Cinnamon Sugar

See how to make cinnamon sugar with just 2 ingredients! This easy homemade spice mix has a deliciously sweet and spicy aroma, perfect to season breakfast, desserts, and baked goods. This simple recipe includes variations with brown and powdered sugar and printable labels for gifting.

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Homemade cinnamon sugar

Cinnamon sugar is so nostalgic and always gives me the warm and fuzzies. The recipe is a cinch to prepare and tastes absolutely scrumptious sprinkled atop your favorite food. I love it on French toast, pancakes, waffles, and fruit salad. You can also sprinkle it over muffins, coat donuts, and roll cookies in.

It may seem unnecessary to make this spice mix at home when it’s so quick to pick up a premade blend in the store. But making it yourself is not only more affordable, the quality is better, too.

The base of this spice mix is made with just 2 pantry staples that you probably already have in your cupboard, ground cinnamon and granulated sugar. And the best part? You can easily customize the blend by adjusting the ratio or swapping in another type of sugar.

Creating your own spice blends is so much fun! Some of our other favorites are homemade pumpkin pie spice, apple pie spice, and gingerbread spice.

What is cinnamon sugar?

Cinnamon sugar is exactly what it sounds like – a spice mix made with granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. It’s a fragrant addition to season and sweeten desserts, baked goods, breakfast, and drinks.

Cinnamon sugar ingredients

• Ground cinnamon is one of the most common baking spices and plays the starring role in this DIY spice blend. It’s a fine powder made from cinnamon sticks derived from the bark of the Cinnamomum tree. Cinnamon has a strong, warming aroma that tastes hot and spicy but not overly sweet.
• Sugar provides sweetness. Any type of granulated sugar will work in this easy recipe. I usually use regular granulated sugar or superfine sugar, but powdered (confectioners’/icing) sugar and brown sugar can be used as well. You can also prepare a low-carb keto version. More on this later!

Cinnamon sugar ratio

The best cinnamon and sugar ratio is a matter of personal preferences. Most recipes recommend a 1:4 ratio (1 part cinnamon to 4 parts sugar, by volume). Of course, you can customize the recipe ratio ratio if you prefer a milder or more intense aroma.

I have created 3 different ratios that are a good starting point. I recommend you start out with the mildest version. Test your mixture and add more until you get to your desired intensity.

Measurements in grams and ounces are included in the recipe card at the end of the post.

Mild aroma

For a lightly flavored recipe, try this version.

• 1 tbsp: 1 tbsp granulated sugar + 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup: 1/4 cup granulated sugar + 1/2 tbsp ground cinnamon
• 1 cup: 1 cup granulated sugar + 1/8 cup ground cinnamon

Medium aroma

This version is my personal favorite. You get plenty of sweetness, and the cinnamon aroma is prominent but not overpowering.

• 1 tbsp: 1 tbsp granulated sugar + 3/4 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup: 1/4 cup granulated sugar + 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
• 1 cup: 1 cup granulated sugar + 1/4 cup ground cinnamon

Strong aroma

This cinnamon and sugar spice mix is for those who enjoy a rich, deep cinnamon flavor.

• 1 tbsp: 1 tbsp granulated sugar + 1/2 tbsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup: 1/4 cup granulated sugar + 1 1/2 tbsp ground cinnamon
• 1 cup: 1 cup granulated sugar + 1/3 cup ground cinnamon

Brown cinnamon sugar

Brown sugar contains molasses and has a toffee-like caramel note that complements the aroma of cinnamon perfectly. Light brown sugar and dark brown sugar are both delicious.

• 1 tbsp: 1 tbsp brown sugar + 3/4 tbsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup: 1/4 cup brown sugar + 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
• 1 cup: 1 cup brown sugar + 1/4 cup ground cinnamon

Be sure to store your cinnamon brown sugar airtight because the molasses will evaporate and harden the sugar once exposed to air.

Powdered cinnamon sugar

Cinnamon powdered sugar is a great option when you want a smooth and soft texture. I love it to dust donuts and to make frosting or icing.

• 1 tbsp: 1 tbsp powdered sugar + 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup: 1/4 cup + 1/2 tbsp ground cinnamon
• 1 cup: 1 cup powdered sugar + 1/8 cup ground cinnamon

Sifting the powdered sugar and ground cinnamon into a bowl is the best way to combine the 2 ingredients.

Keto cinnamon sugar

Preparing the recipe with a carb-free sweetener is a great way to cut down on carbs and make the recipe keto.

I like the Besti Monk Fruit Allulose Sweetener from Wholesome Yum Foods. It has no bitter after taste and dissolves exactly like regular sugar. They also offer brown and powdered keto sweeteners, giving you all the options you could wish for.

