Estimated reading time: 11 minutes
Introduction
If you’ve ever wondered how to bring that warm, aromatic hug of cinnamon into your baked treats, let me introduce you to a fun baking secret: cinnamon chips. These tiny, fragrant morsels add a charming kick to your favorite pastries. I’ve been baking for years, and cinnamon chips still make me feel like a kid in a candy store. Think of them as the sweet and spicy cousin of chocolate chips, ready to turn an ordinary muffin into something magical.
What Are Cinnamon Chips?
Cinnamon chips are like tiny flavor gems that melt right into your dough or batter, offering bursts of sweet and spicy goodness. They resemble chocolate chips in shape and size, but their flavor is all about warm cinnamon sweetness. When folded into muffins, breads, or cookies, they give a delightful crunch that softens slightly as they bake. You’ll find them in grocery stores, sometimes only during certain seasons, but I’ve learned to make my own so I can enjoy them all year long.
The Story Behind My Love For Cinnamon Chips
I remember the first time I stumbled upon cinnamon chips. Years ago, while browsing a grocery store aisle, I spotted a bag in the baking section that seemed to wink at me. It was a crisp fall morning, and I was planning a batch of cookies for my kids after school. Adding these pretty little chips seemed like a fun experiment. Once I mixed them into the dough, my kitchen filled with a comforting scent that reminded me of cinnamon toast and warm pies. My kids’ delighted reactions sealed the deal: I was hooked.
From that day on, I started sprinkling these sweet morsels into everything from pancakes to scones. Eventually, I wondered if I could make them at home when they weren’t available at the store. After a bit of trial and error, I discovered a simple homemade method that’s now part of my baking routine.
Ingredients for Homemade Cinnamon Chips
When you decide to make your own cinnamon chips, you control what goes in. This is important for families with dietary preferences or allergies. My homemade version relies on pantry basics:
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps form the structure.
- Ground cinnamon: The star of the show, bringing warmth and depth.
- A fat source (like vegetable shortening or coconut oil): Helps create that chip-like texture.
- Light corn syrup or honey: Gives a bit of stickiness and chew.
- A splash of vanilla extract: Brings everything together with subtle aroma.
Step-by-Step Recipe: Making Your Own Cinnamon Chips
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat
- Sharp knife or bench scraper (for cutting the cooled mixture into chips)
Recipe Instructions
Makes about 2 cups of cinnamon chips
Ingredients:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable shortening (or coconut oil)
- 2 tablespoons light corn syrup (or honey)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions:
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a bowl, stir together the sugar and cinnamon until combined and fragrant. Breathe in that scent—it’s like a hug in a bowl.
- Add the wet ingredients: Drop in the shortening, corn syrup, and vanilla extract. Mix with a spoon until the mixture looks crumbly and slightly damp. The texture should resemble wet sand.
- Spread and bake: Press the mixture onto the lined baking sheet. Spread it evenly and keep it relatively thin, about ¼ inch.
- Bake low and slow: Heat your oven to 200°F (93°C) and slide in your baking sheet. Bake for about 35-40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the mixture looks melted and slightly bubbly.
- Cool and cut: Allow the sheet to cool for about 15-20 minutes. It will harden as it cools. Once firm, chop the sheet into small chip-like pieces about the size of regular chocolate chips. Don’t worry if they’re not all perfect squares—rustic chunks work just fine.
- Store and enjoy: Transfer your homemade cinnamon chips into an airtight container. They’re ready to brighten up your next batch of muffins, scones, or cookies.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Shortening: If you prefer butter or coconut oil, go for it. Just be aware that the flavor might shift a bit.
- Light corn syrup: Honey or agave nectar can stand in if you’d rather avoid corn syrup.
- Vanilla extract: You could try almond extract for a different spin, or skip it entirely if you don’t have any on hand.
