There’s something truly magical about making candy at home, and when it comes to red hot cinnamon hard candy, the experience is even sweeter. The moment you pour that molten, shimmering mixture into the pan, you can almost feel the warmth of nostalgia wrapping around you. I remember as a kid, helping my grandma in her cozy kitchen, the air filled with that intoxicating spicy sweetness that made our taste buds dance. This candy isn’t just a treat; it’s a burst of warmth and comfort, perfect for chilly evenings or sharing at festive gatherings. Trust me, once you make this vibrant, fiery candy, it’ll become a cherished part of your own family traditions!
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to create your own batch of sweet and spicy red hot cinnamon hard candy. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving that perfect flavor and texture, so let’s get right into it!
- 2 cups granulated sugar – This is the base of your candy, giving it that sweet foundation.
- 1 cup corn syrup – This adds a lovely smoothness and prevents crystallization, ensuring your candy is nice and glossy.
- 1/2 cup water – Just enough to help dissolve the sugar and create that beautiful syrupy mixture.
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon oil – This is where the magic happens! The cinnamon oil gives that fiery kick, so you can adjust the amount based on how spicy you want your candy.
- Red food coloring – Add this to your preference; a few drops will give your candy that signature vibrant red color. It’s all about that eye-catching appeal!
How to Prepare Red Hot Cinnamon Hard Candy
Now, let’s dive into the sweet science of making red hot cinnamon hard candy! It’s a straightforward process, but trust me, the results are absolutely worth it. Follow these steps to create your candy masterpiece!
Combine the Ingredients
Start by grabbing a medium saucepan and combine the 2 cups of granulated sugar, 1 cup of corn syrup, and 1/2 cup of water. It’s important to measure carefully here—this combination creates the syrupy base that will transform into your candy. Stir it gently until everything is well mixed, and the sugar begins to dissolve.
Heat and Boil
Next, place the saucepan over medium heat. Keep a close eye on it as you wait for the sugar to dissolve completely—this usually takes just a few minutes. Once you see that beautiful shiny mixture, increase the heat and bring it to a boil. Here’s where a candy thermometer becomes your best friend! You want to heat the mixture until it reaches the hard crack stage, which is 300°F (about 150°C). This is crucial for getting that perfect hard candy texture, so don’t skip this step!
Add Flavor and Color
Once your mixture hits that magical temperature, carefully remove it from the heat. Now comes the fun part! Quickly stir in 1 teaspoon of cinnamon oil and add your red food coloring to your desired shade. Be sure to taste the mixture (carefully, it’s hot!) and adjust the cinnamon oil if you’d like a spicier kick. The aroma will be absolutely intoxicating!
Pouring and Cooling
Pour the hot candy mixture onto a greased surface—this could be a marble countertop or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spread it out a bit, but be careful, it’s super hot! Let it cool for just a few minutes until it’s slightly firm but still pliable. This is key for shaping the candy!
Shaping the Candy
When the candy is cool enough to handle (but still warm), it’s time to get your hands involved! Stretch and pull the candy into long ropes. I like to twist them a bit for that classic look. Once you’ve got your ropes, use a sharp knife or kitchen scissors to cut them into bite-sized pieces. Let them cool completely before enjoying. Trust me, the wait will be worth it when you pop one in your mouth!
Tips for Success
Making red hot cinnamon hard candy can be a delightful adventure, but a few tips can help you avoid any hiccups along the way. First and foremost, always use a candy thermometer. It’s essential for achieving that perfect hard crack stage at 300°F. If you don’t have one, consider picking one up—it’s a game changer!
Next, be mindful of your stirring. Once you start heating, you want to avoid stirring the mixture too much after it’s boiling. This can cause sugar crystals to form, and we definitely don’t want that! Also, make sure your pouring surface is well-greased to prevent any sticky situations. Trust me, nobody likes candy that won’t come off the counter!
