Red Candy Apples With Cinnamon

Name: Red Candy Apples With Cinnamon
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 6 medium-sized apples (Granny Smith or Fuji); 2 cups granulated sugar; 1/2 cup corn syrup; 1/2 cup water; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 teaspoon red food coloring; Wooden sticks or skewers

Highlighted under: Traditional Baking

I absolutely love making Red Candy Apples With Cinnamon, especially during fall festivities. The combination of tart apples, warm cinnamon, and a glossy red candy coating captures the essence of autumn for me. Each bite delivers a delightful crunch followed by a sweet explosion, making them the perfect treat for family gatherings or Halloween celebrations. Plus, I enjoy how simple it is to whip them up, resulting in a visually stunning and delicious dessert that everyone enjoys.

Created by

Chloe Bennett

Last updated on 2026-02-16T07:41:36.609Z

Making Red Candy Apples With Cinnamon reminds me of my childhood when my family would visit the local fair. The sight of bright red apples coated in candy was always so mesmerizing. To achieve the perfect candy coating, I found that using a candy thermometer is essential. It ensures the sugar reaches the right temperature for that crisp, crackly shell. Plus, adding cinnamon to the mix enhances the flavor beautifully!

One tip I love to share is to make sure your apples are thoroughly dried before dipping them in the candy. This helps the candy stick better and ensures a smooth surface. The sweet, spicy aroma of cinnamon combined with the candy coating creates a delightful scent in the kitchen that will have everyone eagerly awaiting their turn to taste this fall treat.

Why You Will Love This Recipe
The vibrant red color makes for a stunning dessert display
A delightful blend of sweet and spicy flavors
Fun activity for kids and adults alike

The Role of Apples

Choosing the right apples is crucial for achieving the best flavor and texture in your Red Candy Apples With Cinnamon. I recommend using Granny Smith apples for their tartness, which contrasts beautifully with the sweet candy coating. Fuji apples are also a great option due to their sweetness and crisp texture. The firmness of the apple helps maintain its shape during the candying process, ensuring a satisfying crunch with each bite.

Before starting, make sure your apples are at room temperature. Cold apples can cause the candy to harden too quickly, leading to uneven coating. If you're in a rush, a quick rinse with warm water can help bring them to a more suitable temperature, ensuring a smooth and glossy finish when dipped in the candy mixture.

Tips for Candy Making

When preparing the candy mixture, precision is key. Use a good-quality candy thermometer and make sure to monitor the temperature closely as it approaches the hard crack stage at 300°F. Going beyond this temperature can result in a burnt flavor and overly hard candy, while not reaching it could lead to a sticky mess. The right temperature will give you that perfectly crisp shell.

It's also important to work quickly once the candy reaches the correct temperature. The mixture can cool rapidly, which makes it difficult to coat the apples evenly. Have your apples ready and waiting, and dip them one at a time for the best results. If the candy begins to thicken before you're finished, gently reheating it over low heat can restore its fluidity.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

Once your Red Candy Apples With Cinnamon have set, they can be stored at room temperature for up to a week. Place them in a cool, dry area away from direct sunlight to help preserve their texture. If you have any leftovers, consider wrapping them individually in wax paper to prevent them from sticking together, which can ruin their glossy finish.

For serving, consider decorating the apples with additional toppings like chopped nuts, sprinkles, or even a drizzle of chocolate. This adds a delightful visual element and introduces new flavor components that can complement the cinnamon taste. They’re perfect for parties or as a fun treat while watching fall movies, bringing a little extra cheer to any gathering.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to create your candy apples:

Ingredients

6 medium-sized apples (Granny Smith or Fuji)
2 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup corn syrup
1/2 cup water
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon red food coloring
Wooden sticks or skewers

Make sure to choose firm apples for the best results.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make your Red Candy Apples:

Prepare the Apples

Rinse and dry the apples thoroughly. Insert wooden sticks into the stem end of each apple.

Make the Candy Mixture

In a saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, water, and cinnamon. Cook over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.

Heat the Mixture

Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature until it reaches 300°F (hard crack stage).

Add Color and Dip Apples

Remove from heat, carefully stir in red food coloring. Quickly dip each apple into the candy mixture, rotating to coat completely.

Let It Set

Place the coated apples on parchment paper to cool and set for about 30 minutes.

Enjoy your delicious red candy apples!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, sprinkle crushed nuts or candies on the apples before the candy sets.

Common Troubleshooting

If you find the candy mixture crystallizing during cooking, it could be due to sugar splattering on the sides of the pan. To prevent this, use a wet pastry brush to wash down the sides while cooking, ensuring a smooth and even mixture. If crystallization has already happened and you notice graininess, don’t panic; simply add a small bit of water and reheat it gently while stirring until smooth.

Another common issue is the candy not adhering well to the apples. This could happen if the apples are not dry enough or if the candy mixture isn't the right temperature. To ensure a good bond, dry the apples thoroughly after rinsing and work quickly after dipping them into the hot candy mixture.

Flavor Variations

While cinnamon adds a lovely warmth to these candy apples, consider getting creative with flavorings. You can infuse the candy mixture with other spices like nutmeg or ginger for a spicier kick. Alternatively, a splash of vanilla extract added off the heat can enhance the sweetness of the candy coating and offer a fragrant depth to each bite.

For a unique twist, try topping the candy apples with edible glitter or colored sugar for a festive touch, especially around Halloween or holiday gatherings. This not only elevates their visual appeal but can impress guests with your creativity and flair. Experiment with different toppings to make each apple a personal masterpiece!

Scaling the Recipe

If you're planning a larger gathering or want to share these treats with friends, you can easily double or triple the recipe. Just make sure to adjust the cooking vessel to accommodate the larger quantities, as using a deeper pot can help with even heating and prevent splattering. Monitoring the temperature becomes even more important when scaling, so keep an eye on the thermometer.

Also, consider how you’ll present these candy apples. For larger batches, you might want to arrange them on a decorative platter or even use a foam block covered in wax paper to create a display. This allows guests to take one without the apples tumbling over each other, maintaining their beautiful presentation long after they've cooled.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other types of apples?

Yes! Any firm apples like Honeycrisp or Gala are great for candy apples.

→ How do I store leftover candy apples?

Keep them in a cool, dry place in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

→ What can I replace the corn syrup with?

You can use light molasses or honey, but it may alter the taste slightly.

→ Is there a way to make the candy less sticky?

Try adding a bit of vegetable oil to the candy mixture; it can help with stickiness.