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Homemade Cinnamon Hearts Recipe

Cinnamon Hearts

Cinnamon hearts are a type of small, cinnamon-flavored, heart-shaped candy that are often associated with Valentine's Day, but did you know that they have their roots in herbal medicine? We suggest making your own cinnamon heart candy at home to avoid unnecessary colorings and additives.

History Of Cinnamon Hearts

The history of cinnamon hearts can be traced back to the early 19th century in Europe, where they were first produced as a medicinal candy. Cinnamon is considered to have a number of health benefits, including its ability to help with digestive issues and to warm the body. Over time, the popularity of cinnamon hearts grew, and they became a popular treat for special occasions such as Valentine's Day. Today, mass produced cinnamon hearts made with cinnamon flavoring and red food dye are widely available, and are enjoyed by people of all ages as a sweet and spicy treat.

The Perfect Valentine’s Day Treat

Cinnamon hearts are perfect for Valentine's Day for a few reasons:

  • Heart Shape: The heart-shaped candy represents love and affection, making them a perfect fit for the holiday dedicated to love and romance.

  • Flavor: Cinnamon is known to evoke feelings of warmth and comfort, which is why many people associate the spice with Valentine's Day. Cinnamon hearts combine this familiar, comforting flavor with the sweetness of candy, making them a popular choice for the holiday.

  • Nostalgia: For many people, cinnamon hearts evoke memories of childhood and special occasions, making them a timeless treat that regardless of your age.

  • Affordability: Cinnamon hearts are an affordable and accessible option for people who want to show their affection on Valentine's Day. The ingredients are easy to find and come in bulk, making them a great option for sharing with friends and loved ones.

Overall, cinnamon hearts are a classic treat that perfectly embodies the spirit of Valentine's Day, making them a popular choice for the holiday. This recipe is slightly less spicy than the processed store-bought version, so if you want a bit more heat just add in a bit of cinnamon extract to kick these up a notch.

Homemade Cinnamon Hearts Recipe

This recipe will make approximately 30-40 candy hearts. 

Ingredients:

  • ½ cup honey

  • 1 cup water

  • 1/3 tsp salt

  • 3 tbsp cinnamon powder

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • ¼ cup arrowroot powder

  • Candy thermometer

  • Heart shaped candy mold

Instructions:

  1. Attach your candy thermometer to a medium saucepan, and over medium high heat bring the honey and water to 250F.

  2. Stir in the salt, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Stir occasionally as your mixture heats to 300F.

  3. As soon as the temperature reaches 300F, remove from heat and pour the mixture into your candy molds.

  4. Allow your candy to harden in the molds for several hours, or overnight if necessary.

  5. Once cool, remove and roll the hearts in arrowroot powder to prevent your candy from sticking together.

  6. Store in fridge or freezer.

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