8 Cinnamon Dessert Recipes: Easy Treats 2024!

Cinnamon makes for some pretty delicious and impressive desserts, but the endless choices can be intimidating! Cinnamon’s earthy spiciness and aromatic nature make it a staple for creating unforgettable treats for friends and family alike.

Whether it’s swirled into a buttery pastry, sprinkled over creamy custards, or baked into comforting cakes, this popular spice adds a unique flavor that elevates every bite. These cinnamon dessert recipes showcase the magic of this beloved spice in all its delicious forms.

1. Swirled Cinnamon Roll Cake

Method 🧑‍🍳

For the cake:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, white granulated sugar, and baking powder.

3. Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and milk. Mix until smooth using a hand or stand mixer.

4. Fold the melted butter into the batter until well combined. Pour the batter into the prepared dish.

For the cinnamon filling:

5. In a small bowl, mix the light brown sugar, softened butter, ground cinnamon, and all-purpose flour until it forms a swirlable mixture.

6. Drop spoonfuls of the cinnamon mixture onto the batter and swirl with a butter knife for a marbled effect.

7. Bake dish for 35–40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

For the glaze:

8. Whisk the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl until fully combined. Drizzle over the warm cake before serving.

Overview 🔍

This cake-sized cinnamon roll is the perfect combination of warm flavors and delightful textures. The soft, buttery cake base is infused with cinnamon-brown sugar swirls, creating a marbled masterpiece that looks as good as it tastes. The simple glaze adds just the right amount of sweetness, making this cake an irresistible treat.

Great for gatherings or a relaxing weekend bake, this cake is easy enough for beginners but impressive enough to share. Whether you're a cinnamon fan or just love comforting desserts, this recipe delivers indulgence with minimal effort. Enjoy this easy recipe warm with a cup of coffee or tea for the ultimate tasty experience.

2. Mini Cinnamon Sugar Bites

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a 10-inch pie plate or baking dish.

2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

3. Cut the cold butter into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter or fork until crumbly.

4. Gradually add ¾ cup of cold milk, stirring until the dough forms. Add more milk if needed for consistency.

5. Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them in the prepared dish.

6. In a medium mixing bowl, mix the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the dough balls.

7. Drizzle melted butter over the entire dish. Bake for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown.

8. In a small mixing bowl, whisk the icing sugar with 1–2 tbsp milk to make a glaze. Drizzle over the bites while still warm.

Overview 🔍

These bite-sized treats are the ultimate quick indulgence for cinnamon lovers. These bite-sized treats are light, fluffy, and coated in a buttery cinnamon-sugar topping that melts in your mouth. A drizzle of sweet glaze takes them over the top, making them a perfect dessert or snack.

Whether you're hosting a brunch, needing a quick dessert, or simply craving something warm and indulgent, these bites deliver. Easy to prepare and impossible to resist, they're a go-to recipe for creating something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.

3. Indulgent Cinnamon & Sugar Bars

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, ground cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

3. In a small saucepan, melt ⅔ cup butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar until smooth. Let cool slightly.

4. Transfer the brown sugar mixture to a large bowl. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, stirring until combined.

5. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a smooth batter forms. Spread evenly into the prepared baking pan.

6. In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the batter. Drizzle with 1 tbsp melted butter.

7. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until the bars are set and slightly pulling away from the edges of the pan. Let cool completely before slicing into bars.

Overview 🔍

Indulgent Cinnamon & Sugar Bars offer the perfect balance of sweetness and spice in every bite. Their soft, chewy texture pairs beautifully with a crisp cinnamon-sugar topping, creating a dessert that’s both simple and satisfying. The buttery base enhances the rich flavor, making these bars hard to resist.

Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or as a simple seasonal dessert, these bars are easy to prepare and transport. Their warm flavors and delightful texture make them a versatile treat that can elevate any occasion, from casual coffee breaks to festive celebrations.

