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Red Hot Cinnamon Hard Candy Recipe

Red Hot Cinnamon Hard Candy Recipe

Get ready to ignite your taste buds with this vibrant Red Hot Cinnamon Hard Candy Recipe, a simple yet incredibly satisfying DIY candy that brings the bold, warm spice of cinnamon straight to your home.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Cooling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course: Candy, Dessert
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups Granulated Sugar for the sweet base of the candy
  • 2/3 cup Light Corn Syrup helps prevent crystallization and ensures a smooth texture
  • 3/4 cup Water essential for dissolving the sugar and creating the syrup
  • 2 teaspoons Ground Cinnamon the star of the show, bringing that signature red-hot warmth
  • 1/2 to 1 teaspoon Red Food Coloring for that iconic vibrant red hue
  • 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon Cinnamon Flavoring Oil for an extra punch of cinnamon flavor, use sparingly as it's potent

Equipment

  • Medium Saucepan
  • Baking Sheet
  • Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mat
  • Candy thermometer
  • Pastry brush

Method
 

  1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Have your ingredients measured and ready to go. This is crucial as candy making moves quickly once it reaches temperature.
  2. In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, light corn syrup, and water. Stir gently until the sugar is mostly dissolved.
    2 cups Granulated Sugar, 2/3 cup Light Corn Syrup, 3/4 cup Water
  3. Place the saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring the mixture to a boil without stirring. If sugar crystals form on the sides of the pan, gently brush them down with a wet pastry brush.
  4. Clip a candy thermometer to the side of the saucepan, ensuring it doesn't touch the bottom. Continue to boil the syrup, without stirring, until it reaches 300°F (150°C), the hard-crack stage. This will take approximately 15-20 minutes, depending on your stovetop.
  5. Once the syrup reaches 300°F, immediately remove the pan from the heat. Carefully stir in the ground cinnamon and red food coloring. If you are using cinnamon flavoring oil, add it now. Be cautious as the mixture will steam and bubble vigorously. Stir just until well combined.
    2 teaspoons Ground Cinnamon, 1/2 to 1 teaspoon Red Food Coloring, 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon Cinnamon Flavoring Oil
  6. Quickly and carefully pour the hot candy mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. You can pour it into one large sheet or pour smaller circles or shapes if desired. Work quickly as the candy will start to set.
  7. Let the candy cool completely on the baking sheet for at least 30 minutes, or until firm and brittle. Once hardened, break the candy into bite-sized pieces by hand or with the back of a spoon.

Notes

Properly stored, your Red Hot Cinnamon Hard Candy will remain fresh for up to 2-3 weeks. Store in an airtight container at cool room temperature, away from direct sunlight and humidity.