Cinnamon Syrup

By Juno

Updated on

If you’ve ever had cinnamon syrup drizzled over pancakes or stirred into your coffee, you know it’s the kind of thing that takes a basic breakfast from ordinary to extraordinary. It’s rich, sweet, and has just the right amount of spice to make your taste buds do a happy dance.

A glass pitcher filled with rich brown homemade cinnamon syrup surrounded by cinnamon sticks and a blurred background featuring jars and warm lighting.

Difficulty

Easy

Prep time

5 minutes

Cooking time

10 minutes

Servings

1 cup

Whether you’re recreating your favorite coffee shop latte or adding a warm twist to weekend waffles, this cinnamon syrup is your new go-to. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make—you’ll only need a few pantry staples and about 10 minutes of your time. Ready to whip up some magic? Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This syrup is a game-changer for anyone who loves a touch of sweetness and spice. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create something that tastes like pure comfort in a bottle. Plus, it’s versatile enough to use in drinks, desserts, and breakfast dishes. Whether you’re whipping up brunch for friends or just treating yourself, this syrup adds a little magic to everything it touches. Trust me, one taste and you’ll be hooked.

What Makes This Syrup Special

Homemade cinnamon syrup isn’t just about flavor—it’s about quality. Unlike store-bought options, this recipe skips artificial additives and focuses on real ingredients. The addition of evaporated milk gives it a creamy texture that you won’t find in most commercial syrups. Plus, making it yourself means you can customize the sweetness and spice levels to suit your taste. It’s like having a little jar of homemade love right in your fridge.

A clear glass pitcher with a wooden lid filled with spiced cinnamon syrup, surrounded by cinnamon sticks, star anise, and rustic decor in the background.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you’re whipping up a fancy brunch, adding a twist to your morning coffee, or looking for a simple way to make dessert extra special, this syrup fits the bill. It’s quick to make and stores beautifully in the fridge. Imagine pouring this over warm pancakes on a chilly morning, or drizzling it on vanilla ice cream for a quick dessert fix. Honestly, the possibilities are endless, and it’s the kind of thing that makes even ordinary moments feel a little more special.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this cinnamon syrup recipe, you’ll need just six ingredients and about 10 minutes! We recommend doubling the batch because, let’s face it, you’ll want to drizzle this syrup over everything. Trust me, it’s a crowd-pleaser! Check out the measurements for each ingredient in the recipe card below.

  • Sugar: The foundation of sweetness. Granulated sugar is the key to creating that classic syrupy flavor.
  • Light Corn Syrup: Adds a smooth and sticky consistency that makes this syrup irresistible.
  • Water: Just three tablespoons to help everything dissolve and blend perfectly.
  • Ground Cinnamon: The warm, spicy flavor that takes this syrup to the next level.
  • Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla enhances the overall flavor with a subtle, sweet aroma.
  • Evaporated Milk: The secret to a creamy, luxurious texture that sets this syrup apart.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Ready to get started? Let’s do this!

A collage showing the process of making cinnamon syrup: boiling ingredients in a blue pot, mixing with a whisk, and incorporating cinnamon sticks and creamy textures.

1. Combine the Sugar, Corn Syrup, and Water

In a medium saucepan, mix the sugar, light corn syrup, and water. Stir everything together until the sugar starts to dissolve. Pop it over medium heat and bring it to a gentle boil. (Pro tip: Keep stirring! You don’t want the sugar to burn.) Watching it bubble is almost hypnotic, and the anticipation of that rich, sweet aroma is half the fun.

2. Add the Cinnamon and Simmer

Once your sugar mixture is bubbling, add the ground cinnamon. Stir it in until the syrup smells like fall in a pot. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 2–3 minutes. This helps the cinnamon flavor really soak in. You’ll start to feel like a pro chef as your kitchen fills with the scent of warm spices.

3. Stir in the Vanilla

Take the saucepan off the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. It’ll smell amazing—trust me. This little step gives the syrup a nice, round flavor that complements the cinnamon perfectly. The aroma alone might make you want to dive in with a spoon.

4. Finish with Evaporated Milk

Here’s where the magic happens. Slowly stir in the evaporated milk until the syrup looks silky and smooth. It might seem a bit thin at first, but don’t worry—it thickens as it cools. The creamy texture takes this syrup from good to absolutely irresistible.

5. Cool and Store

Let the syrup cool to room temperature before transferring it to a glass jar or bottle. Store it in the fridge, and it’ll keep for up to a week (if it lasts that long). Pro tip: Label the jar because everyone in the house will want to know what’s inside.

Tips for the Best Cinnamon Syrup

  • Don’t rush the simmering. Letting the syrup simmer for a few minutes helps the flavors deepen and meld together. This step is key to getting that perfect balance of sweet and spice.
  • Use fresh cinnamon. If your cinnamon’s been hanging out in the back of your spice cabinet for a few years, it’s time for a replacement. Fresh spices make a huge difference.
  • Go easy on the vanilla. It’s tempting to add extra, but too much can overpower the cinnamon. A little goes a long way.
  • Keep it low and slow. High heat can cause the sugar to scorch, so stick with medium or low heat for the best results. Patience is your best friend here.

Creative Ways to Use Cinnamon Syrup

This syrup isn’t just for breakfast (though it’s amazing on pancakes and waffles). Here are some other fun ways to use it:

  • Coffee and Lattes: Skip the coffee shop and stir a spoonful of syrup into your morning brew. Add steamed milk, and you’ve got a cinnamon latte!
  • Ice Cream: Drizzle it over vanilla or caramel ice cream for an easy dessert.
  • Cocktails: Mix it into an old fashioned or whiskey sour for a warm, spiced twist.
  • Baking: Use it as a glaze for cakes, cinnamon rolls, or muffins. Just brush it on while they’re still warm.
  • Fruit Topping: Pair it with sliced apples or pears for a simple and healthy treat.
  • Oatmeal or Porridge: Stir it into a warm bowl of oats for a cozy breakfast.

