Spiced, sweet, crunchy toast is comfort food at its best－and so simple. The trick is to combine the perfectly balanced sugar mixture in advance to warm hearts and stomachs at a moment’s notice. ❤️
Sugar and spice and everything nice.
Waking up to the warm aroma of cinnamon toast takes me right back to my childhood. My mom made it as a special breakfast when I was little, and I still prepare the easy toast for my not-so-little-anymore boys.
I’ve recently discovered that a plate of cinnamon toast delivered to someone on a seemingly endless Zoom call is especially appreciated, too!
So, in the spirit of boosting someone’s day (it’s the little things, right?), I share with you my favorite cinnamon-sugar formula and the easy method – barely even a recipe – which is sweetly satisfying and sure to please.
Growing up, cinnamon toast was considered a breakfast treat. Simple yet so utterly satisfying. My mom would mix up the cinnamon sugar in a melamine bowl with Cinderella and Prince Charming on the bottom. She’d leave a baby spoon in the dish for sprinkling.
Even today, I still think of cinnamon toast as something special, a warm comfort food that I make on cold or rainy days, or when someone is feeling a little under the weather－and also when I have no other breakfast plan. I wonder what happened to that Cinderella bowl, too!
When my older son returned to college a few days ago, I asked what he’d like for his last breakfast at home for a while. I offered anything, even the egg sandwiches that my boys consider epic. (I really need to share that recipe soon!)
His reply: “I’d really love some cinnamon toast if it isn’t too much trouble.”
Having asked so politely and with genuine appreciation for what he might receive—and on the brink of leaving town for months—I would have whipped up a multi-course meal if that had been his request!
I’ve always enjoyed making this simple breakfast for my kids. A single piece also serves as a quick snack or first meal after a stomach bug. And I love how the kitchen fills with the delicious aroma of sweet spice and toasty bread.
If your butter is cold from the fridge, it helps to cut thin slices and let them sit on the toast (in the toaster for speedier results) for 20-30 seconds or until easy to spread. After I sprinkle the cinnamon sugar, I gently tip the bread to evenly coat.
Some schools of thought recommend broiling the bread once topped to caramelize the sugar. I have done this but have always reverted to the simpler method, perhaps because that’s how my mom always did it.
Recently, I did a side-by-side comparison for my kids (I know, the things we do!), and they chose the un-broiled toast by a smidge. Feel free to try it both ways if you like.
If making toast for a large family, it may be easier to toast a baking sheet-full of bread in the oven, using the broiler and watching carefully. For two to four diners, I typically end up using the toaster—mostly out of habit—but both methods work well.
My grandmother and I liked our toast crunchy. My mom and siblings preferred it warm but soft. My kids have followed me with the crunchy preference, but the great thing is that everyone can have his or her bread toasted to personal preference and perfection.
It’s short-order cooking at its best—with a little love sprinkled on top!
A fun nutrition fact from our dietitian Emily:
Some studies indicate that cinnamon may have a positive impact on regulating blood sugar when eaten with meals. Though the evidence is by no means conclusive, it’s certainly a delicious way to start the day!
For those who are curious…
The reason we don’t list nutritional breakdowns next to each recipe is because the numbers can change significantly depending on brands people buy and how exact the measuring is. In saying that, if you email me separately, I can provide you with my best estimations on the nutrients you would like to know more about in this recipe. I’m happy to help!
Cinnamon Toast
Ingredients
For the toast
- White or whole wheat bread (cinnamon raisin is a delicious alternative; use gluten-free if needed)
- Butter, at room temperature*
- Cinnamon Sugar (recipe follows)
For the cinnamon sugar mixture
- ¼ cup (48g) granulated sugar
- ½ tablespoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- For the cinnamon sugar: In a small bowl mix the sugar with the cinnamon until completely blended. This ratio is my family's favorite, although you may adjust with more cinnamon or sugar if desired. Transfer to a jar or shaker bottle and store at room temperature.
- To make the toast: Toast the bread until golden brown on both sides, either in a toaster or under the oven’s broiler. Butter one side of the toast, all the way to the edges, and sprinkle generously with the cinnamon sugar. (I gently tilt the toast back and forth to encourage even distribution.) Cut the toast in half, if desired, and enjoy warm.
Notes
• Once the bread has been buttered and sprinkled with the cinnamon sugar, some people like to place the toast under the oven’s broiler until the sugar has melted and starts to bubble. My mom and I never did this, but I ran a side-by-side comparison for my family recently as a test. They preferred the toast without the extra broiling step, but feel free to try!
• I have tested brown and coarse sugar but prefer the texture and pure flavor of granulated sugar.
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