How to Make Cinnamon Sugar: The Perfect Blend Every Kitchen Needs

Ingredients: Simple, Pantry-Ready, and Easily Customizable

One of the best things about cinnamon sugar is how minimal the ingredient list is. You likely have everything you need right now.

Core Ingredients (makes approximately ½ cup / 24 servings):

• ½ cup (100g) granulated white sugar — the standard base for cinnamon sugar
• 1 tablespoon (7–8g) ground cinnamon — use Ceylon cinnamon for a milder, sweeter flavor, or Cassia cinnamon for a bolder, spicier kick

Optional Add-Ins and Substitutions:

• Sugar alternatives: Swap granulated sugar for coconut sugar (adds a caramel undertone), raw cane sugar (slightly molasses-rich), or powdered sugar (for a finer texture ideal for pastries)
• Spice variations: Add ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg, cardamom, or allspice for a warm, complex spice blend — perfect for holiday baking
• Vanilla cinnamon sugar: Mix in ½ teaspoon of vanilla bean powder for an aromatic twist that pairs beautifully with coffee drinks and oatmeal
• Keto-friendly version: Use erythritol or monk fruit sweetener in a 1:1 ratio as a sugar substitute while keeping the same cinnamon amount

Pro tip: The classic ratio for cinnamon sugar is 4:1 (sugar to cinnamon). However, many bakers prefer a 3:1 or even 2:1 ratio for a more intensely spiced blend. Adjust to your personal taste preference — that’s the beauty of making it homemade.

Timing: The Fastest Recipe You’ll Ever Make

Unlike most kitchen preparations, cinnamon sugar requires almost no time investment at all.

Stage	Time
Preparation Time	2 minutes
Mixing Time	Under 1 minute
Total Time	2 minutes
Shelf Life (airtight container)	Up to 6 months

Context check: The average homemade spice blend recipe takes 10–15 minutes. This cinnamon sugar recipe takes just 2 minutes — that’s up to 87% faster. You have zero excuses not to make a batch right now.

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Cinnamon Sugar

Step 1: Gather Your Tools and Ingredients

Before you begin, make sure you have everything within reach. You’ll need a small mixing bowl, a measuring cup, a measuring spoon, a whisk or fork, and an airtight storage jar (a mason jar works perfectly). Lay out your granulated sugar and ground cinnamon on a clean, dry surface.

Why it matters: Having everything prepped before you start — what professional chefs call mise en place — ensures you get the ratio exactly right and avoid measuring errors.

Step 2: Measure Your Sugar

Pour ½ cup (100g) of granulated white sugar into your mixing bowl. If you’re scaling up — say, for holiday gift-giving or bulk baking — simply maintain the 4:1 ratio: for every 4 parts sugar, add 1 part cinnamon. For example, 1 cup of sugar would need 4 teaspoons (approximately 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon) of ground cinnamon.

Tip: Use a digital kitchen scale if you want to be precise. Volume measurements can vary by 10–15% depending on how tightly packed your sugar is.

Step 3: Add the Cinnamon

Measure 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon and add it to the sugar in the bowl. This is the classic, versatile ratio — warm and fragrant without overpowering. If you prefer a spicier, more robust cinnamon flavor (great for churros or cinnamon rolls), bump it up to 1.5 tablespoons.

Ceylon vs. Cassia: Ceylon cinnamon (sometimes called “true cinnamon”) has a lighter, citrusy sweetness and lower coumarin content — a good choice if you use cinnamon sugar frequently. Cassia cinnamon is the common supermarket variety — bolder and more peppery. Both work beautifully; the choice comes down to personal preference.

Step 4: Mix Thoroughly

Using a small whisk or fork, stir the cinnamon and sugar together until the mixture is completely uniform in color — no streaks of white or brown. This usually takes about 30 seconds. The goal is an even, aromatic blend where every granule of sugar is coated in cinnamon.

Pro move: If you’re making a large batch, seal the ingredients in a mason jar and shake vigorously for 15–20 seconds. It’s faster and creates a wonderfully even mix.

Step 5: Taste and Adjust

Dip a clean fingertip into the blend and taste. Is it sweet enough? Spicy enough? This is your cinnamon sugar — make it yours. If you want more warmth, add ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon at a time and re-taste. If it’s too intense, add a bit more sugar to mellow it out.

This customization step is what separates a homemade blend from a store-bought one. You’re in control of the flavor profile.

Step 6: Transfer to an Airtight Container

Pour your finished cinnamon sugar mixture into a clean, dry, airtight container. A small mason jar, a spice jar with a shaker lid, or even a repurposed glass bottle all work great. Label the jar with the date so you know when you made it.

Storage tip: Keep your cinnamon sugar in a cool, dark pantry away from heat and moisture. Stored properly, it will retain its fragrance and flavor for up to 6 months — though it rarely lasts that long once people start using it!

Nutritional Information (Per 1 Teaspoon Serving)

Cinnamon sugar is primarily a flavoring and topping used in small amounts. Here’s the approximate nutritional breakdown per 1 teaspoon serving:

Nutrient	Amount (1 tsp / ~4g)
Calories	15 kcal
Total Carbohydrates	4g
Sugars	3.9g
Total Fat	0g
Protein	0g
Sodium	0mg
Fiber	0.1g
Manganese (from cinnamon)	~5% DV