Cinnamon Hard Candy

While you could run to the store and grab a bag of basic cinnamon balls, why would you, when you can make your own homemade cinnamon hard candy? And while making candy may seem labor-intensive, this recipe is actually quite simple to pull together (you’ll be enjoying your candy in under an hour!). Ideal for gift giving, party favors or stuffing stockings and enjoying around the holidays, this cinnamon hard candy recipe is fun to make and quite delicious on its own or when added to a dessert or hot drink.

Ingredients for Cinnamon Hard Candy

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• Water: You’ll be boiling the water with the rest of the ingredients, so be careful to measure it accurately.
• Sugar: Regular old granulated sugar is best here.
• Light corn syrup: The corn syrup helps to give the candy its texture and taste.
• Red liquid food coloring: This, of course, gives the candy its red color, but if you’d prefer to leave it out, that’s fine—it has absolutely no effect on the taste.
• Cinnamon oil: This adds the signature kick of red, hot spicy cinnamon to the candy.
• Confectioners’ sugar: Confectioners’ sugar is used to sprinkle on the candy at the end.

Directions

Step 1: Boil the ingredients

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Line a 15x10x1-inch pan with foil, then butter the foil and set the pan aside.

In a large, heavy saucepan, combine the water, sugar, corn syrup and food coloring. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Cover and cook for an additional three minutes, or until any sugar crystals have dissolved.

Step 2: Cook until candy has formed

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Uncover the pan, and cook on medium-high heat, without stirring, until a candy thermometer reads 300°F (the hard-crack stage), about 25 minutes. Remove the saucepan from the heat, and stir in the cinnamon oil.

Editor’s Tip: Keep your face away from the cinnamon oil as you’re adding it to the pan, as the oil is very strong.

Step 3: Spread the candy

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Immediately pour the hot liquid into the prepared pan. Let it cool completely, about 45 minutes.

Step 4: Break up the candy

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Break the candy into pieces using the edge of a metal mallet. Sprinkle both sides of the candy with confectioners’ sugar.

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Cinnamon Hard Candy Variations

• Pass on the food coloring: If you want to keep red dye out of your food, you can leave out the food coloring. Your candy will no longer look fiery red, but the flavor will be the same.
• Crumble it in ice cream: Crumble the candy well, then add it to a batch of homemade vanilla ice cream for your own take on a cinnamon twist.

How to Store Cinnamon Hard Candy

To store cinnamon hard candy, keep it in an airtight container on your kitchen counter or in a cupboard.

Can you make hard cinnamon candy ahead of time?

Yes, you can absolutely make cinnamon hard candies ahead of time. In fact, that’s the best way to enjoy them. Be sure to store them properly, and you’ll be able to enjoy them for up to one month.

Cinnamon Hard Candy Tips

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Where can I find cinnamon oil?

Cinnamon oil can be found in some pharmacies, as well as at kitchen and cake decorating supply stores.

What’s going on with my candy?

If you’re having trouble getting the candy-making process down, there are ways to fix the most common mistakes when making candy from scratch.

Can I add the candy to other recipes?

Yes, aside from making your very own cinnamon twist ice cream, you can add this candy to a hot toddy to really warm you on a chilly evening.