Finally, consider the cinnamon oil—start with the recommended amount, then taste test! If you crave more heat, you can always add more, but you can’t take it out once it’s in. Candy-making is an art, and it’s all about finding that perfect balance that suits your taste. Enjoy the process and let your creativity shine!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk numbers! Each piece of your delightful red hot cinnamon hard candy packs a flavorful punch while being surprisingly straightforward in the calorie department. Here’s a rough estimate of what you can expect:
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fat: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on your specific ingredients and how you prepare your candy. But hey, who’s counting when you’re indulging in that sweet, spicy goodness? Enjoy every fiery bite!
FAQ Section
How long does it take to make red hot cinnamon hard candy?
Making red hot cinnamon hard candy is a quick process! From start to finish, you’re looking at about 25 minutes—15 minutes of prep and around 10 minutes of cooking. It’s a speedy way to whip up a batch of delightful treats that will have everyone asking for more!
Can I adjust the spiciness of the candy?
Absolutely! If you like your candy with a little more kick, you can easily modify the amount of cinnamon oil to suit your taste. Start with the 1 teaspoon suggested in the recipe, then taste the mixture before pouring it out. If you want it spicier, add a few more drops and stir. Just remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it out once it’s in, so go easy at first!
How do I store red hot cinnamon hard candy?
To keep your red hot cinnamon hard candy fresh and delicious, store it in an airtight container. This helps prevent any moisture from getting in and keeps your candy nice and crunchy. You can keep it at room temperature for up to a couple of weeks—if it lasts that long! Just make sure the pieces are separated by parchment paper if they’re stacked, so they don’t stick together. Enjoy your fiery treats!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re looking for a delightful and rewarding cooking experience, making your own red hot cinnamon hard candy is a fantastic choice! Here are just a few reasons why this recipe will become a favorite in your home:
- Quick Preparation: With just about 25 minutes from start to finish, you can whip up a batch of these fiery treats in no time!
- Fun Activity: Involve the kids or friends in the process! Stretching and cutting the candy is a fun way to bond and create sweet memories together.
- Unique Flavor: The combination of sweet and spicy cinnamon is unlike anything you’ll find in stores. It’s a flavor explosion that warms the heart!
- Customization: You have complete control over the heat level! Adjust the cinnamon oil to suit your taste and make it as spicy as you like.
- Perfect for Sharing: These candies make excellent gifts! Package them up in cute jars or bags to share with friends and family during the holidays or special occasions.
- Nostalgic Treat: This candy brings back warm memories and can become a cherished tradition, just like it was for me with my grandma. You’ll be creating new memories for years to come!
Trust me, once you dive into the process, you’ll wonder why you didn’t start making your own candy sooner!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your delicious red hot cinnamon hard candy is super simple! Just make sure to let it cool completely before packing it away. Place the pieces in an airtight container to keep them fresh and crunchy. You can store them at room temperature for up to two weeks—if they last that long! If you notice any humidity in the air, consider adding a small packet of silica gel to the container to absorb moisture.
As for reheating, you won’t need to! This candy is meant to be enjoyed as is—hard and sweet. If you find any pieces have stuck together, just gently break them apart with your fingers. But trust me, this fiery candy is best savored as it is, straight from the container!
Print
Red Hot Cinnamon Hard Candy: 5 Ways to Ignite Joy
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 30 pieces 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Sweet and spicy red hot cinnamon hard candy.
Ingredients
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup corn syrup
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon oil
- Red food coloring
Instructions
- Combine sugar, corn syrup, and water in a saucepan.
- Heat over medium heat until the sugar dissolves.
- Increase heat and boil until mixture reaches 300°F (hard crack stage).
- Remove from heat and quickly stir in cinnamon oil and red food coloring.
- Pour mixture onto a greased surface and let cool slightly.
- When cool enough to handle, stretch and pull into ropes.
- Cut into pieces and let cool completely.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container.
- Use a candy thermometer for accurate results.
- Adjust cinnamon oil to taste for desired spiciness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Candy
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: red hot cinnamon hard candy
