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!
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Ceylon vs. Saigon Cinnamon
- Cinnamon Sugar Recipe Ingredients
- How to Make The BEST Cinnamon Sugar
- How To Use Homemade Cinnamon Sugar
- Substitutions and Variations
- Equipment
- Related Recipes
- Storage
- Tips for Success
- Frequently Asked Questions
- More Delish Ideas
- How To Make Cinnamon Sugar
- Want To Save This Recipe?
Why You'll Love This 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!
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.
Ceylon and Saigon Cinnamon Look Different Also
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.
Ceylon cinnamon sticks are 'flaky' textured bark quills. They break up easily.
Saigon cinnamon sticks (Cassia) are solid, non flaky bark quills. They don't grind up easily.
Cinnamon Sugar Recipe Ingredients
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.
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!
Measure Ingredients
- 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.
Blend Ingredients Well
- Both cinnamon and sugar can develop tiny lumps. If you have a baking flour sifter, run the ingredients through the sifter to get any lumps out.
- 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 Bagels with Cinnamon Crunch Topping.
- Use it as a topping for donuts, muffins, churros, or cookies.
- Use it for baked goods like our Apple Filled Cinnamon Rolls or Brown Butter Cinnamon Rolls recipes.
- Add it to hot chocolate or coffee for a warm and flavorful treat.
Substitutions and Variations
Here are a few delicious variations when making cinnamon sugar:
- 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.
Equipment
Equipment can have a big impact on how a recipe turns out. Below are some of my favorite pieces of equipment that I use when making this family favorite.
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Related Recipes
- Apple Pie Spice Recipe
- Gingerbread Spice Mix Recipe
- Italian Panettone (Christmas Bread)
- Pumpkin Pie Spice Recipe
- Pumpkin Scones with Maple Glaze
Storage
- Store mixture in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 18 months.
Tips for Success
- 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can use it to make a variety of desserts, such as cinnamon sugar cookies, bars, 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.
Yes, you can even use granulated sugar substitutes like Swerve. Date sugar, coconut sugar, and brown sugar also work great!
The perfect cinnamon to sugar ratio is one part cinnamon to three parts sugar.
More Delish Ideas
How To Make Cinnamon Sugar
Equipment
- Spice Jars and Labels Set
- Wood lid Spice Jars, 8 oz
- 8 oz Ball canning jars
Ingredients
- ½ cup cinnamon ground Ceylon cinnamon
- 1½ cup sugar white, or brown for a moister blend
Instructions
- Measure the cinnamon and sugar into a bowl. If making a large batch, consider wearing a face mask, as the fine ground cinnamon can get you sneezing.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!½ cup cinnamon, 1½ cup sugar
- Both cinnamon and sugar can develop tiny lumps. If you have a baking flour sifter, run the ingredients through the sifter to get any lumps out.
- Taste test 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. This cinnamon sugar will keep up to 18 months.
Notes
- 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.
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