Cinnamon is a popular spice used in many dishes, from breakfast cereals to stews and curries. With its sweet, warming flavor and aroma, cinnamon can enhance both savory and sweet foods. But how much cinnamon should you use when cooking or baking? Here is a guide to how much cinnamon to add to different foods.
How Much Cinnamon for Baking
When baking with cinnamon, small amounts go a long way. Too much cinnamon can overwhelm other flavors and leave a gritty, dusty texture. Here are some guidelines for how much cinnamon to use in baked goods:
Cakes
For a 9×13 inch cake:
- 1-2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
For cupcakes:
- 1/4-1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon per cupcake
Muffins
- 1/2-1 teaspoon ground cinnamon for a standard 12-cup muffin tin
Cookies
For a standard cookie recipe making 2-3 dozen cookies:
- 1-2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
For snickerdoodles or other cinnamon-forward cookies:
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Breads
For a standard loaf of bread:
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For cinnamon swirl bread:
- 2-3 tablespoons ground cinnamon swirled throughout dough
For cinnamon buns:
- 2-3 tablespoons ground cinnamon in filling
Pies
For a standard 9-inch double crust pie:
- 1/2-1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For apple or pumpkin pie:
- 1-2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
How Much Cinnamon for Other Foods
Cinnamon can complement both sweet and savory dishes. Here are some guidelines for how much to use in other foods:
Oatmeal
- 1/2-1 teaspoon per serving
Pancakes/Waffles
- 1/2-1 teaspoon per batch
French Toast
- 1/4-1/2 teaspoon per slice
Coffee
- 1/4-1/2 teaspoon per 8 oz cup
Smoothies
- 1/4 teaspoon per serving
Soups
- 1/4-1/2 teaspoon per quart
Chili
- 1/2-1 teaspoon per batch
Stews and Curries
- 1/2-1 teaspoon per quart
Cinnamon Substitutes
If you don’t have any cinnamon, there are a few spices that can mimic its flavor profile. Here are some options:
- Allspice – Use about half the amount of cinnamon.
- Nutmeg – Use about 1/4 the amount of cinnamon.
- Ginger – Use about half the amount.
- Cloves – Use sparingly, about 1/8 the amount.
- Cardamom – Use about 3/4 the amount.
You can also make your own cinnamon blend using these spices. Just combine them in proportions similar to those listed above.
How to Store Cinnamon
To keep cinnamon fresh and flavorful for as long as possible:
- Store in a cool, dark place. Heat, light, and humidity can cause cinnamon to lose its flavor faster.
- Keep cinnamon in an airtight container. An airtight jar or spice jar works best.
- Buy cinnamon sticks instead of ground when possible. The sticks retain their flavor longer.
- Smell and taste cinnamon before using. If it has lost its aroma and flavor, it’s time to replace it.
- Aim to replace ground cinnamon every 1-2 years for optimal freshness.
Conclusion
Cinnamon is a versatile spice that can be used in both sweet and savory recipes. Start with smaller amounts when adding it to a new recipe, then adjust to taste. Use the guidelines here to determine appropriate cinnamon amounts for baked goods, breakfast foods, stews, coffee, and more. With its warm, distinctive flavor, cinnamon is a spice worth keeping stocked in your kitchen.