Homemade Cinnamon Sugar

Whether you're sprinkling it over your morning toast, topping off oatmeal, making cinnamon rugelach, or coating homemade churros, this Homemade Cinnamon Sugar Recipe is simple to make! You can use regular ground cinnamon from your pantry, or our Apple Pie Spice blend to make this favorite.

Why You'll Love This 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!

• Easy to make. Just combine the sugar and cinnamon in a bowl and stir until well combined.
• Economical. It's a great way to save money on store-bought toppings, as homemade is much less expensive.
• Versatile topping that can be used on a variety of foods. You can sprinkle it on pancakes, waffles, french toast, toast, bagels, donuts, muffins, cookies, and more. It's also a great topping for hot chocolate and coffee.

For more DIY kitchen staples, check out our spice and pantry substitutions page, where you'll find homemade seasoning blends, baking substitutes, and pantry swaps.

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.

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.

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

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.

Blend Ingredients Well

2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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!

Serving Suggestions

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. Sprinkle some on our Honey Roasted Peaches.
• Use it as a topping for donuts, muffins, churros, or cookies.
• Use it for baked goods like our Apple Cinnamon Rolls, or Rhodes Monkey Bread recipes.
• Add it to hot chocolate or coffee for a warm and flavorful treat.

More Delish Recipes

• Cinnamon Rugelach
• Cinnamon Bagels
• Homemade Cinnamon Granola
• Cinnamon Honey Butter
• Easy Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls

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.

Storage Options

• 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

More Delish Recipes

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