If you’ve never tried cinnamon pickles, you’re in for a treat! These unique pickles combine the crunch of cucumbers with the warm spice of cinnamon and a touch of sweetness. They’re perfect for adding a pop of flavor to your snack table or gifting to friends who love something a little different. Wondering how to make cinnamon pickles at home? Let’s dive into an easy-to-follow guide that will have you enjoying this delightful treat in just a few days.
What Are Cinnamon Pickles?
Cinnamon pickles are a type of sweet and spicy pickle made by soaking cucumbers in a special brine infused with cinnamon sticks and cinnamon-flavored candies (often Red Hots). The process transforms ordinary cucumbers into vibrant, flavorful rings or sticks with a beautiful reddish hue and a unique taste that blends sweet, spicy, and tangy notes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a typical list of ingredients to make cinnamon pickles:
– Cucumbers (about 3-5 pounds, medium to large size)
– Pickling lime (about ½ cup)
– Alum (about 1 teaspoon)
– White vinegar (several cups, divided)
– Water (enough for soaking and syrup)
– Sugar (around 3 cups)
– Cinnamon sticks (3-8 sticks depending on batch size)
– Cinnamon Red Hot candies (about ½ cup to 1 cup)
– Optional: red food coloring for that classic bright red look
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Cinnamon Pickles
Day 1: Prepare and Soak the Cucumbers
- Slice the cucumbers into rings about ½ inch thick. For a fun presentation, use a melon baller or small cutter to remove the seeds from the center, creating hollow rings.
- Soak the cucumber rings in a large pot filled with pickling lime mixed into water (about ½ cup lime to 2 gallons water). Let them soak for 24 hours. This step helps the cucumbers stay crisp during pickling.
Day 2: Rinse and Simmer
- Drain and rinse the cucumbers thoroughly in cold water to remove the lime.
- Soak the cucumbers in ice water for 3-4 hours to firm them up even more, then drain again.
- In a large pot, combine vinegar, alum, red food coloring (optional), and water to cover the cucumbers. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer the cucumbers in this mixture for about 2 hours. Drain and discard the liquid afterward.
Day 3: Make the Cinnamon Syrup
- In a large pot, mix together sugar, vinegar, water, cinnamon sticks, and cinnamon Red Hot candies.
- Bring this syrup to a boil, stirring until the sugar and candies dissolve completely.
- Pour the hot syrup over the drained cucumbers, cover, and let them sit overnight at room temperature to soak up all the flavors.
Days 4 and 5: Reheat and Preserve
- Drain the syrup but keep it. Bring the syrup to a boil again and pour it back over the cucumbers. Repeat this process for a couple of days to intensify the flavor.
- On the final day, pack the cucumber rings into sterilized jars, pour hot syrup over them, and process the jars in a boiling water bath for about 10-15 minutes to seal.
Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Pickles
– Use fresh, firm cucumbers for the best crunch.
– If you prefer a more natural look, skip the red food coloring — the cinnamon candies will give plenty of color.
– The alum helps maintain the crisp texture, so don’t skip it.
– Letting the pickles soak multiple times in the syrup enhances the cinnamon flavor.
– Store your cinnamon pickles in the refrigerator if you don’t want to can them.
Why You’ll Love Cinnamon Pickles
Cinnamon pickles offer a delightful twist on traditional pickles. They’re sweet but with a spicy kick from the cinnamon candies, making them perfect for adventurous eaters. The crunchy texture combined with the warm cinnamon aroma makes them a unique snack or a colorful addition to any pickle platter. Plus, they’re a fun project that fills your kitchen with a wonderful scent as they simmer.
Cinnamon pickles are surprisingly easy to make and a fantastic way to surprise your taste buds. With just a few simple ingredients and a bit of patience, you’ll have a batch of these sweet, spicy, and crunchy delights ready to enjoy or share. Give it a try and watch your friends’ faces light up when they taste something so unexpected and delicious!