Ingredients
1 cup water
3 3/4 cups sugar
1 1/4 cups light corn syrup
1 tsp red food coloring
1 tsp cinnamon oil (2 tsp if you like it spicy)
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
Butter, for greasing the surface.
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Pan
Grease the Pan: Butter a 15-inch x 10-inch x 1-inch sheet cake pan. Line the pan with parchment paper and butter the parchment paper, ensuring the edges are well buttered to prevent seepage.
Step 2: Cook the Sugar Mixture
Combine Ingredients: In a large deep saucepan, combine the water, sugar, corn syrup, and food coloring.
Dissolve Sugar: Mix over medium-high heat until the sugar starts to dissolve.
Attach Thermometer: Attach a candy thermometer to the side of the pan, ensuring it does not touch the bottom for accurate temperature measurement.
Boil to Hard Crack Stage: Continue to boil until the sugar mixture reaches 300°F (hard crack stage), approximately 20 minutes. Watch closely and remove the pan from heat if the mixture boils too close to the edge. Stir until bubbles subside, then return to medium-high heat.
Step 3: Add Cinnamon Oil and Cool
Add Cinnamon Oil: Once the mixture reaches 300°F, remove the pan from heat and quickly stir in the cinnamon oil (be cautious of the strong scent).
Pour into Pan: Pour the mixture immediately into the prepared pan and allow to cool for 4 hours.
Step 4: Break and Dust the Candy
Dust with Powdered Sugar: After 4 hours, dust the top of the candy with powdered sugar.
Flip and Cut: Flip the candy over onto a large cutting board or cookie sheet, remove the parchment paper, and return the candy to the pan.
Break into Pieces: Use a sharp knife to break the candy into bite-sized pieces. Dust with more powdered sugar.
Step 5: Store the Candy
Store: Store the candy in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
Enjoy
Enjoy your homemade cinnamon rock candy! This sweet and spicy treat is perfect for sharing or as a delightful homemade gift.
Tips
Safety First: Be very careful when handling hot sugar syrup as it can cause severe burns.
Storage: Keep the candy in an airtight container to maintain its crisp texture.
Customization: Adjust the amount of cinnamon oil to your preference for a milder or spicier candy.
FAQs
Can I use a different flavor instead of cinnamon?
Yes, you can substitute the cinnamon oil with any other flavored oil you prefer, such as peppermint or clove.
How can I prevent the candy from sticking together?
Ensure each piece is well dusted with powdered sugar to prevent them from sticking together in storage.
Can I use a different type of food coloring?
Yes, you can use any food coloring you like to change the color of your rock candy.
How long does the candy last?
When stored properly in an airtight container, the candy can last for several weeks.
Conclusion
Making homemade cinnamon rock candy is a fun and rewarding process that yields a delicious and visually appealing treat. With a few simple ingredients and careful attention to temperature, you can create your own batch of this classic candy. Enjoy the spicy-sweet flavor and the joy of sharing homemade confections with friends and family!
