Homemade Cinnamon Sugar Recipe I Knead Bread

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This Cinnamon Sugar recipe shows you how to make the best cinnamon sugar ever! Whether you're sprinkling it over your morning toast, topping off oatmeal, or just making baked goods, this favorite is simple to make!

A spoonful of homemade cinnamon sugar held above a glass jar filled with the same mixture, with an orange lid visible in the background.

Why You'll Love This Homemade Cinnamon Sugar Recipe

Cinnamon sugar is popular year round, but it's especially popular during the fall and winter months. That's because the warm, spicy flavor of cinnamon is perfect for chilly days, as well as autumn harvested apple and pumpkin desserts.

So if you love bold flavors and need more sweetness in your life, read on to learn how to make cinnamon sugar at home!

A close-up view of a glass jar filled with fine, light brown powder, likely a Cinnamon Sugar Recipe. The jar has a metal clasp and an orange rubber seal visible in the background.

Ingredients Overview

The perfect cinnamon to sugar ratio is 1:3, or 1 part cinnamon to three parts sugar. This ratio gives the cinnamon sugar mix a strong cinnamon flavor without being too overpowering. You can adjust the ratio to your own taste, but I think this is the perfect balance.

Sugar - You can use white sugar or brown sugar. White sugar lets you dispense cinnamon sugar from a shaker, with brown sugar you'll need a spoon.
Cinnamon - Ground, preferably the sweeter, Ceylon cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum).

Full ingredient amounts and preparation instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Two small glass bowls on a marble surface; one holds white granulated sugar and the other brown ground cinnamon, perfect for creating your own homemade cinnamon sugar recipe.

Ceylon vs. Saigon Cinnamon

I recommend using Ceylon cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum). It's preferred by bakers.

What is often sold as 'cinnamon' is actually Cassia, a cousin of true cinnamon, and much less expensive. It's known as Saigon cinnamon (Cinnamomun cassia), and is better suited for savory cooking.

Here you can see the actual difference between the two before they are ground. You won't see as dramatic a difference when ground though, so be sure to read the spice label.

Cinnamomum verum - True cinnamon quills

Cinnamomum cassia - or Saigon cinnamon quills

How to Make The Best Cinnamon Sugar

In this tutorial, we break down all the steps in making this classic and simple topping, and baking ingredient. From selecting the right ingredients and optimal ratios, to tips for storage and best uses - everything you need to know will be covered here!

So put on your apron and get ready because with these directions by your side creating flavor-packed cinnamon sugar has never been easier!

A glass bowl on a white surface contains a mound of white granulated sugar with a heap of brown cinnamon powder on top-perfect for a homemade cinnamon sugar recipe.

Step 1: Measure the cinnamon and sugar into a bowl. If making a larger batch, consider wearing a face mask, as the fine ground cinnamon can get you sneezing.

Both cinnamon and sugar can develop tiny lumps. Run the ingredients through fine sieve to get any lumps out..

A glass mixing bowl containing a homemade blend of light brown granulated sugar and cinnamon, creating the perfect cinnamon sugar recipe, sits on a white marble surface.

Step 2: Taste your cinnamon sugar mix. If you think you'd prefer to adjust the cinnamon to sugar ratio, now it the time to do so. Transfer to a spice jar, mason jar, or a rubber sealed bail jar. Keep in a cool, dry pantry storage location.

Pro Tip

You can also use brown sugar for a moister, softer mixture. Be sure to store it in a jar that keeps it sealed, so it stays crumbly textured. Brown sugar and cinnamon is amazing in oatmeal!

How To Use Homemade Cinnamon Sugar

Whether it's for topping your favorite desserts or sprinkling on toast or oatmeal, you'll find endless uses for this easy-to-make cinnamon sugar recipe. Here are a few ideas for how to use this delicious cinnamon sprinkle:

Sprinkle on pancakes, waffles, or french toast.
Roll fruit in cinnamon sugar for a delicious and healthy snack. Use it in our Cinnamon Crunch Bagels.
Use it as a topping for donuts, muffins, churros, or cookies.
Use it for baked goods like our Apple Cinnamon Rolls or Brown Butter Cinnamon Rolls recipes.
Add it to hot chocolate or coffee for a warm and flavorful treat.

Substitutions and Variations

Some useful tips and substitutions when making this recipe:

Brown sugar and cinnamon - just use some brown sugar or all brown sugar when mixing up your blend.
If you don't have cinnamon on hand, you can substitute Apple Pie Spice or even Pumpkin Pie Spice blends. It's not quite the same, as there's nutmeg, clove, ginger, and allspice in these blends.

Tips for Success

Helpful tips to help you when making this recipe:

Use a fine grain of sugar for the best texture - granulated or superfine is perfect. Confectioners is too fine, it will clump.
You can substitute brown sugar for granulated sugar for a richer flavor.
You can add other spices to the cinnamon sugar recipe, such as nutmeg, cloves, or cardamom.

Storage Options

Here is how I store leftovers when making this recipe:

Store mixture in an airtight container like a spice jar at room temperature for up to 18 months.

Related Recipes

Apple Pie Spice Recipe
Gingerbread Spice Mix Recipe
Classic Italian Panettone (Christmas Bread)
Pumpkin Pie Spice Recipe
Pumpkin Scones with Maple Glaze

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a taste difference between Saigon Cinnamon and Ceylon Cinnamon?

Yes, Saigon cinnamon is not as sweet, and can develop some bitter after notes. Saigon cinnamon is great when making savory dishes, using it as a spice. Ceylon cinnamon is preferred by bakers for baked good or sweet breads, as it is sweeter, and does not develop bitter after notes.

What are some additional uses for cinnamon sugar

You can use it to make a variety of desserts, such as cinnamon sugar cookies, cinnamon swirl bread, and muffins. It can also be used to rim a glass for a cinnamon sugar margarita. You can also dip fruit in it for a sweet and refreshing treat.

Can I make this cinnamon sugar recipe sugar free?

Yes, you can even use granulated sugar substitutes like Swerve or granulated Allulose.

Can I use other types of sugar to make cinnamon sugar?

Yes, you can use Date sugar, coconut sugar, and brown sugar also work great!

What is the perfect ratio of cinnamon to sugar for the best cinnamon sugar?

The perfect cinnamon to sugar ratio is one part cinnamon to three parts sugar.

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A close-up of a spoonful of homemade cinnamon sugar being held above a glass jar filled with more of the sweet mixture. The jar features a metal clasp and an orange seal.

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5 from 1 vote