Introduction
Cinnamon chips are a fantastic way to add bursts of warm, spicy sweetness to your favorite baked goods. But what happens when you can’t find them in stores? Or perhaps you’re looking for a homemade alternative to keep things fresh and free of unnecessary preservatives. If you’re asking, “What is a substitute for cinnamon chips?”—you’ve come to the right place.
In this article, we’ll explore creative options for substituting cinnamon chips in recipes. From easy DIY methods to clever ingredient swaps, there’s a solution for every baking scenario. We’ll also cover the best ways to incorporate these substitutes into your favorite recipes, ensuring you never miss out on the comforting flavor of cinnamon. Whether you’re baking cookies, muffins, or spiced breads, these tips will make sure your creations remain delicious.
Table of Contents
What is the difference between cinnamon sticks and cinnamon chips?
Cinnamon sticks and cinnamon chips serve distinct purposes in cooking and baking due to their differences in form, preparation, and flavor release.
Cinnamon sticks are the dried bark of the cinnamon tree, often used to infuse flavor in drinks and sauces. Cinnamon chips, on the other hand, are ready-to-use baking morsels made from ground cinnamon, sugar, and butter.
👉 They melt into sweet, spicy pockets during baking — perfect for cookies, muffins, and quick breads.
Why Substitute Cinnamon Chips?
You might need a substitute for cinnamon chips because:
- they’re hard to find in stores;
- you prefer natural, preservative-free options;
- or you want to control the sugar and fat content in your baking.
Homemade or alternative options give you complete control over flavor and ingredients.
đź’ˇ Want to see a creative recipe for cinnamon chips made from tortillas? Check out this external resource:
Spend Smart Eat Smart – Cinnamon Chips Recipe
Check out our guide to make your own cinnamon baking chips. These are fresh, preservative-free, and easy to customize.
What do cinnamon chips taste like?
Cinnamon chips taste sweet, buttery, and warmly spiced, with a flavor similar to cinnamon rolls. They melt slightly during baking, creating caramelized bursts of cinnamon flavor.
They pair beautifully with apples, chocolate, pumpkin, and other comforting ingredients — a perfect match for autumn and holiday desserts.
Best Substitutes for Cinnamon Chips
1. Homemade Cinnamon Chips
Mix ground cinnamon, sugar, butter, light corn syrup, and vanilla. Spread thin on parchment paper, bake at 225°F (107°C) for about 50 minutes, cool, then cut into small pieces.
(Try this version from Spend Smart Eat Smart for a tortilla-based variation!)
2. Cinnamon-Sugar Mixture
Combine 1 tbsp ground cinnamon with 3 tbsp sugar. Sprinkle into batters or over cookies.
3. Cinnamon Butter Swirls
Mix cinnamon with softened butter and swirl into muffins, breads, or pancakes for ribbons of flavor.
4. Chocolate Chips with a Hint of Cinnamon
Add ÂĽ tsp of cinnamon to chocolate chips for a sweet-spicy twist.
5. Pumpkin Spice or Nutmeg
If cinnamon isn’t available, pumpkin spice or nutmeg can mimic its warmth and depth.
Try this cinnamon roll cheesecake recipe that uses cinnamon-inspired substitutes.
What is a good replacement for cinnamon?
Running out of cinnamon doesn’t mean you have to compromise on flavor. Several spices can replicate the warmth and aromatic profile of cinnamon, depending on the dish. For example, nutmeg is an excellent alternative with its similar warm, earthy, and slightly sweet taste. It works well in desserts like pies, cakes, and custards. However, it has a stronger flavor, so use it sparingly.
Another great option is allspice, which combines notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves in one spice. It is ideal for baking recipes, stews, and marinades. Similarly, cloves are another option, though they have a stronger, more pungent flavor. A pinch of ground cloves can bring warmth and spice to your dish, making them a suitable cinnamon replacement.
For those who prefer blends, pumpkin pie spice or chai spice mix can also substitute cinnamon. These mixes often contain cinnamon as a base, along with nutmeg, ginger, and cloves, making them versatile in both baking and beverages. Finally, cardamom offers a slightly sweet and citrusy flavor and works especially well in desserts like rice puddings or cookies. The key is to adjust the amount based on the strength of the substitute, starting small and tasting as you go.
Ingredients for Homemade Cinnamon Chips
Making your own cinnamon chips at home requires just a few basic ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Ground Cinnamon: This is the key ingredient that provides the spicy, sweet flavor.
- Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps the chips form a stable structure.
- Unsalted Butter: Brings richness and smoothness to the mixture.
- Light Corn Syrup: Ensures the chips bake to the right consistency without becoming brittle.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds depth to the overall flavor profile.
Equipment You’ll Need
Before you start making homemade cinnamon chips, gather these basic tools:
- Mixing bowls for combining ingredients.
- A spatula for even mixing.
- A baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- A sharp knife or kitchen scissors to cut the cooled mixture into chips.
