Cinnamon Hard Candy Recipe

Introduction

Cinnamon hard candy is a classic treat with a perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors. This homemade candy is delightfully crisp and easy to make with just a few simple ingredients. Enjoy it as a nostalgic snack or share it with friends and family.

Ingredients

• Butter (for preparing the pan and parchment paper)
• 4 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup light corn syrup
• 1 cup purified water
• 1 tsp red food coloring (water-based, optional)
• 1 tsp cinnamon candy oil
• 1 cup powdered sugar

Instructions

1. Step 1: Grease a 15”x10”x1” baking sheet (jelly roll pan) with butter. Line the baking sheet with parchment paper and butter the parchment paper as well. In a large saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup, water, and red food coloring. Stir, cover, and heat over medium heat until it begins to boil, stirring occasionally. Once boiling, remove the cover and let it boil for 3 minutes to fully dissolve the sugar, stirring occasionally.
2. Step 2: Insert a candy thermometer into the saucepan and continue cooking over medium heat until the mixture reaches 300°F (the “hard crack” stage). Avoid stirring during this time. As it nears 300°F (about 20-25 minutes), remove from heat briefly to stir and prevent burning, then return to heat and watch closely until it reaches temperature.
3. Step 3: Once the mixture hits 300°F, immediately remove it from heat and quickly stir in the cinnamon candy oil in a well-ventilated area. Carefully pour the hot candy into the prepared pan and let it cool undisturbed for 1.5 to 2.5 hours.
4. Step 4: After cooling, sprinkle powdered sugar over the top, then flip the candy and sprinkle the other side. Wrap the head of a hammer with a zippered plastic bag and gently break the candy into pieces. Optionally, sprinkle powdered sugar on the broken pieces to prevent sticking or leave the edges clean.

Tips & Variations

• Use a candy thermometer to ensure the correct temperature for a perfect hard crack texture.
• Substitute cinnamon candy oil with cinnamon extract, but reduce the amount to avoid bitterness.
• Try adding a few drops of peppermint oil instead of cinnamon for a refreshing twist.
• If you prefer milder cinnamon flavor, reduce the cinnamon oil slightly.
• Make sure to work quickly when adding the oil and pouring the candy, as it hardens fast.

Storage

Store the broken candy pieces in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them crisp. Avoid humidity which can cause the candy to become sticky or soft. Properly stored, cinnamon hard candy will last for several weeks. To refresh hardness, let pieces air out for a few hours if they become sticky.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

What does the “hard crack” stage mean?

The “hard crack” stage refers to heating sugar syrup to around 300°F where it becomes brittle and snaps easily when cooled. It’s the ideal texture for hard candies like this cinnamon treat.

Can I skip the food coloring?

Yes, red food coloring is optional and only adds traditional color. The candy will still taste great without it, just with a natural amber hue.

Cinnamon Hard Candy Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 147 reviews

• Author: Mariam
• Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 4 dozen small candy pieces 1x

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Description

This Cinnamon Hard Candy recipe yields classic, nostalgic cinnamon-flavored candies with a rich buttery aroma and a fiery, sweet punch. The candy is made by boiling sugar and corn syrup to the hard crack stage, flavored with cinnamon oil, and cooled into a brittle sheet to break into shards. Perfect for holiday gifts, candy jars, or satisfying a sweet tooth with a spicy twist.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Preparation

• Butter, for preparing the pan and parchment paper

Candy Base

• 4 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup light corn syrup
• 1 cup purified water
• 1 tsp red food coloring (water-based, optional)
• 1 tsp cinnamon candy oil

Finishing

• 1 cup powdered sugar

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Pan: Grease a 15”x10”x1” baking sheet (also known as a jelly roll pan) with butter. Line the pan with parchment paper and butter the parchment as well to prevent sticking.
2. Combine Ingredients and Start Heating: In a large saucepan, combine granulated sugar, light corn syrup, purified water, and red food coloring if using. Stir gently to combine, then cover the saucepan. Heat over medium heat until the mixture boils, stirring occasionally.
3. Dissolve Sugar: After the mixture reaches a boil, remove the cover and let it boil uncovered for an additional 3 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure the sugar dissolves thoroughly.
4. Cook to Hard Crack Stage: Insert a candy thermometer into the saucepan. Continue to cook on medium heat without stirring. As the temperature approaches 300°F (hard crack stage), which takes about 20-25 minutes, remove the pot briefly, stir quickly to prevent burning, and return it to the heat. Watch carefully until the exact temperature is reached.
5. Add Cinnamon Flavor: When the mixture hits 300°F, promptly remove from heat and in a well-ventilated area, stir in the cinnamon candy oil. The aroma will be very strong, so ensure fresh air circulation.
6. Pour and Cool: Carefully pour the hot candy mixture into the prepared baking sheet. Allow it to cool and harden for 1.5 to 2.5 hours until fully set.
7. Break into Pieces: Once cooled, sprinkle powdered sugar over the top side. Flip the candy over and sprinkle powdered sugar on the reverse side as well. Wrap a hammer head in a plastic zippered bag and gently break the candy into shards. Optionally, add more powdered sugar to reduce stickiness or leave edges clean for sharper pieces.

Notes

• Use a candy thermometer for accurate temperature control to ensure the candy reaches the hard crack stage (300°F).
• Work in a well-ventilated area when adding cinnamon oil as the vapor is strong.
• Butter both the pan and parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Red food coloring is optional and for aesthetic purposes only.
• Store candy in an airtight container to keep it from becoming sticky.
• Handle the hot syrup with care to avoid burns.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Candy
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Cinnamon hard candy, homemade candy, brittle candy, cinnamon candy oil, hard crack candy