Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bold & Spicy Flavor: The intense cinnamon taste packs a punch, making it a treat for those who love heat.
- Perfect for Gifting: These vibrant red candies look festive and make great holiday presents.
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch in no time.
- Customizable: Adjust the spice level to your preference or experiment with different colors.
- Long-Lasting: This candy stays fresh for weeks when stored properly, making it a great make-ahead treat.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Butter (for greasing)
- 4 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup purified water
- 1 teaspoon red food coloring (optional)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon candy oil
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Directions
- Prepare the Baking Sheet: Grease a large baking sheet with butter or line it with parchment paper and lightly butter it.
- Cook the Candy: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, and water. Stir over medium heat until the sugar dissolves.
- Attach a candy thermometer to the pan, ensuring the tip is submerged but not touching the bottom.
- Bring the mixture to a boil and cook without stirring until it reaches 300°F (149°C), the hard crack stage (about 25-30 minutes).
- Add the Flavoring: Once the mixture reaches the correct temperature, remove from heat immediately. Carefully add the red food coloring (if using) and cinnamon candy oil, stirring gently. Be cautious, as the steam can be strong.
- Pour & Cool: Pour the hot candy mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and spread it evenly with a buttered spatula. Let it cool completely for about 30 minutes.
- Break the Candy: Once hardened, dust the candy with powdered sugar and break it into small pieces using the end of a knife or a toffee hammer. Toss the pieces in more powdered sugar to prevent sticking if needed.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: About 40 small pieces
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Calories per piece: 90 kcal
Variations
- Extra Spicy: Add an extra ½ teaspoon of cinnamon candy oil for an even bolder kick.
- Mild Version: Reduce the cinnamon oil to ½ teaspoon for a gentler spice level.
- Different Colors: Swap red food coloring for green or any other festive color.
- Citrus Twist: Add a drop of orange or lemon extract for a unique flavor combination.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Shelf Life: Stays fresh for up to 4 weeks when stored properly.
- Avoid Moisture: Keep the candy in a cool, dry place to prevent it from becoming sticky.
FAQs
1. Can I use cinnamon extract instead of cinnamon oil?
No, cinnamon extract is much weaker than candy oil and won’t give the same bold flavor.
2. Why is my candy sticky instead of hard?
This could be due to humidity or undercooking. Make sure your candy reaches 300°F (149°C).
3. Do I have to use food coloring?
No, it’s optional. The candy will be clear without it.
4. How can I break the candy into even pieces?
Use a sharp knife, toffee hammer, or the back of a spoon to break it into uniform pieces.
5. What happens if I stir the candy while it’s boiling?
Stirring can cause crystallization, leading to a grainy texture instead of a smooth, hard candy.
6. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but use a larger pot to avoid overflow, and be cautious when handling the hot mixture.
7. Can I make this candy without a thermometer?
A thermometer is highly recommended, but you can test by dropping a small amount into ice water—if it hardens immediately, it’s ready.
8. Can I use silicone molds instead of pouring it onto a baking sheet?
Yes! Lightly grease the molds before pouring in the hot candy.
9. Is this candy safe for kids?
It’s quite spicy, so it may not be suitable for young children or those sensitive to heat.
10. How do I clean the pan after making candy?
Soak it in hot water to dissolve the hardened sugar, making cleanup easier.
Conclusion
Red Hot Cinnamon Hard Candy is a deliciously spicy and nostalgic treat that’s perfect for holiday gifting or satisfying a craving for bold flavors. With its simple ingredients and straightforward process, making this candy at home is a fun and rewarding experience. Enjoy the fiery sweetness and share it with friends and family!
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Red Hot Cinnamon Hard Candy Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 40 small pieces
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Red Hot Cinnamon Hard Candy is a nostalgic, homemade treat with a bold, spicy kick. Perfect for holidays or year-round enjoyment, this classic candy is easy to make, long-lasting, and ideal for gifting. Whether you love fiery cinnamon flavors or need a festive homemade gift, this recipe delivers the perfect sweet heat.
Ingredients
- Butter (for greasing)
- 4 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup purified water
- 1 teaspoon red food coloring (optional)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon candy oil
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Baking Sheet: Grease a large baking sheet with butter or line it with parchment paper and lightly butter it.
2️⃣ Cook the Candy:
- In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, and water. Stir over medium heat until dissolved.
- Attach a candy thermometer, ensuring the tip is submerged but not touching the pan bottom.
- Bring to a boil and cook without stirring until the mixture reaches 300°F (149°C) (hard crack stage, about 25-30 minutes).
3️⃣ Add the Flavoring: Remove from heat immediately. Carefully stir in red food coloring (if using) and cinnamon oil. Be cautious—hot steam can be strong!
4️⃣ Pour & Cool: Pour the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, spreading evenly with a buttered spatula. Let cool for 30 minutes.
5️⃣ Break the Candy:
- Once hardened, dust with powdered sugar.
- Break into small pieces using a knife or toffee hammer.
- Toss pieces in extra powdered sugar to prevent sticking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Candy
- Method: Stovetop
