Cinnamon Hard Candy

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This easy 6-ingredient Cinnamon Hard Candy is packed with spicy-sweet cinnamon flavor and a fun candy recipe to make at home anytime, for any festive occasion.

Homemade candy can seem daunting, but this recipe for Cinnamon Hard Candy is surprisingly simple to make. With a bold, spicy-sweet kick, this Cinnamon Hard Candy is a nostalgic treat made from scratch, and dare we say it, even better than the store-bought kind. It happens to be something my husband loves, so it’s always on the recipe list for the holiday season!

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With a vibrant red color, delicious spiced sweetness, and full of warm cinnamon flavor, this Cinnamon Hard Candy is just as fun to eat as it is to make. And I love to package it up and gift it, too. ‘Tis the season for sweets, treats, and this homemade candy creation.

If you like cinnamon-spiced recipes like this one, be sure to try these decadent Holiday Cinnamon Rolls and this easy Cinnamon Cream Cheese for a spicy spin on the classic.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Classic red cinnamon candy flavor. Get that signature hot, spiced flavor you love in an easy homemade treat you can whip up in your own kitchen.
Great homemade gift. This candy is cute, delicious and the perfect host or thank you gift, when added to a decorative jar with ribbon and a tag.
Customizable spice level. You can make this as hot or mild as you’d prefer, compared to the store-bought variety that can be pretty spicy!
Fun candy-making project. This recipe is a fun kitchen project using simple equipment. It’s a great way to easily make candy at home.

Ingredients

Scroll Down for Ingredient Amounts Listed in the Recipe Card Below

Sugar: The key sweet ingredient.
Light Corn Syrup: Essential for the firm texture and glossy appearance.
Water: To help the sugar and syrup melt smoothly.
Red Food Coloring: For the vibrant, classic color.
Cinnamon Oil: Fragrant and aromatic, the star ingredient to give the candy the signature hot, spicy, flavor and smell.
Powdered Sugar: Adds a touch of extra sweetness and keeps the candy from sticking together.

Tools You’ll Need

How To Make Cinnamon Hard Candy

Line a 15x10x1-inch baking sheet with foil or parchment paper. Lightly grease with butter or nonstick spray.
In a heavy-bottom saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, water, and food coloring. Cook over medium heat, stirring just until the sugar dissolves. This will take approximately 3-4 minutes.

Stop stirring and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Continue cooking until it reaches 300°F (hard crack stage) on a candy thermometer. This will take approximately 20-25 minutes.
Remove from heat immediately. Carefully stir in cinnamon oil. Steam will rise and the aroma can be strong, so stand back!
Pour the hot candy onto the prepared surface. Let it cool completely, about 4 hours.

Break into pieces with a mallet. Toss in powdered sugar until lightly coated. Shake off excess and let sit for 10–15 minutes so the coating sets.

Expert Tips

Use a reliable candy thermometer. This is worth it and will ensure you reach the hard-crack stage that’s essential for the hard, firm texture.
Add cinnamon oil off the heat and stand back. Turn heat off and add the oil slowly and carefully. The fumes are strong!
Work quickly once candy is poured. It sets fast, so once it’s poured onto the pan, ensure it’s distributed evenly quickly.
Store with a light dusting of powdered sugar. This helps to ensure the pieces don’t stick together.

Variations

Make other flavors. Get creative and have fun! Use the same base method and add in peppermint or clove oil for a different flavor.
Pour into silicone candy molds. This will create uniform shapes so each piece of candy looks the same.
Adjust cinnamon oil. Change the amount based on your taste preference. Add less for milder candy or more for spicier candy.
Package in jars. Add the colorful candy to clear jars with ribbon and a tag for cute (and delicious!) homemade gifts.

Storage

Store leftover candy in an airtight container at room temperature in a dry area, away from humidity. It will last several weeks to a few months if sealed well.

Frequently asked questions

What’s the difference between cinnamon oil and cinnamon extract?

They’re actually pretty different. Cinnamon extract is a mild, alcohol-based flavoring used in baking and for drinks, while cinnamon oil is a potent, concentrated essential oil.

Why is my hard candy sticky instead of hard?

This can happen if the candy is undercooked and didn’t reach the hard crack temperature (300°). If even slightly undercooked, it can be sticky and tacky instead of hard and glossy. Be sure to use a reliable candy thermometer to ensure the candy reaches the right temperature.

Do I need a candy thermometer?

A candy thermometer is very helpful to make sure the candy reaches the right temperature and the hard crack stage. We recommend it. You can easily find them online or at stores.

Is cinnamon oil safe to cook with?

Yes, as long as it’s food-grade and labeled for culinary use. Just be sure to use it as instructed in recipes, usually diluted into an ingredient like butter, sugar or oil before adding.

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