• 1 tbsp: 1 tbsp / 15 g / 0.5 oz monk fruit allulose sweetener + 3/4 tbsp / 2 g / 0.07 oz ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup: 1/4 cup / 50 g / 1.7 oz monk fruit allulose sweetener + 1 tbsp / 6 g / 0.2 oz ground cinnamon
• 1 cup: 1 cup / 200 g / 7 oz monk fruit allulose sweetener + 1/4 cup / 35 g / 1.2 oz ground cinnamon

Cinnamon contains carbs which are mostly dietary fiber. 1 tbsp of keto spice mix has 9 calories, 3 g total carbs, 2 g fiber, 0.07 g sugar, 0.03 g fat, and 0.15 g protein.

How to make cinnamon sugar

1. Measure. Measure out the sugar and cinnamon.
2. Mix. Add both ingredients into a small or medium-sized mixing bowl depending on the amount you want to prepare. Using a spoon or small whisk, combine until everything is thoroughly combined and you see no more lumps. Your cinnamon mix is ready!
3. Store. Transfer the spice mix into an airtight storage jar and store it in a dry location.
4. Use. Sprinkle over pancakes, French toast, waffles, desserts, and ice cream.

How to use cinnamon sugar

This spice mix is incredibly versatile! You can use it as an ingredient in baking recipes or to spice up finished foods. Check out these cinnamon sugar uses:

• French toast, pancakes & waffles: A cinnamon sugar topping adds warmth and sweetness to your favorite breakfast dishes.
• Snickerdoodles & cookies: Roll snickerdoodles and other cookies in the cinnamon mixture before baking to get that classic taste and texture.
• Cinnamon rolls: Homemade cinnamon and sugar mix is perfect for filling delicious rolls and buns.
• Muffins: Sprinkle unbaked muffins with this blend for a sweet, rustic crust. You can also coat them immediately after baking.
• Donuts: Coat donuts in this spice mix to add extra aroma and a lovely crunch. I love it on these applesauce donuts.
• Desserts & ice cream: Perk up your desserts and ice cream with a dash of this cozy spice mix.
• Beverages: Sweeten your favorite drinks with a good helping of this yummy cinnamon blend. I love it in coffee, lattes, and creamy smoothies.
• Savory dishes: The blend pairs surprisingly well with a variety of savory dishes. We like it on turkey, ham, fried bacon, and all sorts of veggie side dishes like glazed carrots or sweet potato casserole.

Variations

The following ingredient amounts are enough for 1 cup.

• Vanilla: Using a small paring knife, split a vanilla bean along its length. Scrape out the seeds from the pod and swirl them into the sugar mix.  Put the scraped-out pod into the jar to infuse the sugar with even more vanilla aroma.
• Orange: Place the sugar into a mixing bowl and finely grate the peel of 1 organic orange directly onto the sugar. Add the cinnamon and combine.
• Honey: Stir 3 tbsp honey powder into the mixture.
• Pumpkin spice: Mix 1 tsp ground ginger, 1 tsp ground nutmeg, and 1 tsp ground allspice into the mixture.

Gifting

Homemade cinnamon seasoning is a wonderful edible gift. I love giving homemade food gifts to friends, neighbors, and co-workers, especially during the holiday season.

Add a label when giving this is a gift to make it look extra pretty. You can download the free printable labels at the end of the post.

Storage Instructions

• Packaging: A mason jar is a great vessel to store your homemade spice blend. I like these quilted 4-oz mason jars or these spices jars with bamboo lids. You can also fill the mix into a salt shaker to quickly sprinkle it over your favorite food.
• Storage: Store the spice mix in a dry, dark place like a kitchen cupboard. Lock the storage container airtight because moisture can make the mixture clumpy.
• Shelf life: Cinnamon flavored sugar will last at least 1 year. The ingredient with the shortest shelf life indicates how long this homemade spice mix will last. Granulated sugar keeps for 2 years, ground cinnamon can be kept for 3 years.

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FAQs

Where can I buy ground cinnamon?

Ground cinnamon is available in every supermarket and most grocery stores. You’ll find it in the spice aisle. Ground cinnamon can also be purchased online. I like the one from Simply Organic.

Can I make this from cinnamon sticks?

Of course! Grinding whole spices has many benefits and will result in a stronger aroma. It’s easy:

1. Place a cinnamon stick in a coffee grinder or dedicated spice grinder.
2. You may have to break the stick into smaller pieces, so it fits into the grinder.
3. Process in several short bursts until pulverized.

What is the best cinnamon?

Cassia and Ceylon are the most common varieties. Cassia is reddish-brown in color and has a stronger flavor than Ceylon. Ceylon cinnamon has a tan-brown color and a delicate, slightly sweet aroma.

Both types of cinnamon are excellent for cooking, and you can make cinnamon sugar with cassia or Ceylon interchangeably.

However, if you regularly eat a lot of cinnamon, Ceylon is the safer option because it contains barely any coumarin. Whereas cassia is a rich source of coumarin. Coumarin is a natural flavor component and can have a negative health impact if consumed in high doses.