Family-Favorite Cinnamon Candy

Name: Family-Favorite Cinnamon Candy
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 3-1/2 pounds.
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon butter; 3-3/4 cups sugar; 1-1/4 cups light corn syrup; 1 cup water; 3 packages (6 ounces each) Red Hots; 1/4 cup confectioners' sugar

I have fond memories of standing at my grandmother's stove with my mom and my aunts, helping to make this cherished recipe. Now I share the tradition with my kids. —Wendy Hagan, Oak Grove, Louisiana

Ingredients

1 tablespoon butter
3-3/4 cups sugar
1-1/4 cups light corn syrup
1 cup water
3 packages (6 ounces each) Red Hots
1/4 cup confectioners' sugar

Directions

Grease two 15x10x1-in. pans with butter.
In a large heavy saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup and water. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly to dissolve sugar. Add Red Hots; return to a boil, stirring carefully until Red Hots are melted, about 10 minutes. (Mixture will be very hot; wear an oven mitt while stirring to prevent burns.) Cook, without stirring, until a candy thermometer reads 300° (hard-crack stage).
Remove from heat. Immediately divide mixture between prepared pans; cool completely, about 1 hour.
Break candy into pieces. Place confectioners' sugar in a large resealable bag. In batches, add candy and toss to coat lightly.

Editor's Note

We recommend that you test your candy thermometer before each use by bringing water to a boil; the thermometer should read 212°. Adjust your recipe temperature up or down based on your test.

Originally published as Hard Rock Candy in Holiday & Celebrations Cookbook 2015