Why Homemade Beats Store-Bought

Store-bought syrups can be convenient, but they often come loaded with preservatives and artificial flavors. By making your own, you get to control what goes in—plus, the taste is so much richer and fresher. Homemade cinnamon syrup is a simple luxury that’s worth the small effort. Plus, there’s something satisfying about creating something so delicious from scratch. It’s a little reminder that homemade always wins.

Golden homemade cinnamon syrup being poured over a stack of fluffy pancakes on a rustic plate, with a warm, soft background.

How to Store and Reheat

Once your syrup has cooled, transfer it to a glass jar or bottle with a tight-fitting lid. Store it in the fridge, where it will stay fresh for up to a week. To reheat, just pop it in the microwave for a few seconds or warm it gently on the stove—easy peasy! If it thickens too much in the fridge, add a tiny splash of water while reheating to bring it back to the perfect consistency.

Perfect Pairings for Cinnamon Syrup

Start your breakfast with a drizzle of cinnamon syrup—it’s perfect over pancakes or paired with Air Fryer Hash Browns. For a healthy twist, try it on Oatmeal with Bananas and Almonds for a warm, sweet kick!

Wondering what to serve with your homemade syrup? Here are some ideas:

  • Stack of Pancakes or Waffles: Classic and unbeatable.
  • Oatmeal: A drizzle of cinnamon syrup takes it to the next level.
  • Yogurt Parfait: Layer it with granola and fruit for a spiced twist.
  • Apple Slices: Perfect for dipping, especially in the fall.
  • Cheesecake: Use it as a drizzle over a creamy slice for an added kick.
  • Warm Biscuits: A little syrup on a flaky biscuit is heaven.

My Favorite Cinnamon Syrup Moment

Okay, so here’s a funny story. The first time I made this syrup, I got a little carried away and poured it over everything—pancakes, oatmeal, even popcorn (don’t judge me). And let me tell you, it’s worth it. Now, I make a double batch every time because my family goes through it faster than I can say, “Who wants pancakes?” Honestly, I think they’d drink it straight from the jar if I let them.

Print
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A glass pitcher filled with rich brown homemade cinnamon syrup surrounded by cinnamon sticks and a blurred background featuring jars and warm lighting.

Cinnamon Syrup


  • Author: Juno
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: About 1 cup 1x

Description

This warm and spiced cinnamon syrup is perfect for drizzling over pancakes, waffles, oatmeal, or adding a sweet twist to coffee and desserts.

 
 

 

 


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup light corn syrup
  • 3 tablespoons water
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup evaporated milk

Instructions

  1. Combine sugar, light corn syrup, and water in a medium saucepan. Stir over medium heat until sugar dissolves.
  2. Bring to a gentle boil, then add ground cinnamon. Reduce heat and simmer for 2-3 minutes.
  3. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
  4. Slowly stir in evaporated milk until smooth.
  5. Cool to room temperature, transfer to a jar, and refrigerate for up to 1 week.

Notes

  • For a thicker syrup, simmer for an additional 1-2 minutes.
  • Store in an airtight jar in the fridge and shake before use.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
  • Calories: 100 kcal
  • Sugar: 19g
  • Sodium: 10mg
  • Fat: 1g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0.5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 0
  • Protein: 0
  • Cholesterol: 1mg

Keywords: Cinnamon syrup, homemade syrup, spiced syrup, cinnamon topping, breakfast syrup

FAQs About Cinnamon Syrup

1. What do you do with cinnamon syrup?

Cinnamon syrup is incredibly versatile! You can drizzle it over pancakes, waffles, and ice cream, or stir it into coffee, tea, or cocktails. It’s also great as a topping for yogurt, oatmeal, and desserts.

2. How long does homemade cinnamon syrup last?

This syrup will stay fresh in the fridge for about a week. Just store it in an airtight container, and give it a quick shake or stir before using.

3. Can you make liquid cinnamon?

Yes! This cinnamon syrup recipe is essentially a liquid cinnamon flavor that you can use in countless ways. It’s easy to make and perfect for adding a warm, spicy kick to your favorite dishes and drinks.

4. What is the simple syrup formula?

A classic simple syrup formula is equal parts sugar and water, heated until the sugar dissolves. For this recipe, we add corn syrup, cinnamon, vanilla, and evaporated milk to make it rich and flavorful.

5. Can I use a substitute for evaporated milk?

If you don’t have evaporated milk, you can try half-and-half or heavy cream. Just know that the flavor and texture might be slightly different.

6. Is this syrup gluten-free?

Yes! All the ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free, so it’s safe for anyone avoiding gluten.

7. Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure you’re using a large enough saucepan to handle the extra syrup.

8. Why is my syrup too thick or too thin?

If your syrup feels too thick, you might have cooked it a little too long. Add a splash of water and heat it gently to thin it out. If it’s too thin, let it simmer for another minute or two to thicken up.

Wrap-Up

There you have it—a simple, delicious recipe for cinnamon syrup that’s bound to become a favorite in your kitchen. It’s quick to make, full of warm, cozy flavors, and so versatile, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. Whether you’re pouring it over breakfast or stirring it into your coffee, this syrup is guaranteed to bring a little extra joy to your day. So, what are you waiting for? Grab those ingredients and get cooking!

Got questions or tips for making cinnamon syrup? Drop them in the comments—I’d love to hear from you!

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