Spicy Sweet Red Hot Cinnamon Hard Candy Recipe

Crafting homemade red hot cinnamon hard candy sparks childhood memories of sweet corner store treats.

Sweet nostalgia rushes back with each spicy-sugary bite.

Traditional confections like these connect generations through simple culinary magic.

Passionate home cooks can easily recreate these classic candies with minimal ingredients.

Kitchen adventures start by understanding precise temperature techniques and sugar crystallization.

Precise measurements guarantee deliciously crisp, fiery results that snap perfectly between teeth.

You’ll become a candy-making maestro with this straightforward technique that promises pure spicy-sweet delight.

Why Red Hot Cinnamon Hard Candy Brings Heat And Sweetness

• Whip Up Quick Homemade Treats: This recipe transforms basic ingredients into delightful red hot cinnamon hard candy in just 30 minutes, perfect for satisfying sudden sweet cravings with minimal kitchen effort.
• Master Simple Candy Making: Even novice cooks can successfully create professional-looking hard candy using basic techniques like monitoring candy thermometer and understanding heat stages, making it an excellent skill-building culinary adventure.
• Customize Festive Edible Gifts: These vibrant red candies work wonderfully as homemade presents for holidays, party favors, or thoughtful personal treats that showcase your creative cooking skills with minimal ingredients and maximum flavor impact.
• Enjoy Nostalgic Flavor Explosion: Recreate classic spicy-sweet cinnamon candy memories with a homemade version that delivers intense flavor and allows complete control over heat level and color intensity, connecting you to traditional candy-making techniques.

Everything Inside Red Hot Cinnamon Hard Candy

Main Ingredients:

Sugar, Corn Syrup, Water: The sweet base that creates the hard candy’s structure and provides the primary sweetness.

• Sugar: The key ingredient for creating the candy's crystalline texture and sweet flavor. Choose pure granulated white sugar for best results.
• Corn Syrup: Helps prevent sugar crystallization and gives the candy a smooth, glossy finish. Light corn syrup works perfectly.
• Water: Dissolves the sugar and helps create the right candy consistency.

Flavoring and Coloring:

Cinnamon Oil, Red Food Coloring: Adds intense flavor and vibrant appearance to the candy.

• Cinnamon Oil: Provides a powerful, spicy cinnamon kick. Use high-quality, food-grade cinnamon oil with caution, as it's extremely concentrated.
• Red Food Coloring: Gives the candy its signature bright red color. Liquid or gel food coloring works well.

Finishing Ingredients:

Powdered Sugar: Helps prevent the candy from sticking together.

• Powdered Sugar: Creates a light dusting that keeps candy pieces separate and adds a subtle sweet touch.

Steps To Cook Red Hot Cinnamon Hard Candy

Step 1: Prep the Candy-Making Surface

Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper or give it a quick butter massage to prevent sticky situations. Position your trusty candy thermometer nearby for precision.

Step 2: Craft the Sugary Base

• Granulated sugar
• Corn syrup
• Water

Crank up the heat to medium and stir gently until sugar dissolves completely. Once dissolved, stop stirring and let the mixture bubble away. Watch your thermometer carefully as it climbs toward 300F (149C) – this journey takes about 10-15 minutes.

Step 3: Unleash Fiery Flavor

• Cinnamon oil
• Red food coloring

Warning: Cinnamon oil packs a serious punch, so handle with care to avoid eye irritation!

Pour the blazing hot mixture onto your prepared baking sheet in one smooth motion.

Step 4: Transform Liquid into Crispy Treats

• Grab a mallet or sturdy knife
• Smash the candy into delightful bite-sized pieces

Optional: Dust with powdered sugar to prevent the candies from becoming clingy friends.

Tips For Making Red Hot Cinnamon Hard Candy Right

• Precision is Paramount: Use a reliable candy thermometer for accurate temperature monitoring, ensuring your hard candy reaches the perfect hard crack stage without burning.
• Safety First with Cinnamon Oil: Wear protective gloves and work in a well-ventilated area when adding cinnamon oil, as its intense concentration can cause irritation to eyes and skin.
• Non-Stick Technique: Lightly dust the broken candy pieces with powdered sugar or cornstarch to prevent them from clumping together and sticking to each other.
• Flavor Intensity Control: Adjust the amount of cinnamon oil to suit your spice tolerance – start with less and add gradually for a personalized heat level.
• Storage Wisdom: Keep the candies in an airtight container at room temperature, separating layers with parchment paper to maintain their crisp texture and prevent moisture absorption.

How To Store Red Hot Cinnamon Hard Candy

• Keep your homemade red hot cinnamon hard candy in an airtight container at room temperature for maximum freshness.
• Store the candies in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or heat sources to prevent melting or sticking together.
• Layer the candy pieces between sheets of parchment paper to maintain their individual shape and prevent clumping.
• For best quality, consume within 2-3 weeks, though properly stored candies can last up to a month when sealed tightly and kept in a consistently cool environment.

