Cinnamon rock candy is a delicious and spicy-sweet treat made from sugar, water, and cinnamon flavoring, crystallized into a hard, crunchy form. It’s a fun and nostalgic candy that’s often used as a gift or decorative piece, especially during the holidays.
Here’s how cinnamon rock candy is typically made:
Ingredients:
- Sugar (typically granulated)
- Water
- Cinnamon extract or cinnamon oil
- Food coloring (optional, usually red to give it a festive appearance)
Instructions:
- Prepare the solution:
- In a saucepan, combine sugar and water in a ratio of about 3 cups of sugar to 1 cup of water.
- Heat the mixture on medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves completely into the water. Once dissolved, stop stirring and allow the solution to come to a boil. Let it boil for 5 minutes.
- Add flavoring and coloring:
- After boiling, remove the pan from heat. Add a few drops of cinnamon extract (or cinnamon oil for a stronger flavor) and red food coloring if desired. Stir gently to combine.
- Crystallization setup:
- Let the syrup cool for a few minutes. While it is cooling, prepare your crystallization setup.
- Place a wooden skewer or string in a jar, ensuring that it does not touch the sides or bottom of the jar. Some people coat the skewer or string with a little sugar to help the crystals start forming.
- Dipping process:
- Once the syrup has cooled slightly but is still liquid, pour it into your jar. Leave some space at the top of the jar to avoid spills.
- Dip the skewer or string into the syrup, making sure it’s fully submerged.
- Let it cool and crystallize:
- Allow the skewer or string to sit in a cool, undisturbed place for several days. As the sugar cools and solidifies, the crystals will start forming. The longer it sits, the more the crystals will grow.
- Enjoy:
- After 3–7 days, the candy will be ready to enjoy. The result is a cinnamon-flavored, crunchy rock candy that has beautiful, large sugar crystals.
This candy is known for its hard texture and sweet, spicy cinnamon taste, making it perfect for those who enjoy bold flavors in their sweets. Cinnamon rock candy is not only a fun DIY project but also a great homemade gift!