Description
These classic shiny red cinnamon candy apples are a perfect treat for Halloween parties or any festive occasion. Crisp, tart apples are coated in a homemade cinnamon-flavored hard candy shell that adds a sweet and spicy crunch. Easy to make with just a few simple ingredients, these candy apples combine texture and flavor for a nostalgic fall dessert everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
Candy Coating
- 1 pound bag cinnamon disc candies or Red Hots
- ⅓ cup water
- 10-20 drops red food coloring (optional)
Apples
- 12 small apples, preferably crisp and tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp
- 12 wooden candy sticks
Instructions
- Prepare Candy Mixture: Unwrap the cinnamon disc candies and place them in a medium heavy saucepan. Add ⅓ cup water and cook over medium heat, stirring frequently to help dissolve the candies.
- Wash and Dry Apples: While the candy mixture is cooking, thoroughly wash the apples, optionally using a tiny drop of dish soap to ensure they are clean. Dry the apples completely to help the candy coating stick properly.
- Insert Candy Sticks: Push a wooden candy stick firmly into the stem end of each apple. Set the prepared apples aside for dipping.
- Prepare Cooling Surface: Grease a sheet of parchment paper or aluminum foil and lay it on a flat surface to place the dipped apples onto after coating.
- Boil Candy to Hard Crack Stage: Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature of the candy mixture, stirring constantly as it heats. When the temperature reaches 300°F (hard crack stage), immediately remove the saucepan from heat. Add red food coloring if you desire a more vibrant red color.
- Dip Apples: Carefully dip each apple into the hot candy mixture, swirling to coat evenly and removing excess by twirling. Place the coated apples on the prepared parchment or foil to set.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the candy coating to cool and harden completely, about 1 hour. For easier eating, slice the apples rather than biting into them whole.
Notes
- Make sure apples are completely dry before dipping to help the candy coating adhere properly.
- Use a heavy saucepan and candy thermometer to achieve the precise candy temperature for a crisp coating.
- If the candy mixture hardens on the sides of the pan, carefully melt it again without stirring to avoid crystallization.
- Grease the parchment or foil lightly to prevent sticking when the candy cools.
- Candy apples are best enjoyed the same day as prepared for optimal crunchiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