4. Candied Ginger Cinnamon Biscotti

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a sheet pan with parchment paper.

2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, and warming spices.

3. Melt the butter in a small pot or microwave-safe bowl. Let it cool slightly, then mix it with the egg and light brown sugar. Stir this mixture into the dry ingredients until combined.

4. Chop the candied ginger into small pieces and fold it into the dough.

5. Shape the dough into a flat log about 10 inches long and 2 inches wide on the prepared sheet pan. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until firm and golden.

6. Let the log cool for 10 minutes, then use a serrated knife to slice it into ½-inch thick biscotti. Lay the slices cut-side down on the sheet pan.

7. Bake for an additional 10–12 minutes per side, flipping halfway through, until crisp.

8. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, cream, and water to form a glaze. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled biscotti before serving.

Overview 🔍

These warmly spiced delights offer a gourmet twist on a classic Italian cookie. Infused with warming spices and studded with sweet candied ginger, these biscotti are delightfully crisp and full of flavor. The creamy glaze adds a hint of indulgence, making them a perfect pairing with coffee or tea.

This recipe is ideal for those who enjoy baking with a touch of sophistication. It’s easy to follow but delivers bakery-quality results, making it great for gifting or elevating your afternoon snack game. Enjoy a bite of these spiced delights and savor their rich, comforting flavors.

5. Cinnamon Sugar Knots

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a 9x13-inch cookie sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking liner.

2. In a small saucepan, melt ¼ cup butter with the milk until warm (not hot). Remove from heat and whisk in the yeast, honey, and salt. Let sit for 5 minutes.

3. In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the egg, then slowly add the milk mixture. Gradually mix in 3 cups of flour until a sticky dough forms. Switch to the dough hook and knead, adding up to ½ cup more flour as needed, until the dough is soft and elastic.

4. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope and tie it into a knot. Place on the prepared baking sheet and let rise for 10 minutes.

5. Bake for 12–15 minutes or until golden brown.

6. In a shallow dish, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon. Brush each knot with melted butter and roll in the cinnamon sugar mixture.

7. In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and 1–3 tbsp of milk to make a glaze. Drizzle the glaze over the knots and serve warm.

Overview 🔍

These cinnamon sugar knots are a delightful, bakery-style treat you can whip up at home. These soft, pillowy knots are coated in a buttery cinnamon-sugar mixture and drizzled with sweet vanilla glaze. Perfectly sweet yet light, they’re an irresistible choice for breakfast, brunch, or a quick snack.

This recipe is ideal for busy mornings or last-minute gatherings. The dough comes together easily, and the knots bake in under 15 minutes. Their warm, spiced aroma will fill your kitchen, making them a family favorite you’ll want to bake again and again.

6. Cinnamon Apple French Toast

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Slice the demi-baguettes into 1-inch thick pieces and place them in a large zip-close bag. In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cinnamon, and brown sugar. Pour the mixture over the bread in the bag, seal, and toss to coat. Let it sit for 10 minutes.

3. While the bread soaks, peel, core, and slice the apples. Squeeze the juice of the lemon over the apples and toss to coat.

4. In a medium pot, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add the apples and cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender. Stir in the pecans, maple syrup, and 2 tbsp sugar, then cook for another 2 minutes.

5. Heat a large nonstick pan over medium heat with 1 tsp cooking oil. Cook the soaked bread slices in batches for 3–4 minutes per side or until golden brown.

6. Arrange the French toast on the baking sheet and bake for 5–7 minutes to ensure they are fully cooked through.

7. Plate the French toast and top with the cinnamon apples and pecan mixture. Drizzle with crème fraîche and maple syrup before serving.

Overview 🔍

This autumn-inspired French toast is a decadent breakfast that takes your morning to the next level. Soft, cinnamon-spiced bread is complemented by warm apples and toasted pecans, creating a hearty, comforting dish. The sweet, creamy maple-infused crème fraîche adds a rich finish that makes this dish indulgent yet balanced.

