Cinnamon Rock Candy

• Insert the wooden skewer or chopstick into a jar or glass. Make sure it’s tall enough to allow the candy to hang freely without touching the bottom of the jar.
• Wet the skewer with water and roll it in granulated sugar to create a light coating. This sugar coating will help the crystals start to form later.

2. Make the sugar syrup:

• In a medium saucepan, combine the 2 cups of sugar and 1 cup of water. Stir over medium heat until the sugar completely dissolves.
• Once the sugar dissolves, increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil.
• Boil the syrup for about 5-10 minutes, or until it reaches about 240°F (115°C) on a candy thermometer, which is the soft-ball stage for candy.

3. Flavor and color the syrup:

• Once the syrup reaches the right temperature, remove it from the heat.
• Stir in the cinnamon extract (or cinnamon oil) and a few drops of red food coloring, if using. Be cautious with cinnamon oil, as it is very potent and can be overwhelming.

4. Set up for crystallization:

• Pour the hot syrup carefully into a heatproof jar or container, leaving some room at the top for the sugar crystals to grow.
• Place the sugared skewer or chopstick into the jar, making sure it hangs straight and doesn’t touch the sides or bottom of the jar.

5. Let the crystals grow:

• Allow the jar to sit in a cool, undisturbed area for about 5-7 days. Over time, the sugar will begin to crystallize on the skewer or chopstick.
• Check the progress every day. You should start seeing large sugar crystals form on the skewer after a few days.

6. Finishing up:

• Once the crystals are big enough (typically after 5-7 days), carefully remove the skewer from the jar.
• If desired, roll the cinnamon rock candy in some additional granulated sugar to help preserve it and give it an extra sparkle.

7. Serve and enjoy:

• Allow the cinnamon rock candy to dry completely, and then break it into smaller pieces or keep it on the skewer for a fun, retro treat!

Tips:

• For an extra spicy kick, use cinnamon oil instead of extract, but be careful with the amount—start with a few drops and adjust as needed.
• You can make different colors of rock candy by using other food colorings if you like.

This Cinnamon Rock Candy has a wonderful warm, sweet cinnamon flavor with a satisfying crunch. It’s a nostalgic treat that’s fun to make and even more fun to eat!

Would you give this sweet and spicy candy a try for the holidays or a fun DIY gift?