Cinnamon Rock Candy Recipe

Cinnamon Rock Candy Recipe: A Sweet and Spicy Treat

If you’re a fan of candy-making and enjoy adding a little spice to your sweets, then this Cinnamon Rock Candy recipe is for you! This delightful treat combines the perfect balance of crunchy sugar crystals and the bold, warm flavor of cinnamon, making it a fun, homemade confection that’s perfect for gift-giving or satisfying your sweet tooth.

Making rock candy at home is easier than you might think, and it’s a great project to do with kids or as a weekend DIY treat. Whether you’re looking for a unique gift, a way to satisfy your cravings for something sweet and spicy, or simply want to impress guests with homemade candy, cinnamon rock candy will surely do the trick.

Let’s dive into the recipe and get you started on creating this delicious and aromatic candy!

Ingredients You’ll Need:

2 cups of granulated sugar (the main ingredient for creating those crunchy sugar crystals)
1 cup of water (this will help dissolve the sugar to make a syrup)
1 teaspoon of cinnamon extract (for that bold, spicy flavor)
1/2 teaspoon of red food coloring (optional, to give the candy its signature red hue)
A few wooden skewers or strings (to allow the sugar to crystallize)
1 tablespoon of corn syrup (to prevent crystallization on the sides of the jar and ensure smooth sugar formation)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare Your Equipment

Before you start cooking, prepare your materials and workspace:

Skewers or strings: If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 15 minutes to prevent them from burning when they’re in the syrup. If you’re using string, make sure it’s food-safe and ready to go.
Jars or glasses: You’ll need clean glass jars or containers to hold the sugar syrup and the skewers or strings while the candy forms.
Food coloring and flavoring: Gather your cinnamon extract and red food coloring (if using), as well as any other ingredients you’ll need to get the right flavor and appearance.

Step 2: Make the Sugar Syrup

Combine the sugar and water: In a large saucepan, combine the granulated sugar and water. Place it over medium-high heat and stir constantly until the sugar is completely dissolved.
Add corn syrup: Once the sugar is dissolved, stir in the corn syrup. The corn syrup will help prevent unwanted sugar crystals from forming during the cooling process, ensuring that your rock candy stays smooth and clear.
Boil the mixture: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Allow it to boil for about 10 minutes without stirring. You’ll want the temperature to reach around 240°F (115°C) on a candy thermometer. This is called the “soft ball” stage, and it’s the right temperature for forming crystal sugar.

Step 3: Add Cinnamon Flavor and Color

Once your sugar syrup reaches the correct temperature, it’s time to add flavor and color:

Add cinnamon extract: Stir in the cinnamon extract to give the candy its bold, spicy flavor. The amount can be adjusted based on how strong you want the cinnamon taste to be, but typically, 1 teaspoon is perfect for a great flavor balance.
Add red food coloring: If you’d like your rock candy to have that iconic red color, add a few drops of red food coloring to the syrup and stir until the color is evenly mixed.

Now that your syrup is ready, it’s time to let it cool slightly before proceeding to the next step.

Step 4: Set Up for Crystallization

Prepare your jars: Pour the cooled syrup into your jars or containers, leaving about an inch of space at the top. You’ll want to ensure the skewers or strings can fit into the jar and be submerged in the syrup without touching the sides too much.
Insert the skewers or strings: If you’re using skewers, make sure they are submerged but not touching the sides or bottom of the jar. If you’re using string, tie it securely to a pencil or chopstick and rest it across the top of the jar, ensuring it hangs down into the syrup.
Let it cool: Now comes the hardest part—patience! Place your jar in a location where it won’t be disturbed, ideally somewhere at room tempera

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