Go Back Email LinkDownload PDF
–+ servings
Cinnamon candy in mason jars with red bows.
Print

Cinnamon Rock Candy

This old-fashioned Cinnamon Rock Candy is sweet, spicy and crisp, with a bold cinnamon flavor. The bright red pieces look like broken glass candy and are perfect for Christmas candy trays or packaging in mason jars for holiday gifts.
Course candy, Dessert
Cuisine American
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Hardening Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 40 minutes
Servings 1 pound
Calories 131kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Prepare a 13 × 9-inch rimmed baking pan. Lightly grease the pan, line it with parchment paper, then lightly grease the parchment with cooking spray.
  • Combine the granulated sugar, water and light corn syrup in a medium-sized, heavy-bottomed saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the mixture boils.
  • Cover the saucepan and boil for 3 minutes. Remove the lid, insert a candy thermometer and continue cooking without stirring until the syrup reaches 300°F (hard-crack stage). Make sure the thermometer doesn't touch the bottom of the saucepan.
  • Remove the saucepan from the heat and carefully take out the thermometer. Once the bubbling has settled, add the cinnamon oil and red food coloring. Stir carefully with a wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula until combined. Keep your face away from the rising steam.
  • Carefully pour the hot syrup into the prepared pan and spread it toward the edges with a heat-resistant spatula. Let the candy cool and harden at room temperature for approximately 4 hours.
  • NOTE:  the saucepan will be very hot.  It is best to put the pan back on the stove burner to cool off.  
  • Once the candy has hardened, sift powdered sugar over the top. Cover with parchment or wax paper, carefully flip the candy sheet over and peel away the parchment from the bottom. Sprinkle the other side with powdered sugar. 
  • Use a heavy spoon or a small mallet to break the candy into bite-sized pieces. Store in an airtight container at room temperature in a cool, dry place.

Alternative for sprinkling with powdered sugar

  • Break the hardened candy into pieces, place them in a large food-safe bag with the powdered sugar and gently shake to coat.

Notes

Notes:
Hot sugar warning: The sugar syrup reaches 300°F and can cause serious burns. Keep children and pets away while making candy, and place the empty saucepan on an unheated burner or another heat-safe surface to cool.
Cinnamon oil: Use food-grade cinnamon oil made for candy making. It's highly concentrated, so avoid contact with your skin and eyes, and keep your face away from the rising steam.
Parchment paper: Use parchment paper rather than wax paper for pouring the hot syrup. Wax paper is not intended for direct contact with syrup at this temperature.
Storage: Keep the finished candy in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Do not refrigerate or freeze.

Nutrition

Serving: 1ounce | Calories: 131kcal | Carbohydrates: 34g | Fat: 0.1g | Sodium: 4mg | Potassium: 1mg | Sugar: 34g | Calcium: 1mg | Iron: 0.02mg