Flavor Variations and Add-Ins
While the classic cinnamon chip recipe is delightful, feel free to toss in other spices:
- Pumpkin spice: For a fall twist, add a teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice.
- Cardamom: A pinch of cardamom adds a floral, citrusy note.
- Nutmeg or cloves: A gentle sprinkle of nutmeg or cloves can bring a holiday vibe.
- Coconut flakes: Press a thin layer of finely shredded coconut on top before baking for a tropical hint.
The sky’s the limit. Experiment with different spices until you find a signature blend that makes you grin from ear to ear.
How To Bake With Cinnamon Chips
The beauty of cinnamon chips is their versatility. They slip effortlessly into so many sweet treats:
Classic Cinnamon Chip Muffins
Fold a generous handful of cinnamon chips into your muffin batter. As they bake, the chips soften and spread their aroma throughout the crumb. Top them with a cinnamon-sugar streusel for extra crunch. Imagine enjoying a warm muffin with a mug of coffee or hot chocolate on a Sunday morning. It’s breakfast heaven.
Irresistible Cinnamon Chip Cookies
Chocolate chip cookies are great, but swapping in cinnamon chips gives a cozy twist. Pair them with a hint of brown sugar and rolled oats, and you’ve got a cookie that might just remind you of a warm bowl of oatmeal on a chilly day. My kids love dunking these in a tall glass of milk.
Heavenly Cinnamon Chip Scones
Cinnamon chips add flair to buttery scones. Stir them into the dough before shaping and baking. Drizzle a simple powdered sugar glaze on top. The result? Tender, fragrant scones that vanish quickly at brunch gatherings.
Cozy Cinnamon Chip Breads and Pancakes
You can swirl cinnamon chips into yeast breads or quick breads for a flavor that rivals your favorite cinnamon swirl loaf. They’re also great in pancake batter—imagine fluffy pancakes studded with tiny bursts of sweetness. Top with fresh berries, whipped cream, or a drizzle of maple syrup, and you’ll feel like you’ve just made a special occasion breakfast.
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving treats with cinnamon chips, think about complementing that warm spice with contrasting flavors:
- Fresh fruit: Serve cinnamon chip scones with a side of fresh berries.
- Nut butter spreads: A warm slice of cinnamon chip bread with a smear of almond butter or peanut butter hits the spot.
- Cream cheese frosting: Cinnamon chip cookies or bars pair beautifully with a dollop of cream cheese frosting for a dessert that’s part cookie, part cinnamon roll.
- Drinks: Serve cinnamon chip treats with a chai latte, a mug of spiced apple cider, or a cup of black tea for a soothing moment.
Tips for Storage and Shelf Life
Homemade Cinnamon Chips:
- If you plan to use them within a week or two, store them in an airtight container at room temperature.
- For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for several weeks, though they might lose a bit of their crunch over time. For the longest shelf life, pop them into the freezer. They’ll keep well for a few months—long enough to get you through those cinnamon cravings.
Baked Goods:
- Muffins and cookies: Keep them in a sealed container on the counter for a few days. Refresh slightly stale muffins by warming them in the microwave for a few seconds.
- Breads and scones: Wrap tightly in plastic or store in a sealed bag. A quick toasting can bring back their just-baked charm.
Where To Buy Cinnamon Chips
If you don’t feel like making your own, you can sometimes find cinnamon chips in the baking aisle of grocery stores, often next to the chocolate chips. They may be seasonal, popping up more frequently in the fall and winter months. Popular brands like Hershey’s have produced cinnamon baking chips, though availability can vary. Online retailers are a reliable option if your local store runs out. You might find them on Amazon or specialty baking websites. Keep an eye out during the holidays, when cinnamon flavors are abundant.
The History and Cultural Roots of Cinnamon
Cinnamon has a rich history, dating back thousands of years. It’s mentioned in ancient texts and was once considered a prized spice, traded along routes that connected distant lands. Today, cinnamon remains treasured around the world, beloved for its comforting scent and gentle sweetness. If you’re curious about cinnamon’s backstory, Britannica’s cinnamon entry offers a fascinating read.