Ideal for a late breakfast or brunch with family or friends, this French toast is both satisfying and impressive. The warm, spiced apples and crunchy pecans elevate the classic French toast into something truly special. It’s perfect for special occasions or whenever you want to enjoy a luxurious start to the day.

7. Simple Cinnamon Cookies

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a mixer bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until creamy. Add the egg and vanilla, and continue to mix until smooth.

3. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until combined.

4. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

5. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar over the dough balls before baking.

6. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.

7. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Overview 🔍

These irresistibly easy cookies offer the perfect balance of sweetness and spice. With a crunchy exterior and soft interior, these cookies are an easy yet delightful dessert. The warm cinnamon flavor, paired with the delicate sugar coating, makes them irresistible for anyone who loves a cozy, comforting treat.

These cookies are perfect for satisfying a sweet tooth without too much effort. Their light, crispy texture makes them a great snack for any time of day. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering or just craving something sweet, these cinnamon cookies deliver flavor and crunch with every bite.

8. Greek-Style Cinnamon Rice Pudding

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. In a medium pot, combine the milk, honey, cinnamon, and salt. Heat over medium heat until warmed, stirring occasionally.

2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and cornstarch until smooth. Gradually add a small amount of the warm milk mixture to the egg mixture, whisking constantly to temper the eggs.

3. Slowly pour the egg mixture back into the pot, whisking constantly. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring continuously with a silicone spatula, until the mixture thickens (about 10 minutes).

4. Remove from heat and stir in the cooked rice, vanilla extract, and butter until fully combined.

5. Pour the rice pudding into serving bowls and let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set.

6. Optional: Serve with whipped cream, additional cinnamon, and honey for extra flavor.

Overview 🔍

I added a Mediterranean twist to this rice pudding for a rich, creamy dessert that blends the comforting warmth of cinnamon with the delicate sweetness of honey. The creamy texture and fragrant spices make it a perfect Mediterranean-inspired treat. This dish is simple yet indulgent, offering a satisfying dessert that isn’t too heavy.

Ideal for cozy evenings or special occasions, this rice pudding is a unique spin on the classic. The combination of honey and cinnamon creates a balance of sweetness and spice, making each bite a comforting delight. Top with whipped cream and honey for a luxurious finish that’s sure to impress.

FAQ

What's the difference between a cinnamon bun and a cinnamon roll?

Cinnamon rolls are made from a soft, yeasted dough, typically rolled into spirals and topped with icing or glaze. They’re light, fluffy, and tender. Cinnamon buns, however, have a denser texture, often shaped into a round spiral, and sometimes feature a caramelized top. 

While both contain cinnamon sugar filling, cinnamon buns have a firmer bite and richer flavor due to the baking process. For example, the Swirled Cinnamon Roll Cake is a tasty twist on traditional cinnamon rolls.

What can cinnamon be made into?

Cinnamon can be used in a variety of baked goods such as cakes, cookies, and bars like Swirled Cinnamon Roll Cake or Indulgent Cinnamon & Sugar Bars. It’s also perfect for adding warmth to breakfast items like Cinnamon Apple French Toast or comforting desserts like Greek-Style Cinnamon Rice Pudding. 

Beyond baking, cinnamon can flavor beverages like chai tea or lattes, and even savory dishes, making it a versatile kitchen staple.

What compliments cinnamon in baking?

Cinnamon pairs perfectly with brown sugar, which enhances its sweetness, as seen in recipes like Indulgent Cinnamon & Sugar Bars. Butter adds richness, helping bind the flavors and create a tender texture. Vanilla softens cinnamon’s spice, making it a natural complement in cookies and cakes. 

Cinnamon also works well with fruits like apples and pears, and nuts like pecans, which add texture and flavor to many cinnamon-based desserts. These ingredients create a balanced and flavorful profile in baked goods.