Step-by-Step Recipe for Homemade Cinnamon Chips
Making cinnamon chips at home is easier than you might think. Follow these steps to create a perfect substitute for cinnamon chips:
- Mix the Ingredients
Start by combining ground cinnamon and granulated sugar in a mixing bowl. Add softened butter, light corn syrup, and vanilla extract, stirring until the mixture becomes crumbly. - Spread the Mixture
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the mixture evenly. Ensure the layer is thin to allow for even baking. - Bake Until Perfect
Preheat your oven to 225°F (107°C) and bake the mixture for about 50 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it becomes bubbly and slightly firm. - Cool and Cut
Remove the tray from the oven and let it cool completely. Once hardened, chop the mixture into small chip-sized pieces. - Store Properly
Keep your homemade cinnamon chips in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks, or freeze them for longer storage.
Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Chips
When making cinnamon chips, a few small adjustments can make a big difference. First, always use parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure an even bake. If you prefer a less sweet chip, reduce the sugar content slightly or experiment with a sugar substitute. Finally, store your chips properly to keep them fresh and ready to use in your favorite recipes.
Creative Uses for Cinnamon Baking Chips
Cinnamon chips are incredibly versatile. Here are some of the best ways to use them:
- In Cookies: Add them to snickerdoodles or oatmeal cookies for a spicy-sweet twist.
- In Muffins: Mix them into the batter to create pockets of cinnamon goodness.
- As a Topping: Sprinkle over pancakes, waffles, or oatmeal for a breakfast treat.
- In Bread Recipes: Use them in cinnamon swirl bread or banana bread for added flavor.
- In Drinks: Add them to hot chocolate or coffee for a festive touch.
Plus, homemade solutions like baking cinnamon chips at home let you control the ingredients and sweetness levels.
Customization Options
You can easily customize cinnamon chips to suit your tastes. Try adding cocoa powder for a chocolate-cinnamon variation, or mix in nutmeg and cloves for a holiday-inspired flavor. For those watching their sugar intake, a low-sugar alternative like erythritol can be used.
For more on how cinnamon chips are made and their versatile uses, explore what cinnamon chips are made of.
Which cinnamon chip substitute will you try first — the quick sugar mix or the homemade recipe? 🍪
Share your baking results in the comments below!
FAQs
What is a substitute for cinnamon chips?
A great substitute for cinnamon chips is a homemade cinnamon-sugar mix made with ground cinnamon, sugar, and butter. You can also use pumpkin spice, nutmeg, or cinnamon butter swirls for a similar warm, sweet flavor in cookies, breads, and muffins.
Can I make homemade cinnamon chips?
Yes! To make homemade cinnamon chips, mix ground cinnamon, sugar, butter, and a little corn syrup. Spread the mixture thinly on parchment paper, bake it until crisp, and break it into small chip-sized pieces. These taste just like store-bought cinnamon chips but fresher and preservative-free.
What ingredients can I use instead of cinnamon chips in baking?
If you’re out of cinnamon chips, try chocolate chips mixed with cinnamon, cinnamon sugar, or spiced butter. You can also add pumpkin pie spice or allspice to your recipe for a similar sweet and spicy aroma.
Do cinnamon sticks work as a substitute for cinnamon chips?
Not exactly. Cinnamon sticks are great for infusing flavor in liquids like teas or sauces but don’t melt or mix into batters. For baking, it’s better to use ground cinnamon, cinnamon sugar, or homemade cinnamon chips to get the same flavor bursts.
What do cinnamon chips taste like?
Cinnamon chips taste sweet, buttery, and warmly spiced, similar to the filling of a cinnamon roll. When baked, they melt slightly, creating pockets of caramelized cinnamon flavor — perfect for muffins, cookies, or breads.
Are there healthy alternatives to cinnamon chips?
Yes! You can make low-sugar cinnamon chips using coconut sugar, honey, or erythritol instead of white sugar. These healthier substitutes still give you that delicious warm spice flavor but with fewer calories and less processed sugar.
Can I replace cinnamon chips with cinnamon extract?
You can use cinnamon extract as a flavoring alternative, but it won’t add texture like chips do. Start with a small amount (½ teaspoon per cup of batter) to give your recipe that same cinnamon warmth without overpowering the taste.
What recipes work best with cinnamon chip substitutes?
Cinnamon chip substitutes work wonderfully in cookies, muffins, banana bread, cinnamon rolls, and pancakes. You can also sprinkle them over oatmeal, mix them into frosting, or use them in your favorite fall desserts.
👉 What Is a Substitute for Cinnamon Chips? 7 Easy & Delicious Alternatives
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 1 cup cinnamon chips 1x
Description
Can’t find cinnamon chips at the store? Discover delicious and easy substitutes—from DIY cinnamon baking chips to quick cinnamon-sugar mixes—that keep your recipes full of warm, spiced flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 teaspoon light corn syrup
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 225°F (107°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine ground cinnamon and sugar.
- Add softened butter, corn syrup, and vanilla extract. Mix until the texture becomes crumbly.
- Spread the mixture thinly on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 50 minutes, until the mixture is bubbly and slightly firm.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely.
- Once hardened, cut into small chip-sized pieces.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks or freeze for longer storage.
Notes
Customize the sweetness by adjusting sugar levels or using a sugar substitute like erythritol. Always use parchment paper to avoid sticking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Baking Tips
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 45
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 1mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: cinnamon chips, cinnamon chip substitute, homemade cinnamon chips, baking tips