Cinnamon Hard Candy
Every year, as the calendar flips over to the most festive and cozy time of year, I find myself awash with a particular scent that fills me with nostalgia and warmth – the unmistakable aroma of cinnamon. It’s not just any cinnamon-infused delicacy, it’s the heartwarming sight and smell of homemade cinnamon hard candy being prepared in my kitchen.
The lovely red hue lighting up the kitchen counter, the crackling sound as the candy solidifies, each piece individually wrapped like tiny holiday gifts, there’s something about making cinnamon hard candy that evokes an inexplicable sense of joy and belonging.
It takes me back to my childhood when my grandmother would let us kids “help” her in the process. We’d watch in fascination as the sugar, water, and cinnamon transformed on the stove from a simple syrup into a bubbling concoction. After what seemed to be an eternity of watching, stirring, and waiting, the mixture would finally reach the magical hard-crack stage.
We’d then pour this hot liquid onto a lined cookie sheet, sprinkling it with powdered sugar like falling snowflakes, its sweet and spicy aroma filling the entire house, signifying that the holidays were truly here.
I remember how we’d sneakily poke at the edges, impatiently waiting for it to cool so we could taste it. Those first sharp, fiery bites were always followed by wide-eyed surprise at the intense cinnamon flavor that packed such a punch! As the candy cooled and hardened into its final form, it became a delicious treat that was savored and shared throughout the season.
Even today, the tradition continues in my home. With each passing year, the memories associated with cinnamon hard candy have become richer and deeper. And it’s not just about eating the candy – it’s about reminiscing past holiday seasons, laughing over shared stories, and making new memories with loved ones.
So, as the holidays near, perhaps it’s time to put on your apron, dust off that old candy thermometer, and relive the decadent tradition of cinnamon hard candy. It may be a simple treat, but it’s one that carries the magic of holiday nostalgia, generational love, and the spirit of giving, all wrapped up in its fiery red brilliance.
May your holidays be filled with sweetness, laughter, and buckets full of nostalgia!
Cinnamon Hard Candy
Ingredients
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- a few drops of red food coloring optional
- 1 dram bottle 1 tsp cinnamon oil flavor
- Powdered sugar
Instructions
- Line a cookie sheet with aluminum foil. Spray lightly with non-stick cooking spray.Â
- In a four cup, microwave safe glass measuring cup, stir together corn syrup and sugar until well combined.Â
- Cover tightly with a piece of plastic wrap. Cook in microwave on high power for four minutes. Mixture should be boiling.   Â
- Carefully remove plastic wrap and DISCARD the wrap. Use a CLEAN spoon to stir the mixture well. Cover with a NEW piece of plastic wrap and place back into the microwave for four minutes more on high power.Â
- Carefully remove from microwave and remove plastic wrap. Working quickly, use ANOTHER CLEAN SPOON, and stir in a few drops of food coloring, if desired. Stir in the entire bottle of cinnamon oil flavoring.  Â
- Immediately pour onto a foil lined cookie sheet. Allow to cool completely until candy has hardened. Â
- Break hardened candy into bite sized pieces. Immediately dredge in powdered sugar. Store in air tight container on the counter. Do not refrigerate!
