Perfect Cinnamon Sugar Ratio for Baking and Toppings

Cinnamon sugar feels like a warm, familiar hug. My mother always kept a shaker of it in the spice cabinet and sprinkled it over everything from challah French toast and French toast casserole to buttered noodles. Now that I’m a mom to three kids, I do the same—it’s a simple comfort everyone in the house loves.

Once you know the perfect ratio for this cinnamon sugar mix, anyone can whip up a new batch when it runs low. It’s easy enough for kids to help, guests to make, and makes pantry staples feel a little more special.

Grab a small whisk or fork and a jar or bowl and let’s blend up that cozy spice mix. I’ll be sprinkling mine on cinnamon roll overnight oats—what will you add it to?

cinnamon sugar in a mason jar with the lid next to it.

Ingredients

ingredients for cinnamon and sugar mix

A few notes on the ingredients:

  • Cinnamon: Use whatever cinnamon you have on hand. While some recommend buying the best cinnamon you can find, pantry staples like Kirkland (Costco) work perfectly well.
  • Sugar: Use regular granulated sugar for the classic texture. Powdered sugar or sanding sugar will change the mouthfeel. Brown sugar will work too but gives a different, slightly richer flavor.

How to make cinnamon and sugar

The correct cinnamon-to-sugar ratio is the secret—mixing method is up to you.

  • Gather cinnamon and sugar from the pantry.
  • Use a small bowl or a mason jar for mixing and storage.
  • Have a fork or a small whisk on hand.
  • Combine cinnamon and sugar in the bowl and whisk thoroughly until uniformly blended.
sugar on top of cinnamon in a mason jar
layered sugar and cinnamon in a mason jar
cinnamon sugar mix in a mason jar

You can also put cinnamon and sugar straight into a mason jar, secure the lid tightly, and shake until evenly mixed. That method saves a dish and is perfect for getting kids involved.

💡Hot Tip

This recipe is all about ratio. Make a small batch (1 tablespoon cinnamon to 3 tablespoons sugar) or a large batch (1 cup cinnamon to 3 cups sugar)—as long as you keep the 1:3 ratio and mix well, the result will be perfect.

Serving Suggestions

Cinnamon sugar adds warmth and sweetness to many dishes. Here are some favorites:

Breakfasts

  • Sprinkle on French toast for an instant upgrade—works with sourdough, challah, or even a Hawaiian roll French toast casserole.
  • Buttered toast with cinnamon sugar is a simple, comforting treat—especially soothing for a sick child.
  • Stir into hot oatmeal or matzo cereal for a sweet, cozy breakfast.
  • Use instead of brown sugar in crescent roll cinnamon rolls for an easy swap.
just out of the oven hawaiian roll french toast bake

Baked Goods

  • Sprinkle over banana bread batter before baking for a sweet, crunchy top.
  • Roll snickerdoodle dough in cinnamon sugar before baking for classic flavor.
  • Add to mandel bread before the second bake for a delicious finish.
mandel bread on a silver tray

Snacks

Toss crunchy snacks in melted butter, coat with cinnamon sugar, and bake 8–10 minutes for a sweet snack:

  • Pecans
  • Tortilla chips
  • Pita chips
  • Popcorn
  • Pretzels

Storage Tips

Store cinnamon sugar in a jar on the counter for convenience. It will stay fresh for about three months, though it rarely lasts that long in our house.

cinammon sugar mix in a mason jar with a lid

Yummy Breakfast Ideas

  • Passover Rolls (Easy Matzo Meal Sandwich Rolls)
  • One Bowl All Bran Muffins (7-Ingredients)
  • 5-Ingredient Pina Colada Smoothie
  • 5 Ingredient Make Ahead French Toast Sticks

Did you try this recipe and love it? 😍 Leave a comment below or give it a 5 ⭐ rating!

If you enjoy these recipes, sign up for the newsletter and follow along on social media for more simple ideas. Tag your creations with #simplegraytshirt—I love seeing what you make in the kitchen!

📖 Recipe

cinnamon sugar in a mason jar with the lid next to it.

Cinnamon Sugar (The Best Ratio)

Marni Katz

This homemade cinnamon sugar mix uses the perfect 1:3 cinnamon-to-sugar ratio. It’s quick to mix and perfect for sprinkling on toast, stirring into oatmeal, or topping baked goods for a cozy, sweet finish.
5 from 1 vote
Print Recipe
Pin Recipe
Save Recipe
Prep Time 2
Cook Time 2
Total Time 4
Course Side
Cuisine American
Servings 20
Calories 36 kcal

Ingredients

  

  • ¼ cup cinnamon
  • ¾ cup sugar

Instructions

 

  • Gather cinnamon and sugar from the pantry.
  • Use a small bowl or mason jar for mixing and storage.
  • Stir or whisk together until fully combined.

Notes

Scaling the recipe: Keep the 1:3 cinnamon-to-sugar ratio whether you make a small batch (1 tablespoon cinnamon to 3 tablespoons sugar) or a large batch (1 cup cinnamon to 3 cups sugar). Mix thoroughly for best results.

Nutrition

Calories: 36kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 0.1gFat: 0.1gSugar: 8g
Tried this recipe?Let me know what you think!