Name: Red Hot Cinnamon Hard Candy Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 2 cups granulated sugar; ¾ cup light corn syrup; ½ cup water; 1 teaspoon cinnamon oil (not extract); ½ teaspoon red food coloring; Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)

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Why You’ll Love This Candy Recipe

Red hot cinnamon hard candy is more than just a sweet treat—it’s a sensory experience. Here’s why it’s so popular:

Bold Flavor: That spicy cinnamon warmth adds a unique twist to regular sweets.
Beautiful Appearance: The deep red color and glossy finish make them visually stunning.
Perfect for Gifts: They look amazing in jars, bags, or tins.
Quick Cooking Time: Ready in about 35 minutes.
Simple Ingredients: Just a handful of pantry staples are needed.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make red hot cinnamon hard candy, you only need a few basic ingredients:

2 cups granulated sugar
¾ cup light corn syrup
½ cup water
1 teaspoon cinnamon oil (not extract)
½ teaspoon red food coloring
Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting to prevent sticking)

Tools & Equipment

Here’s what you’ll need to make this recipe safely and successfully:

Heavy-bottomed saucepan
Candy thermometer
Baking sheet or silicone mat
Heat-resistant gloves or oven mitts
Sharp knife or candy scissors
Nonstick cooking spray or parchment paper

How to Make Red Hot Cinnamon Hard Candy

Follow these simple steps for a flawless candy batch every time:

Step 1: Prep Your Surface

Spray a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper. You’ll pour the hot candy mixture here, so have it ready.

Step 2: Combine and Heat Ingredients

In a heavy saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, and water. Stir to combine, then place over medium heat. Once it starts boiling, stop stirring.

Step 3: Monitor the Temperature

Clip on your candy thermometer. Cook the mixture until it reaches 300°F (hard crack stage). This can take around 25–30 minutes.

Step 4: Add Flavor and Color

Remove from heat immediately. Add cinnamon oil and red food coloring. Be cautious—cinnamon oil is very potent and can cause irritation if inhaled directly. Stir quickly and thoroughly.

Step 5: Pour and Cool

Pour the mixture onto the prepped surface. Let it cool slightly until it’s just firm enough to score or break into pieces.

Step 6: Break and Finish

Once fully cooled, break into bite-sized pieces. Optionally, toss with powdered sugar to keep pieces from sticking together.

Tips for Success

Use cinnamon oil, not extract. Oil has a stronger, purer flavor that holds up to high heat.
Handle with care. The candy mixture gets extremely hot—never touch it with bare hands.
Work fast. Once you add the oil and coloring, the mixture begins to set quickly.
Use a candy thermometer. Accuracy matters when reaching the hard crack stage.

Serving Ideas

Red hot cinnamon candy is great for:

Holiday gift jars
Wedding or party favors
Valentine’s Day treats
After-dinner sweets
Spicing up dessert trays

Storage Instructions

Store your candy in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Avoid humidity, as it can cause the candy to become sticky. Properly stored, it lasts up to 2 months.

Health Note

This candy is for occasional enjoyment. Due to the sugar content, it’s best enjoyed in moderation—especially for those watching their sugar intake or with sensitive teeth.

15 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use cinnamon extract instead of cinnamon oil?
No. Cinnamon oil is much more concentrated and heat-stable. Extracts may evaporate or weaken under high heat.

2. Is this candy too spicy for kids?
It depends on taste. It’s spicy but not overwhelmingly so. Reduce the amount of cinnamon oil if making for children.

3. Can I add other flavors or colors?
Absolutely! This recipe is a great base. Try clove, anise, or even mint oils.

4. Do I need a candy thermometer?
Yes. Reaching exactly 300°F is crucial for the right texture.

5. Can I use a silicone candy mold?
Yes, but work quickly. Pour the mixture into molds immediately after adding the flavor and color.

6. How do I prevent the candy from sticking together?
Toss finished pieces in powdered sugar or cornstarch before storing.

7. How long does it take to make?
Around 35 minutes, plus cooling time.

8. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but be careful—larger batches can be harder to handle and pour quickly.

9. What happens if I cook past 300°F?
The candy can burn, resulting in a bitter taste. Watch closely once it nears 295°F.

10. Can I make this sugar-free?
There are sugar-free recipes using xylitol or isomalt, but this recipe is not sugar-free.

11. Why is my candy sticky?
Humidity or undercooking can cause this. Ensure proper storage and exact temperature.

12. How do I clean the pot afterward?
Soak in hot water to dissolve the hardened sugar. Avoid scrubbing while it’s still hot.

13. What’s the shelf life?
Up to 2 months in an airtight container at room temperature.

14. Can I wrap individual pieces?
Yes, wrap in wax paper or candy wrappers for easy sharing or gifting.

15. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all listed ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

This Red Hot Cinnamon Hard Candy Recipe is a crowd-pleaser—bold, beautiful, and brimming with flavor. Whether you’re making it for the holidays, gifting, or indulging yourself, this easy-to-make treat brings joy in every bite.