Cinnamon and sugar are undoubtedly two of the most aromatic and delicious additions to any dish, making them essential pantry staples.
This sweetened spice elevates any meal, whether sprinkled on top of toasted bread, baked apple slices, or used as a glaze for cinnamon rolls. Its delightful aroma will give you a warm and cozy ambiance.
In this article, you’ll learn how to make your own cinnamon sugar and recipes you can try at home.
Choosing the Right Ingredients
Cinnamon sugar is a delightful blend of sweet and spicy flavors. While pre-made options are available at grocery stores, there’s something special about making it from scratch in the comfort of your kitchen.
Fortunately, whipping up a batch is easy! Before we dive into the recipe, let’s explore the different types of cinnamon and sugar to help you achieve that perfect balance of taste and aroma.
Types of Cinnamon
Cinnamon is a popular spice made from ground tree bark and commonly used in East Asian and Southeast Asian countries.
Its versatile uses range from medicinal applications to baking and cooking. There are several varieties of cinnamon, but the two most frequently used types are Ceylon and Cassia.
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Cassia Cinnamon
Commonly found and sold in supermarkets, Cassia cinnamon is easily identifiable by its reddish-brown or rust color. Although it’s the cheapest type of cinnamon to produce, its taste and potency are more intense than other varieties – making it ideal for baking and sweet dishes.
Indonesian, Chinese, and Saigon are three popular Cassia cinnamon varieties with distinct flavor profiles and uses.
- Indonesian – Sweet and mild; commonly found all over the world.
- Chinese – Bitter and strong; used for medicinal purposes.
- Saigon – slightly spicy, fragrant, and flavorful; cooking and baking
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Ceylon Cinnamon
Widely recognized as the authentic cinnamon, Ceylon cinnamon is originally from Sri Lanka (hence the name) and to the southern regions of India. The premium quality of this type boasts a mildly sweet taste with subtle notes of citrus and floral undertones.
With its tanned hue lighter than cassie, it gives off an exquisite aroma. Though acquiring pure Ceylon proves difficult due to its harvesting process and hefty price tag. However, indulging in Ceylon cinnamon guarantees you’ll savor the genuine flavor at its best.
Types of Sugar for Cinnamon Recipes
The type of sugar affects the taste of cinnamon, and choosing the right one can give a mild taste or intensify your cinnamon sugar. There are two types of sugar:
- White sugar – Fine texture and clean sweet taste.
- Brown sugar – Textured for a more intense taste.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Making Cinnamon Sugar
The perfect cinnamon sugar ratio is 1 part cinnamon to 4 parts sugar. You may change the measurements of each ingredient as long as the ratio is 1:4. When making cinnamon sugar, you’ll need the following:
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups or measuring spoons
- Sugar of your choice
- Cinnamon of your choice.
#Step 1: Gather all your ingredients in one place.
#Step 2: Prepare and measure 1 cup of sugar and ¼ cup of cinnamon.
#Step 3: Pour the measured sugar and cinnamon into a bowl.
#Step 4: Mix the two together using a whisk until fully incorporated.
#Step 5: Store the cinnamon sugar in a glass air-tight container, spice jar, or in a condiment shaker.
#Step 6: When stored properly, you can now use your freshly made cinnamon sugar in your recipes for 6 months up to a year.
For smaller batches of cinnamon sugar, you may change the measurements to these:
- ½ cup sugar to 2 tbsp of cinnamon (makes about half a cup)
- ¼ cup of sugar to 1 tbsp of cinnamon (makes about a quarter to a cup)
- 1 tbsp of sugar to ¾ tsp of cinnamon (perfect for quick recipes)
For added flavor profiles within cinnamon sugar, you may add the following spices or flavorings:
- A pinch of salt
- ¼ tsp of ground cardamom
- ½ tsp of pumpkin pie spice
- ¼ tsp of ground vanilla
Uses of Cinnamon Sugar
Cinnamon sugar is a versatile spice that can be sprinkled or added to brighten any dish. You can use these on:
- Sprinkle on bacon to create spiced candied bacon
- Cinnamon rolls
- Oatmeal or porridge
- Pancakes and waffles
- Baked apples
- Glazed donuts
- To add sweetness to french toast
- Powdered coating on churros, pretzels, pie, yogurt, or ice cream
Cinnamon Sugar Recipes
Explore your newly made cinnamon sugar with these easy and yummy homemade recipes.
Buttered Cinnamon Toast
- 2 tbsp of cinnamon sugar
- 4 tbsp of softened or room-temperature butter
- 1 small mixing bowl
- Whisk or spoon
- 2 pcs of loaf bread, sliced
#Step 1: Mix cinnamon sugar and butter in a mixing bowl using a whisk or spoon until fully combined.
#Step 2: Spread a thick and even layer on one side of sliced loaf bread.
#Step 3: Put it inside a toaster oven and let it caramelize.
#Step 4: Enjoy while still warm.
Warm Cinnamon Apples
- 4pcs McIntosh apples, peeled and sliced (2lbs)
- ½ cup cinnamon sugar
- 1 tsp ground nutmeg
- 2 tbsp water
- 1 tbsp butter
- Large zip-top bag
- Saucepan
#Step 1: Pour sliced apples, cinnamon sugar, and ground nutmeg into the zip-top bag, close, and toss around.
#Step 2: Put the water and butter in a saucepan on medium heat, and pour the saturated apple slices.
#Step 3: Stir occasionally for 8-10 minutes or until the apples are tender.
#Step 4: Turn off the heat and transfer to a serving tray.
#Step 5: Enjoy while still warm.
Health Benefits of Cinnamon
Cinnamon is not just a tasty addition to meals and drinks; it also contains various health benefits.
- Rich in antioxidants
- Lowers blood sugar and cholesterol
- Aids in arthritis pain
- It has anti-hyperglycaemic and anti-inflammatory properties
- Good for diabetic people
- Gluten-free
However, too much cinnamon (cassia) consumption can cause liver damage as it contains high levels of coumarin.
Final Thoughts
Elevating your daily rituals with a dash of cinnamon in coffee or on buttered toast can bring immense joy. This versatile spice not only adds depth to drinks and desserts but also enhances the palate for those who do not have a sweet tooth. Try out this new flavor sensation and expand your taste horizons!
