Cinnamon Sugar Ratio Guide: How to Make Cinnamon Sugar at Home

Cinnamon strength → Starting ratio → Easy mixing → Everyday uses

• Use 1 part cinnamon to 4 parts sugar as a simple starting ratio and adjust to taste.
• Choose a stronger or milder ratio depending on how you plan to use the cinnamon sugar.
• Mix thoroughly for an even blend, then store it in an airtight jar for convenient everyday use.
• Use cinnamon sugar on toast, oatmeal, coffee, muffins, doughnuts, fruit, and more.

Wondering how much cinnamon to mix into your sugar?

You are in the right place – the short answer is 1:4

There’s no single perfect cinnamon sugar ratio. A typical mix is 1 part cinnamon to 3-8 parts sugar, depending on how strong you want the cinnamon flavor to be.

In this guide you will learn the most common cinnamon sugar ratios, easy measurements to try, and different ways to use the mix. There’s even an easy option for when you want to skip the measuring altogether.

What Is the Best Cinnamon Sugar Ratio?

There’s no single perfect ratio for everyone. A good starting point for most home cooks is 1:4. For example, mix 1 tablespoon of cinnamon powder with 1/4 cup of sugar.

Try 1:5 or 1:6 if you want a milder cinnamon flavor. This works especially well when adding the mixture to a batter, rather than sprinkling on top, because the cinnamon flavor can intensify during baking.

Be aware that the strength of ground cinnamon can vary between different varieties, brands and grinds. Use these ratios as a starting point and adjust them to your taste.

Cinnamon Sugar Ratio Chart (Cinnamon to Sugar)

All batches below follow a 1:4 cinnamon-to-sugar ratio.

Use the table above as a starting point. Then, adjust the cinnamon sugar by a teaspoon at a time, until the balance tastes right for your recipe.

How Much Cinnamon Sugar Do You Need per Use?

The amount of cinnamon sugar you need depends on how you are using it:

• Cinnamon toast: A 1:4 mix works well, and the cinnamon flavor stays strong even after the butter melts.

• Oatmeal or coffee: Usually a small pinch or 1/4 teaspoon is enough and the cinnamon will spread through the liquid.

• Muffins or doughnuts: Sprinkle cinnamon sugar lightly and evenly over the top. Using too much can make the topping taste gritty.

• Baking into a batter or filling: Use less cinnamon sugar than you would for a topping. The cinnamon flavor can intensify during baking and too much can make the finished product taste overpowering or slightly bitter.

If you want to make a larger batch just keep the same proportions and increase the amounts. Making a larger batch means you won’t need to mix a new batch every few days.

How to Make Cinnamon Sugar at Home

• Measure the sugar and cinnamon separately, using the ratio you chose from the table above.
• Combine them in a small bowl.
• Mix thoroughly with a fork or whisk until the color is even. If you see uneven streaks or clumps of cinnamon, keep mixing until the mixture is uniform.
• Store the cinnamon sugar in an airtight jar, or use it right away.
• Keep the cinnamon sugar in a cool, dry place to help preserve its flavor. A properly stored mixture can last for months, making a larger batch a convenient option for everyday use.

Cinnamon Sugar Shake vs. Homemade: When the Shake Wins

Making your own cinnamon sugar only takes a few minutes. However, you still need to measure the ingredients and remember your preferred ratio each time you make it. If you use cinnamon sugar every day on coffee, oatmeal, or toast, this can become a regular chore.

This is where a Cinnamon Sugar Shake can be useful. Red Ape Cinnamon’s version comes in a 3.5 oz jar with organic cassia cinnamon and organic evaporated cane juice. It is already mixed and ready to shake onto coffee, oatmeal, or toast.

It doesn’t replace homemade cinnamon sugar. It’s simply a convenient option for those days when you want to skip the mixing and use it right away.

Why Cassia Cinnamon Works Best in Cinnamon Sugar

Cassia cinnamon has a very strong, sweet and slightly spicy flavor that complements sugar well, which is why it is often used in cinnamon toast mixes and shaker blends.

But Cassia isn’t the only cinnamon variety that plays nicely with cinnamon sugar. If you prefer a milder or more delicate cinnamon flavor, other varieties can also be used.

If you want to compare Cassia with other types of cinnamon, see our guide to choosing cinnamon for coffee, which walks you through the flavor differences in more depth. If you have whole cinnamon sticks, our guide to grinding cinnamon sticks into powder can help you turn them into a fine powder for mixing.

Easy Ways to Use Cinnamon Sugar

Once you have a batch ready, there are many ways to use cinnamon sugar beyond breakfast:

• Toast: Spread with butter, then sprinkle with cinnamon sugar

• Oatmeal: Stir it in or sprinkle it on top

• Coffee: Add a small pinch and stir

• Muffins: Sprinkle it on the top before baking for a light, sweet crust

• Doughnuts: Roll them in cinnamon sugar while they are still warm

• Roasted fruit or sweet potatoes: Add cinnamon sugar during the last few minutes of cooking

Your Next Step

You can mix a batch of cinnamon sugar in about two minutes, but if you want to skip the measuring entirely, start with our ready-made Cinnamon Sugar Shake: organic cassia cinnamon and organic evaporated cane juice, pre-mixed in a 3.5 oz shaker jar.

Shop Cinnamon Sugar Shake – 3.5 oz

Prefer to mix your own? Pick the format that fits your kitchen:

• Vanilla Cinnamon Shake, Shaker Jar: A sweeter, vanilla-flavored version for everyday uses.

• Ground Turmeric, Shaker Jar: Pure ground turmeric in an easy-to-use shaker jar.

• Ground Cassia Cinnamon, Shaker Jar: Ground cassia cinnamon in a convenient shaker jar.