks like a vibrant crimson dream, spreading color evenly throughout the candy base.

Step 5: Infuse with Cinnamon Kick

Let the mixture cool for a moment.

Carefully add cinnamon oil, stirring gently to avoid splashing.

The steam might be intense, so move slowly and deliberately.

The spicy aroma will start to fill your kitchen.

Step 6: Shape Your Candy Creation

Pour the molten candy into your buttered baking sheets.

Grab a buttered pizza wheel and score lines across the surface to create break points.

Allow the candy to cool and set for 30-60 minutes.

Once cooled, break along the scored lines into individual pieces of spicy, sweet goodness.

Candy Tips for Bold Cinnamon Flavor

• Use a pastry brush or paper towel to spread butter evenly, ensuring no dry spots for easy candy removal.
• Invest in a reliable candy thermometer and watch carefully, as just a few degrees can change the entire texture of your hard candy.
• Wear long sleeves and use oven mitts when adding cinnamon oil to prevent potential burns from hot sugar mixture.
• Allow candy to cool completely before breaking along score lines, using gentle pressure to create clean, even pieces.
• Keep finished candy in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain crisp texture.

Cinnamon Candy Variations and Shapes

• Spicy Chili Candy: Replace cinnamon oil with chili extract for a fiery, bold candy with a kick.
• Herbal Mint Variation: Swap cinnamon oil for peppermint extract, creating a cool, refreshing hard candy with green food coloring.
• Lavender Honey Hard Candy: Use honey instead of corn syrup and add lavender extract for a sophisticated, floral flavor profile.
• Ginger Zest Treat: Substitute cinnamon oil with ground ginger and add a touch of orange zest for a warm, citrusy hard candy experience.

Serving Suggestions for Cinnamon Candy

Festive Flavor Party: Perfect ways to enjoy and share this spicy sweet treat!

• Gifting Delight: Package these crunchy cinnamon candies in clear cellophane bags tied with festive ribbons for homemade holiday gifts that sparkle with personal touch.
• Cocktail Companion: Crush some candies and rim martini or hot toddy glasses for an extra zingy cinnamon kick that transforms ordinary drinks into extraordinary experiences.
• Dessert Decorator: Crush the candies into small pieces and sprinkle over vanilla ice cream, cheesecake, or apple pie to add a spicy-sweet crunch that elevates classic desserts.
• Coffee Enhancer: Stir a piece of this cinnamon hard candy into hot coffee or tea for a warming, aromatic twist that melts slowly and infuses your drink with rich flavor.

Candy Storage to Keep it Fresh

• Transfer cooled candy pieces to an airtight container with parchment paper between layers. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, preventing moisture and maintaining crisp texture.
• Store in a sealed container away from humidity and direct sunlight. Place in a cool, dry pantry or cupboard for maximum 1 week, ensuring candy remains hard and crunchy.
• Layer candies between wax paper inside a freezer-safe container. Seal tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before enjoying.
• Avoid reheating hard candy as it will melt. If slightly softened, spread pieces on a baking sheet at room temperature to restore original hardness within 30 minutes.

Cinnamon Hard Candy Recipe

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4.9 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 20 1x

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Description

Sweet cinnamon hard candy delivers a spicy-sweet kick that delights candy enthusiasts. Crafted with simple ingredients and careful heating, you’ll savor this classic confection’s bold flavor profile.

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Ingredients

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Candy Ingredients:

• 2.33 cups granulated sugar
• 4 cups corn syrup
• 3 teaspoons (3 tsp) cinnamon oil

Coloring and Greasing:

• Red food coloring
• Butter, for greasing

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Instructions

1. Grease two baking sheets thoroughly with butter, ensuring complete coverage to prevent candy from sticking.
2. Combine sugar and corn syrup in a large pot, heating on high until mixture reaches a rolling boil. Cover and maintain boiling for exactly 3 minutes.
3. Uncover the pot and reduce heat to medium-high. Continuously stir the liquid mixture, monitoring the temperature carefully until it reaches 300-310°F on a candy thermometer, indicating the hard crack stage.
4. Once thermometer indicates 310°F, immediately remove pot from heat source and integrate red food coloring, stirring until color is uniformly distributed throughout the mixture.
5. Allow mixture to cool slightly for 30-45 seconds to reduce intense steam, then gently incorporate cinnamon oil, stirring carefully to prevent splashing.
6. Quickly pour the hot candy into prepared buttered baking sheets, using a pre-buttered pizza wheel to create scoring lines while mixture remains malleable.
7. Let candy cool undisturbed for 45-60 minutes at room temperature, then break into individual pieces along scored lines, creating sharp, clean edges.

Notes

• Always use a reliable candy thermometer to ensure precise temperature, as accuracy is crucial for achieving the perfect hard crack stage.
• Wear long sleeves and oven mitts during the entire process to protect against potential hot sugar splashes, which can cause serious burns.
• Work quickly when pouring and scoring the candy, as the mixture hardens rapidly and becomes challenging to manipulate once it starts cooling.
• Consider using silicone baking mats instead of buttered baking sheets for easier candy removal and more consistent cooling.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 20
• Calories: 178
• Sugar: 38 g
• Sodium: 0 mg
• Fat: 0 g
• Saturated Fat: 0 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 44 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 0 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg