Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Red Hot Cinnamon Hard Candy is fiery, sweet, and perfect for holidays, gifts, or anytime you crave an old-fashioned treat with a spicy kick. It’s got that nostalgic crunch and bold cinnamon heat that warms you from the inside out. With just a few ingredients and no fancy tools, this recipe is surprisingly easy and incredibly satisfying to make at home.
Whether you’re preparing a festive Christmas candy platter or bottling homemade treats for friends, this candy adds a colorful, bold pop that steals the show. Plus, making it from scratch lets you control the spice level—and the love that goes into every bite.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- ⅔ cup light corn syrup
- ¾ cup water
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon oil (or to taste)
- Red food coloring (optional but recommended)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
- Candy thermometer
- Heatproof gloves or tools (for safety)
Directions
- Prepare your setup:
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Lightly dust with powdered sugar. Have your cinnamon oil and red food coloring measured and ready—things move fast once the candy hits the right temp. - Cook the sugar mixture:
In a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, and water. Stir over medium heat until sugar dissolves. Attach a candy thermometer. - Heat to hard crack stage:
Increase heat and bring mixture to a boil without stirring. Continue boiling until it reaches 300°F (hard crack stage). - Add flavor and color:
Immediately remove from heat. Add cinnamon oil (careful—it’s potent and may create vapor!) and a few drops of red food coloring. Stir quickly and carefully. - Pour and set:
Pour the hot candy mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Tilt gently to spread. Let cool until just firm, then score with a greased knife if you want even pieces—or wait until fully hard and crack into shards. - Dust and serve:
Once fully cooled, break into bite-sized pieces. Dust with powdered sugar to prevent sticking and store in an airtight container.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: About 50–60 small pieces
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
- Cooling Time: 30–60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (including cooling)
Variations
- Different Flavors: Swap cinnamon oil with peppermint, clove, or anise for a fun twist.
- Color Combos: Use green for mint or yellow for lemon hard candy.
- Shaped Candy: Pour into silicone molds for fun shapes instead of breaking into shards.
- Spice Level: Use more or less cinnamon oil depending on your heat tolerance.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Keep candy in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 weeks.
- Humidity Note: Store with silica gel packs or in a dry place to prevent stickiness.
- Reheating: Not recommended—hard candy should not be remelted once set.
FAQs
Is cinnamon oil the same as cinnamon extract?
No. Cinnamon oil is much more concentrated and made specifically for candy making.
Can I use regular food coloring?
Yes! Gel or liquid food coloring works—just a few drops to get a bold red hue.
Do I really need a candy thermometer?
Yes—for accuracy and safety. Hitting the 300°F mark is crucial for the perfect texture.
Why does my candy get sticky?
Humidity or insufficient cooking time can cause this. Use powdered sugar to help prevent sticking.
Can kids help make this recipe?
They can help with dusting and breaking the cooled candy—but not with the hot sugar mixture, which can cause burns.
What’s the best way to package this as a gift?
Wrap pieces in wax paper or store in decorative jars or tins for a festive, spicy surprise!
Conclusion
Red Hot Cinnamon Hard Candy is spicy, sweet, and just the right kind of nostalgic. With a bold red color and that unmistakable heat, this homemade treat makes a lasting impression. Whether you’re making it for holiday gifts or just to satisfy your cinnamon cravings, this fiery candy is sure to bring warmth and smiles all around. 🔥🍬
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