Cinnamon Baking Chips Recipe | Easy & Delicious

Cinnamon baking chips are the secret ingredient every baker needs to elevate their favorite recipes. These small, sweet, spiced chips add warm bursts of cinnamon sugar flavor to everything from muffins to cookies and scones. While store-bought cinnamon baking chips are convenient, homemade ones offer unmatched freshness, flavor, and flexibility. Making them at home is simple, cost-effective, and allows you to control every ingredient to suit your dietary preferences, whether you’re aiming for vegan, gluten-free, or low-sugar alternatives.

If you’ve never tried making cinnamon baking chips at home, you’re in for a treat. This easy recipe requires just a few baking essentials like sugar, cinnamon, and coconut oil or shortening, combined with light corn syrup or a natural sweetener for binding. Follow this step-by-step guide to make your own cinnamon-flavored baking chips and learn how to use them in your favorite recipes. With just a little effort, you’ll create soft, melt-in-your-mouth chips that turn any baked good into something extraordinary.

Why Choose Homemade Cinnamon Baking Chips?

Why make cinnamon baking chips at home when you can find store-bought versions? The answer is simple: homemade cinnamon chips offer a healthier, tastier, and more versatile option. Store-bought chips often contain artificial additives, excessive sugar, and hydrogenated oils that can compromise both flavor and health. When you make cinnamon baking chips at home, you control every ingredient and can adapt the recipe to your preferences.

Homemade cinnamon baking chips are perfect for anyone who loves baking but wants to prioritize healthier choices. You can choose high-quality ingredients such as natural sweeteners, organic ground cinnamon, and gluten-free alternatives. For those following a plant-based diet, vegan-friendly substitutions like coconut oil and honey alternatives make this recipe a guilt-free option. Additionally, homemade cinnamon chips have a softer texture, which means they melt beautifully into baked goods, enhancing the flavor of muffins, pancakes, and scones.

Another reason to choose homemade cinnamon baking chips is the cost-effectiveness. Buying cinnamon powder and other baking essentials in bulk can significantly reduce expenses, especially if you bake frequently. You’ll also enjoy the satisfaction of creating a unique ingredient in your kitchen that’s free from preservatives. Plus, you can customize the flavor by adding nutmeg, vanilla extract, or even pumpkin spice for a seasonal twist. With homemade cinnamon baking chips, every bite bursts with fresh, real cinnamon flavor that store-bought versions simply can’t match.

Ingredients List: What You’ll Need

To create the perfect homemade cinnamon baking chips, you need just a handful of simple ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of everything you’ll need:

1/2 cup granulated sugar – Provides sweetness and forms the base of the chips.
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon – Adds that warm, spiced cinnamon flavor.
2 tablespoons light corn syrup – Acts as a binding agent to hold the chips together.
2 tablespoons coconut oil (or vegetable shortening) – Provides the structure and texture.
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor with a hint of sweetness.
Pinch of nutmeg (optional) – For added depth and complexity.
Pinch of salt – Balances the sweetness and brings out the cinnamon flavor.

Substitution Options for Healthier Baking

If you prefer healthier or alternative options, these substitutions work perfectly:

Replace light corn syrup with honey, maple syrup, or another natural sweetener.
Use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar for a caramel-like flavor.
Choose vegan-friendly coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
Add gluten-free or non-GMO ingredients for those with dietary restrictions.

When making cinnamon baking chips, the quality of ingredients matters. Using high-quality cinnamon powder, natural sweeteners, and organic oils will result in better-tasting, healthier chips. For bakers who enjoy experimenting, you can also try adding pumpkin pie spice or chai spice mix for a seasonal variation.

Tools You Need for This Recipe

The tools required for making cinnamon baking chips are simple and probably already in your kitchen:

Mixing Bowl – For combining all the ingredients into a smooth, dough-like consistency.
Silicone Baking Mat – Prevents sticking and ensures even baking at low temperatures.
Rolling Pin – To flatten the dough evenly for a uniform texture.
Parchment Paper – If you don’t have a silicone mat, this works as a great alternative.
Baking Sheet – For baking the mixture at a consistent temperature.
Sharp Knife or Pizza Cutter – For slicing the cooled mixture into small chips.

Using these tools will make the process simple and efficient. A silicone baking mat is particularly useful because it ensures the cinnamon baking chips don’t stick to the surface and bake evenly.

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Homemade Cinnamon Baking Chips

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

To start, combine all the ingredients in a mixing bowl:

Add 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon to the bowl. Mix well to distribute the cinnamon evenly.
Add 2 tablespoons coconut oil or vegetable shortening and a pinch of nutmeg (optional) to the mixture. Use a fork to blend until the mixture resembles wet sand.
Stir in 2 tablespoons light corn syrup and 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract. Mix until the dough comes together. The texture should be sticky but workable.

If the mixture feels too dry, add a few drops of water to help it bind. If it’s overly sticky, sprinkle a small amount of sugar to absorb excess moisture.

