Bring a little sparkle and spice to your holiday treats with Fire-Kissed Cinnamon Glass Candy. This classic old-fashioned candy blends sweetness and heat in every crackling bite.
With its vibrant red hue and fiery cinnamon aroma, it’s both nostalgic and eye-catching — a treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Whether you wrap it up for gifts or serve it in a candy dish, this recipe brings a touch of magic to your kitchen.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Fire-Kissed Cinnamon Glass Candy
- Simple ingredients: Just sugar, syrup, and flavoring — no fancy tools required.
- Gorgeous presentation: Jewel-like pieces that look straight out of a candy shop.
- Fiery cinnamon flavor: Perfect balance of heat and sweetness.
- Make-ahead treat: Keeps well for weeks without losing shine.
- Fun to customize: Change the color and flavor for any holiday!
If you love retro sweets with a homemade touch, you’ll enjoy my Italian Panettone — another festive favorite with timeless flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Fire-Kissed Cinnamon Glass Candy
- 2 cups (400 g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (240 ml) light corn syrup
- ½ cup (120 ml) water
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) cinnamon oil (or 1 tablespoon cinnamon extract)
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) red gel food coloring (optional, for that fiery red hue)
- ¼ cup powdered sugar (for dusting)
- ½ teaspoon cream of tartar (optional, prevents crystallization)
Optional Add-Ons or Substitutes
- Flavor swap: Try peppermint, orange, or clove oil for variation.
- Color twist: Match your flavor with green, gold, or pink food coloring.
- For extra sparkle: Sprinkle edible glitter or sanding sugar before cooling.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the setup: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and dust lightly with powdered sugar. Have your thermometer ready.
- Mix the base: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, water, and cream of tartar (if using). Stir gently until sugar dissolves.
- Boil to hard crack: Bring the mixture to a boil without stirring. Cook until the temperature reaches 300°F (150°C) on a candy thermometer.
- Add flavor and color: Remove from heat immediately and stir in cinnamon oil and food coloring (keep your face back — it’s potent!).
- Pour and cool: Quickly pour onto the prepared sheet. Tilt slightly to spread evenly. Let cool completely until hard.
- Break and dust: Use a mallet or the back of a spoon to break into shards. Dust with powdered sugar to prevent sticking.
(My Tip: Don’t stir once boiling starts — agitation causes crystals. Let heat do the work for clear, glassy candy.)
Expert Tips for Success
- Work fast once flavoring is added — it cools quickly.
- Use a candy thermometer for precision.
- Avoid humidity when making candy — it can make pieces sticky.
- Oil your tools lightly for an easy cleanup.
- Store airtight to maintain the glossy finish.
For another sweet treat that’s just as striking, try my Crème Brûlée Donuts — they bring the same caramelized beauty in a soft, creamy form.
Serving Suggestions
- Package in clear bags for edible gifts.
- Add to cookie platters for color contrast.
- Crush and sprinkle over cupcakes or ice cream.
- Use as a garnish on frosted cakes for a stained-glass effect.
Pair these fiery candies with a warm drink like cocoa or chai for a perfect balance of heat and sweetness.
Storing Tips
- Store airtight: Use sealed containers or jars with parchment between layers.
- Keep cool and dry: Moisture softens the candy.
- Shelf life: Lasts up to 3 weeks when stored properly.
Nutrition (Per Serving – Approx. 1 oz)
- Calories: 110
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Sugar: 27g
- Fat: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Sodium: 2mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Fiber: 0g
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use extract instead of oil?
Yes, but use 3–4 times the amount — oil is much stronger in flavor.
Why did my candy turn cloudy?
It likely crystallized; avoid stirring once the syrup starts boiling.
How can I make it spicier?
Add an extra ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon oil for more heat.
Final Thoughts
Fire-Kissed Cinnamon Glass Candy is the kind of recipe that brings back childhood memories — sweet, fiery, and full of sparkle. It’s a simple, fun treat that instantly brightens any table and makes a perfect homemade gift for the holidays.
- Fiery cinnamon bite.
- Shiny, glass-like finish.
- Pure nostalgic sweetness.
If you’re craving more festive sweets, my Fruitcake Shortbread Cookies are the perfect buttery match for this spicy treat.
Fire-Kissed Cinnamon Glass Candy
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Line a baking sheet with parchment and dust lightly with powdered sugar. Set up your candy thermometer.
- In a heavy saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, water, and cream of tartar (if using). Stir gently until sugar dissolves.
- Bring to a boil without stirring. Cook until temperature reaches 300°F (150°C).
- Remove from heat and immediately stir in cinnamon oil and red food coloring. Be cautious — vapors are strong.
- Quickly pour onto prepared sheet. Tilt pan to spread candy evenly. Let cool completely until hard.
- Break into shards with a mallet or spoon. Dust with powdered sugar to prevent sticking.
Nutrition
Notes
- Use cinnamon extract if oil isn’t available (3–4x quantity).
- Add edible glitter before cooling for sparkle.
- Do not stir once boiling begins to avoid crystallization.
