Oh my goodness, let me tell you about cinnamon rock candy! This sweet treat is like a burst of nostalgia wrapped in a crunchy, sugary shell. I remember making it as a kid, and the smell of cinnamon wafting through the house was just heavenly. It’s so simple to whip up at home, and trust me, you’ll impress everyone with your candy-making skills! The best part? You only need a few ingredients, and you can customize the flavor to your liking. Whether you’re treating yourself or making gifts for friends, this candy is sure to bring joy and a little sweetness to your day. Let’s get started on this delightful journey!
Ingredients for Cinnamon Rock Candy
- 2 cups granulated sugar: This is the star ingredient that will create the candy’s sweet crunch. Make sure it’s finely granulated for smooth melting.
- 1 cup water: This helps dissolve the sugar and creates the syrup needed for the candy. Use filtered or tap water—whatever you have on hand will work!
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon extract: This is where the magic happens! It brings that warm, spicy cinnamon flavor that makes this candy irresistible. Feel free to adjust the amount if you want a stronger flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon food coloring (optional): If you want to add a pop of color to your candy, this is the way to do it! Just a little bit will go a long way, so start small and see how you like it.
How to Prepare Cinnamon Rock Candy
Alright, let’s get into the fun part—making that delicious cinnamon rock candy! It’s easier than you might think, and I promise it’s worth every minute. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be a candy-making pro in no time!
Step 1: Combine Sugar and Water
First things first, grab a saucepan and combine the 2 cups of granulated sugar with 1 cup of water. You’ll want to do this over medium heat. It’s important not to rush this step—medium heat allows the sugar to dissolve gently without burning. Just give it a little stir to mix them together!
Step 2: Dissolve the Sugar
Keep stirring until the sugar is completely dissolved. You’ll know you’re there when the mixture looks clear and there aren’t any granules left. This is a crucial step, so take your time and look for that glossy, smooth appearance.
Step 3: Bring to a Boil
Now, it’s time to bring the mixture to a boil! Don’t stir at this point—let it do its thing. You’ll see it bubble up; just keep an eye on it and resist the urge to stir. This boiling process is where the magic happens!
Step 4: Add Flavor and Color
Once your mixture is boiling, carefully add in the 1 teaspoon of cinnamon extract and, if you’re using it, 1/2 teaspoon of food coloring. Be cautious here; it can splatter a bit! Stir gently to combine everything, and get ready for that amazing cinnamon aroma to fill your kitchen!
Step 5: Reach Hard Crack Stage
Now, you’ll need to monitor the temperature closely. Keep boiling until the candy thermometer reads 300°F, which is the hard crack stage. This is key—if you don’t reach this temperature, your candy won’t set properly. Once it hits that magic number, you’re ready for the next step!
Step 6: Cool and Pour
Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it cool for just a minute. Then, carefully pour the hot mixture onto a greased baking sheet. Spread it out a bit if you want thinner pieces, but don’t touch it until it’s completely cooled!
Step 7: Break into Pieces
Once your candy has cooled completely, it’s time to break it into pieces! I like to use a hammer or a heavy object to tap it gently, but you can also use your hands. Just be careful with those sharp edges! Store your delicious cinnamon rock candy in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s super easy to make with just a few simple ingredients!
- The warm, spicy flavor of cinnamon is absolutely delightful.
- Perfect for sharing—everyone loves homemade candy!
- You can customize the flavor and color to match any occasion.
- It makes your kitchen smell heavenly while it cooks.
- Fun to make with kids or friends—turn it into a candy-making party!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your cinnamon rock candy turns out perfectly! Here are my top tips to avoid any sticky situations. First, always use a candy thermometer to monitor that temperature closely—trust me, it’s worth it to avoid a batch that’s too soft or too hard. Also, be super careful when working with hot sugar syrup; it can burn you in a flash! Make sure to grease your baking sheet well to prevent sticking; nobody wants a candy disaster! If you want to experiment with flavors, start small with the extract and adjust to your taste. And remember, patience is key; let the candy cool completely before breaking it into pieces. Follow these tips, and you’ll be well on your way to candy-making glory!
Nutritional Information
So, here’s the scoop on the nutritional side of things for our delightful cinnamon rock candy! Now, keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary depending on the exact ingredients and portion sizes you use. For each piece of candy, you can expect approximately:
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Protein: 0g
Enjoy your sweet treat, knowing you’re indulging in a little bit of sugary joy! Just remember, moderation is key when it comes to candy. Happy munching!
FAQ About Cinnamon Rock Candy
Can I use other extracts? Absolutely! While cinnamon extract is the star, you can experiment with other flavors like vanilla, almond, or even peppermint. Just remember to start with a small amount and adjust to your taste!
How should I store the candy? Store your cinnamon rock candy in an airtight container at room temperature. It’ll stay fresh for several weeks, but be sure to keep it away from humidity to prevent it from becoming sticky!
Can I make this candy in advance? Yes! This candy keeps well, making it perfect for preparing ahead of time for holidays or special occasions. Just make sure to store it properly as mentioned above!
What if my candy doesn’t harden? If your candy doesn’t set, it may not have reached the hard crack stage. Next time, make sure to use a candy thermometer and monitor the temperature closely for perfect results!
Ingredient Notes/Substitutions
Let’s talk about the ingredients in our cinnamon rock candy and some fun substitutions you can try! Each one plays a vital role in making this candy a delightful treat.
- Granulated Sugar: This is the backbone of your candy, providing sweetness and structure. If you’re looking for a less refined option, you can use organic cane sugar, but it may alter the texture slightly.
- Water: Simple tap water works just fine for dissolving the sugar. If you want, you can use flavored water, like coconut water, for a unique twist, but keep in mind it will change the flavor profile.
- Cinnamon Extract: The star of the show! If you can’t find cinnamon extract, you can substitute with ground cinnamon, but it won’t have quite the same intensity. Just use about a tablespoon, and remember it may affect the final texture slightly.
- Food Coloring: This is purely optional! If you want to skip it, no problem at all. You can also use natural food coloring made from beet juice or turmeric for a more natural approach.
Feel free to get creative with these ingredients! Candy-making is all about experimenting and finding what works best for you. Enjoy your sweet adventure!
Print
Cinnamon Rock Candy: 7 Sweet Steps to Pure Bliss
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 1 pound 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cinnamon rock candy is a sweet treat made from sugar and flavored with cinnamon.
Ingredients
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon extract
- 1/2 teaspoon food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- Combine sugar and water in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Stir until the sugar dissolves.
- Bring the mixture to a boil without stirring.
- Once boiling, add cinnamon extract and food coloring if using.
- Continue to boil until the candy thermometer reaches 300°F (hard crack stage).
- Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Pour the mixture onto a greased baking sheet.
- Allow to cool completely before breaking into pieces.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container.
- Adjust cinnamon flavor to your liking.
- Be careful with hot sugar syrup.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Candy
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: cinnamon rock candy, homemade candy, sweet treat