Perfect Pairings For Red Hot Cinnamon Hard Candy

• Pair with Warm Whiskey Cocktail: The spicy cinnamon kick of the hard candy beautifully complements a smooth bourbon or rye whiskey, creating a harmonious blend of sweet and fiery flavors.
• Match with Hot Spiced Tea: Brew a robust black tea with additional cinnamon sticks, allowing the candy's intense flavor to enhance the warm, aromatic drink's complexity.
• Serve alongside Vanilla Ice Cream: Drop crushed cinnamon candy pieces over creamy vanilla ice cream for a delightful temperature and flavor contrast that tingles the taste buds.
• Combine with Mulled Wine: The candy's cinnamon essence perfectly mirrors the spiced warmth of a traditional mulled wine, making for a cozy winter flavor experience.

Variations Of Red Hot Cinnamon Hard Candy You Should Try

• Spicy Cinnamon Swirl: Blend cayenne pepper with cinnamon oil for an extra heat kick that builds slowly on the tongue.
• Maple Cinnamon Crunch: Replace half the corn syrup with pure maple syrup to create a deeper, woodsy flavor profile with rich caramel undertones.
• Holiday Spice Blend: Mix ground nutmeg and cloves with cinnamon oil to transform the candy into a festive winter treat that captures seasonal warmth.
• Herbal Cinnamon Burst: Infuse the sugar syrup with fresh ginger root or mint leaves before adding cinnamon oil, creating a complex and refreshing candy experience.

Frequently Asked Questions About Red Hot Cinnamon Hard Candy

• What makes Red Hot Cinnamon Hard Candy so special?

These candies deliver an intense, fiery cinnamon flavor with a satisfying crunch. The homemade version allows you to control the heat level and create a more authentic taste compared to store-bought candies.

• Is cinnamon oil safe to use in candy making?

Cinnamon oil is potent and should be handled carefully. Always wear gloves and avoid direct contact with eyes or skin. Use food-grade cinnamon oil specifically designed for cooking to ensure safety and best flavor.

• How can I tell if my candy has reached the right temperature?

A candy thermometer is crucial for this recipe. When the mixture hits exactly 300F (149C), you’ve reached the hard crack stage – the perfect point for creating crisp, brittle candy that shatters when broken.

• Can I adjust the spiciness of the candy?

Absolutely! You can control the heat by adding more or less cinnamon oil. Start with a small amount and taste carefully, as cinnamon oil is extremely strong and can quickly become overwhelming.

Red Hot Cinnamon Hard Candy Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Sweet Red Hot Cinnamon Hard Candy brings fiery spice and nostalgic charm to classic confectionery. Homemade candies deliver intense cinnamon flavor with a satisfying crunch that delights sugar enthusiasts who crave bold, spicy treats.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups (480 milliliters) granulated sugar
• ⅔ cup (160 milliliters) light corn syrup
• ¾ cup (180 milliliters) water

Flavoring and Coloring:

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon oil (or more for extra heat)
• ½ teaspoon red food coloring (gel or liquid)

Finishing Ingredient:

• ½ cup (120 milliliters) powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare a clean, spacious workspace by laying parchment paper on a baking sheet or lightly coating it with butter to prevent sticking.
2. Select a heavy-bottomed saucepan and combine sugar, corn syrup, and water, placing it over medium heat.
3. Gently stir the mixture until sugar completely dissolves, then cease stirring and allow the liquid to reach a rolling boil.
4. Monitor the temperature carefully using a candy thermometer, watching for the mixture to climb to 300F (hard crack stage), which typically requires 10-15 minutes of consistent heating.
5. Immediately remove the saucepan from heat and cautiously incorporate cinnamon oil and red food coloring, being mindful of potential eye irritation from the potent cinnamon essence.
6. Swiftly pour the molten candy onto the prepared baking sheet, ensuring an even distribution.
7. Allow the candy to rest undisturbed for approximately 30 minutes, permitting it to cool and solidify completely.
8. Once hardened, fracture the candy into irregular fragments using a mallet or sharp knife.
9. Optional: Dust the broken pieces with a light coating of powdered sugar to prevent adhesion and enhance presentation.

Notes

• Prioritize safety when handling hot sugar syrup by wearing long sleeves and using heat-resistant gloves to prevent potential burns.
• Choose a high-quality candy thermometer for precise temperature control, ensuring the perfect hard crack stage without burning the mixture.
• Consider using silicone mats instead of parchment paper for easier candy removal and a more non-stick surface.
• Experiment with different natural food colorings like beet juice for a vibrant red color without artificial additives.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 0 mg
• Fat: 0 g
• Saturated Fat: 0 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 0 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg