Perfect Cinnamon Sugar Ratio

Forget buying a cinnamon sugar blend at the grocery stores. Just use our perfect cinnamon sugar ratio and make it at home with items you have in the pantry.

cinnamon sugar with text overlay


 

This perfect ratio of sweet sugar and warm cinnamon works for any baked good and is even used in some savory recipes and a piping mug of hot chocolate, sprinkled on your favorite dessert, folded in whipped cream or even in your morning cup of coffee.

Cinnamon Sugar Ratio

The average ratio for cinnamon sugar is about 1:4, which is 1/2 cup sugar for 2 tablespoons of ground cinnamon. But if we are being honest, a cinnamon sugar ratio is quite flexible and easily customized based on personal preference, the type of cinnamon you are using and the recipe.

The 1:4 ratio works for cinnamon sugar for donuts, cinnamon sugar for churros and cinnamon sugar for cinnamon rolls. As do any of the tasty variations below. That would be one cup of sugar for every four parts cinnamon.

There are also many other variations using warm spices and seasonings to easily customize your creation.

stirring together cinnamon and sugar

Cinnamon Sugar Small Amount

To make a small amount of cinnamon and sugar, use about 1 tablespoon of sugar for 1/8 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. The exact quantities do not have to be exact to achieve excellent flavor.

How to Make Cinnamon Sugar

Making homemade cinnamon sugar only takes two steps.

  1. Choose if you’ll be using a store bought ground cinnamon or fresh cinnamon sticks. Sticks will generally have more flavor if freshly ground, as do all spices. You can grate it by hand or use a spice grinder.
  2. Combine the desired amount of sugar and tablespoons of cinnamon in a small bowl. Mix well.
  3. The best way to store it is in an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid in a dry, cool place, preferably out of direct sunlight. Give it a good shake or use a small whisk to re-stir before using. It generally does not separate, but I do it for good measure.

Cinnamon Sugar Toast

I have fond memories of my mother making me cinnamon sugar toast for breakfast. We used to call it mommy toast because at 5, you didn’t even realize how popular this perfect comfort food was. Here is how to make the perfect cinnamon sugar toast:

  1. Pick the type of bread you want to use. Cinnamon swirl is fun, brioche is sweet and yolky, but standard white sandwich bread or whole wheat is just fine too. You don’t have to be fancy!
  2. Toast the bread to a golden brown in the toaster, toaster oven or standard oven. Times will vary greatly and browning generally happens fast, so keep a watchful eye.
  3. Right after removing and while the toast is still hot, baste generously with your choice of butter. I do prefer salted butter for cinnamon toast because the salt helps bring out natural cinnamon tones.
  4. While the butter melts, sprinkle liberally with a cinnamon sugar blend. I use about 2 teaspoons per slice because I really like the gritty crunch of the sugar, but personal preferences will vary. The sugar will melt into the butter, but you’ll still get a bold crunch.
sliced cinnamon sugar toast on a linen

How to Customize

There are so many different ways to give your cinnamon sugar recipe unique seasoning blends. Here are some of our favorites.

  • Different types of cinnamon- Did you know there are four types of cinnamon and each has a special flavor? Cassia (Chinese cinnamon), ceylon, Saigon (Vietnamese cinnamon) and Korintje. Cassia is the most popular type of cinnamon and accounts for 95% of commercial use and oils. Ceylon cinnamon is my favorite.
  • Other spices– Any warm spice or blend will provide fun flavors and aromas. Pumpkin pie spice, apple pie spice, a few grates of fresh nutmeg, allspice, ginger, cardamom and cloves are my favorites.
  • Add heat– Sweet and spicy balance well. I’m not talking nose-beading sweat, just a little heat to compliment the sweet aspects. A pinch of cayenne or ground chile powder will be plenty.
  • Stronger Flavor- Double the amount of cinnamon.
bowl of white sugar with cinnamon

Can I Use Cinnamon Sugar Instead of Cinnamon?

It depends on the recipe, but generally this should be fine. Even if it is a savory recipe recipe, the amount of sugar can help to balance the overall flavor profile or give a sweet aftertaste.

However, some savory recipes might not benefit from a splash of sugar and are better with just cinnamon as a standalone. This also means that you will have less cinnamon overall if the recipe just called for cinnamon.

clear glass bowl with cinnamon and sugar mix and a spoon

Can I Use Brown Sugar?

You sure can! And depending on the recipe, this adds loads of sophistication. Brown sugar is just white sugar laced with molasses. It has a wet, sandy texture that can add warmth and sometimes even smoky elements to your recipe.

How Do You Store Cinnamon Sugar?

How Do you Store Cinnamon Sugar?

Store it in an airtight container or glass jar. Sunlight, air, heat and humidity will fade the cinnamon flavors faster, so keep in a cool, dry place out of sunlight and away from heat (like in the spice cabinet next to your oven or stove). Plastic does absorb flavors and this is a bold blend, so keep using the came container to store your concoction or use glass.

glass jar with metal top for cinnamon sugr spice blend

Can you Store Cinnamon Sugar in the Freezer?

Some folks swear that cinnamon will keep it’s full flavor longer if kept in the freezer. While this has never been proven, it also won’t hurt it, so feel free.

How Long Does Cinnamon Sugar Last?

Any type of ground spice will start to degrade in flavor about 6 months after the ground package is opened or it is freshly ground. Therefore, this cinnamon sugar mix will retain its full flavor for about 6 months, however it never goes bad. Years after being made (if kept dry and cool) it will still be usable.

glass spice jar with a spoon

Recipes that Use Cinnamon Sugar

There are countless recipes that use a cinnamon sugar blend, here are a few of our favorite ways.

collage of cinnamon sugar images for pinterest
glass spice jar with a spoon

Homemade Cinnamon Sugar

4.62 from 13 votes
How to make the best cinnamon sugar ratio and how to customize using warm spices for the perfect recipe every time.
Prep Time: 3 minutes
Total Time: 3 minutes
Servings: 0.5 cups

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Place the sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl and store to combine.
  • Store in an airtight container or glass jar.
  • If you’ve tried this recipe, come back and let us know how it was in the comments or star ratings.

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 425 kcal, Carbohydrates: 112 g, Protein: 1 g, Fat: 1 g, Saturated Fat: 0.1 g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.01 g, Monounsaturated Fat: 0.04 g, Sodium: 3 mg, Potassium: 71 mg, Fiber: 9 g, Sugar: 100 g, Vitamin A: 47 IU, Vitamin C: 1 mg, Calcium: 161 mg, Iron: 1 mg
Author: Jessica Formicola
Calories: 425
Course: Condiment
Cuisine: American
Keyword: cinnamon and sugar, cinnamon sugar pretzels, cinnamon sugar ratio, homemade cinnamon sugar
Did you make this recipe?I’d love to see your recipes – snap a picture and mention @savoryexperiments or tag #savoryexperiments!
cinnamon sugar ratio for pintereset
Jessica Formicola in her ktichen

About the Author

Chef Jessica Anne Formicola

Jessica the mom, wife and chef behind Savory Experiments. You might see her on the Emmy- nominated TV show Plate It! or on bookshelves as a cookbook author. Jessica is a Le Cordon Bleu certified recipe developer and regularly contributed to Parade, Better Homes & Gardens, The Daily Meal, Mashed and more!

Read More About Jessica

4.62 from 13 votes (8 ratings without comment)

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Recipe Rating




Questions and Reviews

  1. I quarter canned biscuits, dip in melted butter and then roll in this exact ratio of cinnamon to sugar. Then pop in the oven! Kids love helping! PERFECT RATIO!

  2. 5 stars
    Love having some of this in my pantry to sprinkle on toast or baked goods. So delicious, versatile, and easy to make.

  3. 5 stars
    This is fantastic! I love that I can store it and use it whenever I want. No more uneven cinnamon sugar toast.

  4. 5 stars
    This is such great information! Cinnamon sugar is our favorite on French toast, and now I can get the flavors just right.

  5. 5 stars
    This really is the perfect ratio of cinnamon to sugar! I like to sprinkle some over sliced bananas for a special breakfast. Thanks for the recipe!

  6. 5 stars
    My favorite breakfast in the world is buttered toast with cinnamon and sugar on it. I make it and keep it in a jar specifically for that purpose! I usually eyeball it, but it’s good to know the right ratio!