Echoes of Appalachia

With Christmas just around the corner, it brings with it the sweet scent of baking, the joy of gift-giving, and cherished family traditions. One such tradition that has warmed homes for generations is making homemade hard candy at Christmas. The process of crafting this festive treat is as much a part of the holiday spirit as the candy itself. For many of us, it breaks open a wave of memories.

One of my fondest holiday memories is of my Granny making hard candy every Christmas. She would carefully prepare the candy, her hands working skillfully with the hot syrup, all while sharing stories and celebrating the joy of the season. The bright red, cinnamon-flavored treats would eventually end up in our Christmas stockings, adding an extra layer of sweetness to the holiday morning. Today, I want to share her recipe, which has been passed down through the generations, so you can make it part of your own Christmas tradition.

Ingredients for Granny’s Cinnamon Hard Candy

To make this classic holiday treat, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
• 3 ¾ cups white sugar
• 1 ½ cups light corn syrup
• 1 cup water
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon oil
• 1 teaspoon red food coloring

These simple ingredients come together to create a sweet, spicy, and beautifully red candy that will brighten up your holiday season.

Instructions: How to Make Granny’s Cinnamon Hard Candy

Making hard candy at home can seem like a daunting task, but with a little patience and the right technique, it’s surprisingly easy. Follow these steps for a batch of sweet, cinnamon-infused hard candy that will remind you of Christmases past.

Step 1: Prepare Your Work Area

Before you begin, it’s important to set up your work area. Lay out two 16-inch squares of heavy-duty aluminum foil on a flat surface. Roll up the edges of the foil to create a rim around each square, like a mini tray. Generously sprinkle each square with confectioners’ sugar to prevent the candy from sticking as it cools.

Step 2: Make the Sugar Syrup

In a large, heavy saucepan, combine the white sugar, corn syrup, and water. Heat over medium-high heat, stirring constantly until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture begins to boil, which should take about 5 minutes. Once it starts to boil, stop stirring. You want the syrup to come to a boil without any interference.

Step 3: Monitor the Temperature

Using a candy thermometer, continue boiling the mixture until it reaches 300 to 310 degrees F (149 to 154 degrees C), known as the “hard crack” stage. This will take about 25 minutes. It’s important not to rush this step—slow and steady heating is key to achieving the perfect candy consistency.

Step 4: Add Flavor and Color

Once your syrup has reached the correct temperature, remove the pan from the heat. Now it’s time to add the cinnamon oil and red food coloring. Stir gently to incorporate the cinnamon oil, which will give the candy that signature spicy kick, and the food coloring, which will turn your candy a beautiful, vibrant red.

Step 5: Pour the Candy Mixture

Carefully pour the hot syrup onto the prepared foil squares. The candy will spread out naturally, but you can use a spatula to guide it if needed. Be cautious during this step, as the candy will be extremely hot.

Step 6: Cool and Harden

Allow the candy to cool and harden for about 45 minutes. Once it has set, it will be firm and ready to crack.

Step 7: Break Into Pieces

When the candy has cooled completely, it’s time to break it into pieces. You can use your hands to gently tap the hardened candy and crack it into shards or carefully break it into smaller pieces with a mallet or spoon.

Step 8: Enjoy and Share

Store your homemade cinnamon hard candy in an airtight container, separated by layers of parchment paper to prevent sticking. Now you’re ready to enjoy the fruits of your labor! You can eat it as a snack, share it with family and friends, or even add it to your Christmas stockings, just as Granny did for us.

A Sweet Christmas Tradition

Granny’s cinnamon hard candy recipe is a wonderful way to keep a holiday tradition alive. The process of making this sweet treat can be an experience your whole family can enjoy, and the resulting candy will bring joy to everyone who tastes it. Whether you’re creating new memories with your loved ones or reminiscing about the past, this homemade candy is sure to be a hit during your Christmas celebrations.

So this Christmas, why not try making your own batch of hard candy? Whether you’re carrying on a family tradition or starting a new one, this sweet, spicy treat will make your holiday season even more special.

-Tim Carmichael