A Guide to Preparing Cinnamon Sugar

Having a solid repertoire of baking basics is essential. By knowing how to create a buttermilk substitute, making homemade pumpkin pie spice, or preparing powdered sugar, you can save yourself countless trips to the grocery store.

You may have encountered jars of cinnamon sugar in the grocery store aisle, and perhaps you’ve even brought one home. However, once you discover how straightforward it is to make your own, you’ll wonder why you ever relied on store-bought varieties.

With the ability to whip up fresh cinnamon sugar, you can always keep a jar on hand, ready to enhance your dishes.

Cinnamon sugar is an incredibly versatile staple, especially for those who enjoy a touch of sweetness in their recipes.

While ready-made cinnamon sugar can be found in stores, making your own is not only economical but also easy. The key lies in mastering the right ratio.

My preferred ratio is 1 part cinnamon to 4 parts granulated sugar by volume. With this foundation, you can create just the right amount you need, whether it’s a small pinch or a large batch.

Ratio Examples

Here are a few examples to illustrate how you can tailor the amount of cinnamon sugar you want to prepare:

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon + 4 teaspoons (1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon) sugar
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon + ¼ cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons cinnamon + ½ cup sugar

This flexibility means you can easily scale the recipe up or down based on what you need. You don’t even have to rely on traditional measuring tools—any scoop will work, just remember the 1:4 ratio!

If you’re wondering how to use your homemade cinnamon sugar, here are some popular ideas:

This mix is commonly used for cinnamon toast and snickerdoodle cookies, but its applications go far beyond those favorites.

Consider sprinkling it over blondies, muffins, or quick breads before baking, including apple bars, zucchini muffins, or banana bread. It’s also delightful in morning oatmeal or on top of bread pudding before baking, and you can even create cinnamon tortilla chips for a tasty snack.

Donuts and pretzels benefit from a generous dusting of cinnamon sugar, too. Instead of a glaze, try coating homemade doughnuts or hard pretzels in this sweet mixture.

For a satisfying snack, explore options like candied pecans or air fryer cinnamon sugar knots.

Even beverages can be enhanced with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar! It makes a vibrant rim for apple cider margaritas or a delightful topping for spiced apple cider.

After mixing your cinnamon sugar, store it in an airtight container—such as a glass jar. Label it and keep it in a cool, dry place for long-lasting freshness.

Like all ground spices, cinnamon will gradually lose its potency after about six months, but the mixture itself can still be used; it may just lack some of its flavor intensity.

Now that you know how to prepare cinnamon sugar, skip the store-bought option and keep your kitchen stocked for whenever a sweet craving strikes!