There’s something undeniably comforting about the warm aroma of cinnamon wafting through the kitchen. Whether it’s sprinkled over your morning coffee or baked into a soft, gooey treat, cinnamon has a magical way of turning any dessert into a cozy indulgence. If you’re looking to satisfy your sweet tooth while celebrating this timeless spice, you’re in the right place.
In this article, we’ll share 5 cinnamon dessert recipes that are easy to make, full of flavor, and guaranteed to impress your family or guests. From classic favorites to modern twists, these desserts are a true celebration of cinnamon.
1. Classic Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Glaze
Nothing says “comfort food” quite like a warm, gooey cinnamon roll fresh out of the oven. Soft, fluffy dough layered with buttery cinnamon sugar filling and topped with luscious cream cheese glaze—it’s pure bliss.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm milk
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp salt
For filling:
- 1/2 cup softened butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
For glaze:
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/4 cup butter (softened)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Add eggs, melted butter, salt, and flour. Knead into a smooth dough. Cover and let rise for 1 hour.
- Roll dough into a rectangle, spread with butter, and sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Roll tightly into a log and cut into 12 rolls. Place in a greased baking dish and let rise for another 30 minutes.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes.
- Mix glaze ingredients and spread over warm rolls.
These cinnamon rolls are perfect for brunch, holidays, or anytime you want to treat yourself.
2. Cinnamon Sugar Churros with Chocolate Sauce
Churros are a beloved street food, and when paired with cinnamon sugar and a rich chocolate dipping sauce, they become an irresistible dessert.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup water
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For coating:
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
For chocolate sauce:
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 4 oz dark chocolate (chopped)
Instructions:
- Heat water, sugar, salt, and butter in a saucepan. Stir in flour and mix until a dough forms.
- Let cool slightly, then beat in eggs and vanilla until smooth.
- Pipe dough into hot oil using a star-tipped pastry bag. Fry until golden.
- Roll churros in cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Heat cream, pour over chopped chocolate, and stir into a smooth sauce.
Crunchy, sweet, and perfect for dipping, these churros are a fun way to enjoy cinnamon in a handheld treat.
3. Apple Cinnamon Crisp
Few desserts highlight cinnamon better than an apple crisp. Juicy baked apples topped with a buttery oat crumble make this dessert both homey and delicious.
Ingredients:
- 6 medium apples (peeled and sliced)
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Topping:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup butter (cold, cubed)
- 1 tsp cinnamon
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Toss apples with sugar, lemon juice, and cinnamon. Spread in a baking dish.
- Combine oats, flour, sugar, butter, and cinnamon in a bowl. Use hands or a pastry cutter to form crumbs.
- Sprinkle topping over apples.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes until apples are tender and topping is golden brown.
Serve warm with vanilla ice cream for the ultimate fall-inspired dessert.
4. Cinnamon Sugar Donuts
Soft, cakey donuts rolled in cinnamon sugar? Yes, please! These homemade donuts are baked instead of fried, making them lighter but just as satisfying.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For coating:
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 cup melted butter
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan.
- Mix dry ingredients in one bowl and wet ingredients in another. Combine gently.
- Pour batter into donut pan and bake for 12–15 minutes.
- Dip warm donuts in melted butter, then roll in cinnamon sugar.
These donuts are quick to make and perfect for breakfast or dessert.
5. Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake
If you love cinnamon rolls but want something easier to whip up, this cinnamon swirl coffee cake is the answer. It’s moist, buttery, and layered with a sweet cinnamon sugar ribbon.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter (softened)
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For swirl:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tsp cinnamon
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch pan.
- Cream butter and sugar. Add eggs, vanilla, and sour cream. Mix well.
- Stir in flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
- Pour half the batter into the pan, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar swirl, then top with remaining batter. Swirl with a knife.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
Enjoy this cake with a hot cup of coffee or tea for the perfect afternoon treat.
Tips for Baking with Cinnamon
- Use fresh cinnamon: Ground cinnamon loses its potency over time, so refresh your spice supply every 6–12 months.
- Pair with apples and chocolate: These flavors enhance cinnamon’s natural warmth.
- Experiment with cinnamon blends: Try Saigon cinnamon for boldness or Ceylon cinnamon for a milder, sweeter flavor.
- Balance sweetness: Since cinnamon has a naturally sweet taste, you can sometimes reduce added sugar.
Final Thoughts
From gooey cinnamon rolls to crisp churros, these 5 cinnamon dessert recipes prove that this spice is more than just a pantry staple—it’s a star ingredient that elevates any treat. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a holiday celebration, or simply indulging in something sweet for yourself, cinnamon’s warm and cozy flavor will always deliver.
So, the next time your sweet tooth strikes, try one of these recipes and let the comforting aroma of cinnamon fill your kitchen.