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It’s fast approaching time to make gifts for the holiday and I love giving homemade treats from my kitchen. Normally I go all out and make cookies, bread or rolls but this year it’s going to be something simple and red and bursting with flavor. I’m making old-fashion Cinnamon Rock Candy this year to add some holiday sweetness.
It is hard to resist these pretty little cinnamon candies covered in powdered sugar. These candies look so festive sitting on a buffet table for the holidays.
With only six ingredients these candies are very simple to make. You definitely need a candy thermometer to make these treats. To make the candy you simply add water, sugar and white corn syrup and bring to a hard crack stage which is 300 degrees F. This does take some time but make sure you watch your thermometer constantly. This is not a good time to go put a load of laundry, so hang out in your kitchen while this syrup cooks.
Once your sugar syrup reaches that magic boiling point turn off the heat and add red food coloring and the cinnamon oil. This is important to know, that sugar syrup and the pans are blazing hot so use a wooden spoon, or a heavy-duty spatula to stir in the last two ingredients. And make sure to put the empty pan back on the burner so it can cool.
Pour your colored and flavored syrup onto a 13 x 9 parchment or waxed paper lined cookie sheet and spread close to the edge. Let the candy sit for at least four hours to harden.
The great thing about making this Cinnamon Rock Candy is that it leaves your kitchen smelling like….cinnamon!
Once the candy is hardened sprinkle with powdered sugar, then put a piece of parchment or wax paper on top of the powdered sugar layer and flip the hard sheet of candy over. Remove the parchment and sprinkle more powdered sugar on top.
Cinnamon Rock Candy
Sweet and a little spicy this Cinnamon Rock Candy is a classic treat for the holiday. These candies are pretty set on a buffet table or wrapped for gift giving with a big red bow.
Ingredients
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 cup light corn syrup
- 1/2 tsp. cinnamon oil
- 1/2 tsp. liquid red food coloring
Instructions
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Prepare a 13" x 9" cookie sheet. Grease the pan then put a sheet of wax paper on the bottom and then grease the top of the wax paper. Can use cooking spray.
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In a heavy saucepan bring combine the sugar, water and corn syrup. Cover and cook for 3 minutes.
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Insert a candy thermometer to the pan and bring this mixture to 300 to 310 degree F. This is the candy hard crack stage. This step will take around 30 minutes, but make sure you are watching the pan.
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Once the temperature is reached, turn off the heat, remove the thermometer (it will be very hot.) Add the cinnamon oil and red food coloring. Stir to combine.
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Pour the hot syrup onto the cookie sheet and spread close to the edges. Allow to cool for 4 hours.
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NOTE: the saucepan will be very hot. It is best to put the pan back on the stove burner to cool off.
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Sprinkle the candy with powdered sugar then lay a piece of parchment on top, flip over, remove the wax paper and sprinkle with more powdered sugar.
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With a heavy spoon, hit the candy to break into small pieces. Store in an airtight container.
Alternative for sprinkling with powdered sugar
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Break up the hardened candy sheet into desired sized pieces. Place in a plastic bag, add powdered sugar and shake to coat.
Now for the fun part. Grab a heavy duty spoon and tap on the candy sheet to break into small pieces. This is my favorite part of making this candy.
It’s hard to resist these little cinnamon pieces, they are a fun treat to nibble
It’s time for a cup of tea with my candy. A perfect afternoon treat.
Don’t forget the candy thermometer and my favorite cinnamon oil.
Do me a favor and Pin this to your favorite Pinterest Board
Wishing you a glorious holiday filled with all things sweet.
Blessings ~ Jere’
So colourful and I love the idea of the cinnamon flavour. The perfect gift 🙂
This is fantastic. I love the colour and the flavour – a great option for grown-up palates.
Cinnamon rock candy sounds great flavorful candy…perfect for the festive season…your candy got gorgeous color
This is perfect for the holidays, everyone loves the bright red color.
Such a lovely special treat to make as Christmas gifts. I know my kids would love to do this.
I actually started making this when I was a kid.
So festive, anyone would be tempted to try a couple of the sweet cinnamon flavored candy. I had no idea that one could buy cinnamon oil.