In various cuisines, cinnamon shows up in both sweet and savory dishes. Middle Eastern desserts, Mexican hot chocolate, and Scandinavian pastries all embrace this spice. By putting cinnamon chips into your baking, you’re tapping into a global appreciation for a spice that’s linked to warmth and comfort.
Pairing Cinnamon Chips With Other Treats
Cinnamon chips aren’t picky. They play well with others. Try mixing them with white chocolate chips in cookies for a layered sweetness, or fold them into a cream cheese-based filling for cinnamon chip cheesecake bars. Pair them with chopped walnuts or pecans for texture. Add them to granola bars alongside dried fruit for a portable snack that’s both wholesome and fun.
For breakfast, sprinkle them over oatmeal or yogurt, and you’ll feel like you’re starting your day with a little party in your bowl. You can also stir them into pancake batter along with a handful of toasted almonds. The chips soften into delicate pockets of flavor that make each bite taste like a baked treat.
Cinnamon Chips for Special Occasions
My family loves having a few “house specialties” for gatherings, and cinnamon chip baked goods fit right in. Around the holidays, cinnamon chip cookies or scones feel extra festive. For birthdays, you can make cinnamon chip cupcakes with a silky buttercream frosting. They’re a conversation starter because many people haven’t tried cinnamon chips before. Guests will wonder what that special ingredient is, and you’ll have a fun story to share about how you discovered these sweet, spicy morsels.
If you’re gifting homemade treats, cinnamon chip goodies are unique and memorable. Package cinnamon chip cookies in a pretty tin or wrap a loaf of cinnamon chip bread in parchment and a simple ribbon. Hand them over with a warm smile. It’s a simple way to spread joy.
Cinnamon Chips FAQs
Cinnamon chips are small baking morsels infused with cinnamon flavor. They resemble chocolate chips but taste sweet and spicy, adding a flavor twist to muffins, cookies, breads, and more.
To make them at home, mix sugar, cinnamon, shortening, corn syrup, and vanilla. Spread on a baking sheet, heat at a low temperature until melted and bubbly, then cool and chop into small pieces.
You may find cinnamon chips in grocery stores, especially during cooler months. Brands like Hershey’s have sold them in the past, and they’re also available from online retailers. If you can’t find them locally, online shopping is your friend.
Cinnamon chips work in muffins, scones, cookies, pancakes, breads, and cakes. They bring a burst of cinnamon sweetness to baked goods, making them extra special.
If you don’t have cinnamon chips, try tossing a mix of sugar and cinnamon into your recipe, or stir in white chocolate chips with a sprinkle of cinnamon. You can also whip up your own batch of homemade cinnamon chips.
Keep homemade cinnamon chips in an airtight container. For short-term storage, room temperature is fine. If you want them to last longer, pop them in the fridge or freezer.
Now that you know how to make and bake with cinnamon chips, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Are you planning to try the homemade recipe? Did you sprinkle them into a batch of muffins for a cozy weekend treat? Share your experiences in the comments below! Your feedback and stories mean the world to me. And if you have any clever ideas for new cinnamon chip recipes, please chime in. Let’s keep this sweet, spicy conversation going.
Conclusion
Cinnamon chips bring a feeling of comfort and creativity to the kitchen. Whether you’re blending them into a family-favorite muffin recipe or surprising guests with a cinnamon chip studded loaf of bread, these tiny morsels have a way of stirring up smiles. With a simple homemade recipe, you can have them on hand whenever a cinnamon craving strikes. And if you prefer to buy them, keep your eyes peeled in the baking aisle or online.
There’s something satisfying about baking with ingredients that carry a story and a scent that links past and present. Cinnamon chips remind us that little things can make a big difference—one sweet, spicy bite at a time.