Step 2: Spread the Mixture

Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C). Baking at a low temperature ensures the chips set properly without burning.
Place a silicone baking mat or a parchment-lined baking sheet on your work surface.
Transfer the dough to the baking sheet and use a rolling pin to flatten it evenly to 1/4 inch thick. Smooth out any uneven edges to ensure even baking.

Step 3: Bake the Chips

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes. Keep an eye on the mixture to prevent over-browning.
You’ll know it’s ready when the mixture looks slightly bubbly and set. It should not be too soft or sticky.

Tip: If the mixture starts to bubble excessively, reduce the oven temperature slightly and continue baking.

Step 4: Cool and Cut

Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the mixture cool completely. This step is essential for firm, non-sticky chips.
Once cooled, use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice the mixture into small, chip-sized squares. If you prefer a rustic look, simply break the mixture into pieces by hand.

Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Baking Chips

To achieve the best results when making homemade cinnamon baking chips, follow these simple tips:

Even Thickness: Flatten the dough evenly to ensure consistent baking. Uneven dough can lead to crispy or undercooked areas.
Cool Completely: Allow the baked mixture to cool fully before cutting. This ensures the chips firm up properly.
Sticky Mixture? Refrigerate the cooled chips for 15–30 minutes to make cutting easier.
Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet version, reduce the sugar slightly or replace it with a brown sugar alternative.

With these tips, you’ll create cinnamon baking chips with the perfect balance of flavor, sweetness, and texture every time.

Flavor Variations to Try

While classic cinnamon baking chips are delicious on their own, adding other spices can create exciting flavor variations:

Pumpkin Spice Chips: Add a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves for a fall-inspired twist.
Chai Spice Chips: Mix ground cinnamon with cardamom, ginger, and a touch of black pepper.
Vanilla Almond Chips: Substitute vanilla extract with almond extract for a nutty flavor.

Experimenting with different spice combinations allows you to customize your cinnamon baking chips for any season or recipe.

How to Use Homemade Cinnamon Baking Chips in Recipes

Cinnamon baking chips are versatile and can enhance countless baked goods. Here are some creative ways to use them:

Cookies: Add them to oatmeal cookies, chocolate chip cookies, or snickerdoodles for extra flavor.
Muffins and Scones: Incorporate them into snickerdoodle muffins or cinnamon chip scones for warm, spiced pockets of sweetness.
Pancakes and Waffles: Sprinkle cinnamon baking chips into pancake or waffle batter for a sweet breakfast twist. Try them in mini pancakes with pockets of cinnamon baking chips for a fun family treat.
Coffee Cakes and Bars: Use them in coffee cakes or pair them with desserts like easy churro cheesecake bars for a cinnamon-sugar twist.
Homemade Bread: Add cinnamon baking chips to bread dough for a sweet cinnamon swirl effect.

Overhead view of homemade cinnamon baking chips on a parchment-lined tray with cinnamon and sugar nearby.

Storage and Shelf Life Tips

To store homemade cinnamon baking chips:

Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 3 months.
To freeze

, spread chips in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, and transfer to a freezer bag.

If the chips become sticky, refrigerate them briefly to firm up before use.

Conclusion

Homemade cinnamon baking chips are a delightful addition to any baker’s pantry. Not only are they easy to make, but they also offer a healthier and tastier alternative to store-bought chips. Whether you’re making cookies, muffins, or pancakes, these spiced gems will elevate your baked goods with warm, cinnamon sugar flavor. Don’t wait—grab your baking essentials and try this simple recipe today.

For more cinnamon-inspired recipes, check out our baked cinnamon chips recipe for homemade treats and other sweet creations like cinnamon roll cheesecake with rich cinnamon flavor.

FAQs About Homemade Cinnamon Baking Chips

What are cinnamon baking chips made of?
Cinnamon baking chips are typically made from a combination of sugar, ground cinnamon, a binding agent like light corn syrup or honey, and a fat source such as coconut oil or vegetable shortening. Some recipes may include vanilla extract for added flavor and a pinch of salt or nutmeg to enhance the warm spice blend. These ingredients are mixed, baked at a low temperature, and cut into small pieces to create flavorful, spiced chips perfect for baking.

Does cinnamon affect baking?
Yes, cinnamon significantly affects baking by adding a warm, sweet, and slightly spicy flavor to recipes. It enhances the overall taste and aroma of baked goods like cookies, muffins, cakes, and bread. Cinnamon can also balance sweetness and complement other spices like nutmeg, cloves, or allspice. However, using too much cinnamon may overpower other flavors, so it’s best to measure it carefully.

Do Hershey’s cinnamon chips melt?
Hershey’s cinnamon chips hold their shape better than homemade versions, making them ideal for adding texture to baked goods like cookies or scones. While they don’t melt completely like chocolate chips, they soften slightly when baked, providing bursts of cinnamon flavor without spreading or disappearing into the batter.

What are baking chips?
Baking chips are small, flavored morsels specifically designed for baking. They are made to hold their shape in baked goods like cookies, muffins, and brownies while adding flavor. Popular varieties include chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, and cinnamon baking chips. These chips can be mixed into batter, sprinkled as toppings, or used for decoration in desserts.