Cozy Cinnamon Toast Recipe, Made Simple
There’s something incredibly comforting about the humble cinnamon toast—the kind that brings you back to lazy weekend mornings and childhood memories. I love how just a few ingredients come together to create that toasty, golden, buttery crunch that feels like a warm hug.
When you make this Cinnamon Toast Recipe, you’ll find it’s quick, fuss-free, and utterly satisfying. Whether you want an uplifting breakfast or a simple afternoon treat with a cup of tea, it’s a small pleasure that never fails to delight.
What Makes This Recipe Special
- Balanced flavors: Sweet, rich, and thoughtfully textured.
- Friendly technique: Clear steps built for home success.
- Easy to personalize: Swap in seasonal twists without stress.
- Make-ahead smart: Prep components to save time on busy days.
Ingredient Lowdown
- 4 slices of bread: I prefer thick-cut white or whole wheat for extra crunch and sturdiness. Feeling adventurous? Try brioche or challah for a softer, richer bite.
- 4 tablespoons butter, softened: Butter is the secret to that golden, buttery base. Softened butter spreads more evenly, ensuring the cinnamon sugar sticks beautifully.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: This provides the perfect sweet crunch. You can substitute with coconut sugar for a deeper caramel note.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Use fresh cinnamon for its fragrant warmth. It’s what gives this toast its signature spicy-sweet aroma.
Set Up for Success
Before you begin, have all your ingredients measured and ready to go — this mise en place saves time while the broiler preheats. Position your oven rack about 6 inches from the broiler for that perfect crisp without burning. Line a baking sheet with foil to catch drips and make cleanup effortless.
Tools & Kitchen Gear
Helpful tools that make this Cinnamon Toast Recipe smooth from start to finish—plus optional extras for efficiency and precision.
Step-by-Step: Cinnamon Toast Recipe
- Preheat your broiler. Make sure it’s hot so the toast crisps quickly without drying out.
- Mix the cinnamon and sugar. Combine in a small bowl for even distribution—this ensures every bite captures that fragrant sweetness.
- Spread the softened butter evenly over each slice of bread. Don’t skimp here; the butter is what helps the sugar and cinnamon caramelize during broiling.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture generously. I love how the sugar sparkles on top before melting into bubbly patches as it broils.
- Place bread on a baking sheet and broil for 2-3 minutes. Watch closely—the edges should turn golden brown and the sugar should bubble delightfully. It goes from perfect to burnt in moments!
- Serve warm. This is best enjoyed straight from the oven, so the crust stays crisp and the butter-sugar topping is still melty and fragrant.
Chef’s Notes & Success Tips
Keep a close eye on the broiler. Mine can shift between golden and burnt in under 30 seconds, so I always stand by the oven with the door cracked open. Also, using room temperature butter makes spreading effortless and the caramelization more even. If you want extra crunch, pop the toast in the toaster for a minute before adding butter and cinnamon sugar.
Flavor Twists for Cinnamon Toast Recipe
- Add a pinch of nutmeg or ground cloves to the cinnamon sugar for a cozy fall vibe.
- Top with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup for an extra layer of natural sweetness after broiling.
- Sprinkle chopped toasted nuts (pecans or walnuts) right after broiling for a crunchy contrast.
- Swap butter with cream cheese for a tangy twist that complements the cinnamon sugar beautifully.
- For a fruity surprise, add thin apple slices onto the butter before the cinnamon sugar—then broil carefully to soften.
- Mix a little vanilla or almond extract into the butter before spreading for fragrance that makes your kitchen smell heavenly.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the cinnamon sugar blend ahead and store it airtight for up to two months. It’s a great way to speed up any time you want cinnamon toast.
- Butter your bread and store it in a container, but add cinnamon sugar only right before broiling to keep texture crisp.
- Leftover cinnamon toast is best enjoyed warm. Reheat in a toaster oven or under the broiler for a minute to revive crispness.
- For longer storage, freeze plain buttered bread slices, then add cinnamon sugar directly before toasting from frozen.
Cinnamon Toast Recipe FAQs
- Can I use a toaster instead of the broiler?
Yes! Toast the bread first, then butter and sprinkle cinnamon sugar. For the sugar to melt fully, give it a quick blast under a broiler or use a kitchen torch carefully. - Is it better to use salted or unsalted butter?
I recommend unsalted butter. It lets you control the sweetness and flavor balance without unintended saltiness. - How can I avoid burnt sugar?
Keep your eye on the toast while broiling, ideally with the oven door cracked open. Start with 2 minutes, then check frequently. Every oven is different! - Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use your favorite gluten-free bread and proceed as usual. The key is sturdy bread that won’t get soggy under the butter and sugar. - Any suggestions for making larger batches?
Prepare the cinnamon sugar mix in bulk and spread butter on bread slices, then store in airtight containers separately. Add cinnamon sugar right before broiling to keep everything crisp and fresh.
Cinnamon Toast Recipe
A classic and simple Cinnamon Toast recipe featuring crispy, buttery bread topped with a sweet cinnamon-sugar mixture, quickly broiled to perfection for a warm, crunchy breakfast or snack.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 minutes
- Total Time: 8 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Broiling
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 4 slices of bread
- 4 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat Broiler: Set your oven broiler to high to prepare for toasting the cinnamon toast. This ensures quick caramelization of the sugar topping.
- Mix Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, thoroughly combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon until evenly mixed, creating the cinnamon-sugar topping.
- Butter the Bread: Spread the softened butter evenly onto each slice of bread, covering the surface completely to help the cinnamon sugar stick and add richness.
- Apply Cinnamon Sugar: Generously sprinkle the prepared cinnamon-sugar mixture over the buttered sides of the bread slices, ensuring even coverage.
- Broil the Toast: Arrange the bread slices on a baking sheet and place under the preheated broiler. Broil for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully until the sugar bubbles and the bread edges turn golden brown to avoid burning.
- Serve Warm: Remove the cinnamon toast from the oven and serve immediately while warm for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Keep a close eye during broiling as the toast can burn quickly.
- For a healthier alternative, use whole wheat bread and a light butter spread.
- You can substitute granulated sugar with brown sugar for a richer flavor.
- If you prefer, this recipe can also be made using a toaster oven with a broil setting.
