30+ Unexpected Ways on How to Use Cinnamon: Spice Up Your Daily Routine

Do you know that 32.53% of restaurants have cinnamon on their menus? Impressive, right? And today, I've got for you even more ideas on how to use cinnamon.

From your morning brew to your nighttime sweet treat (and even outside the kitchen!), this guide uncovers more than 30 creative and surprising uses for cinnamon.

Last winter, I hosted a “comfort food” night and served cinnamon-infused couscous. My friend’s boyfriend—a self-proclaimed “spice hater”—asked for seconds. When I revealed the secret ingredient, he froze, then said, “Wait… cinnamon?” with a mouth full of food. Victory. Want to wow your friends like this? Sure!

Get ready to discover innovative ways to utilize cinnamon that you never thought of, and investigate its capabilities as a natural food preservative, bug repellent, and also a garden booster.

How to Use Cinnamon in Kitchen

First things first, let's find out how you can add cinnamon to your dishes. Ready? Let's go!

Cinnamon in Classic Baking

Cinnamon is a real find for bakers. This aromatic spice makes any sweet treat taste even better. Cinnamon rolls from frozen dough and snickerdoodles? Yummy, right? Guess what? These classics owe their mouthwatering appeal to cinnamon’s warm touch. But cinnamon's baking superpowers don't end here.

Add a dash of it to your apple or pumpkin pie for that amazing taste of autumn. For morning treats, mix cinnamon into coffee cakes or muffins. I love to add it to a Stuffed Cinnamon Streusel Muffin.

Chef Emma Bengtsson combines cardamom with a generous amount of ground cinnamon (about 3 ¾ tablespoons) in her Swedish-style buns, topped with pearl sugar instead of frosting.

For fans of savory bakes, cinnamon raisin sourdough bread or Triple Cinnamon Scones are sure to turn a simple breakfast into a real feast meal. And for those who love a good crunch? Try Delicious Homemade Cinnamon Toast Crunch for a Perfect Morning Start.

Pies, breads, cookies, muffins, coffee cakes. It's time to make them a little better with cinnamon.

Looking for the perfect cinnamon for your next baking project? Check our DRUERA collection for lead-free and fresh cinnamon of the highest quality today!

Sweet Treats Beyond Baking: Uses for Cinnamon

Cinnamon is sure to totally transform your breakfast, too. Think about it: a sprinkle on your toast in the morning, and bam, it’s not just toast anymore, it’s cinnamon toast.

Breakfast Staples: Pancakes, Waffles & French Toast

Got some pancakes or waffles? Dash some on top and watch how quickly they go from everyday to "oh, wow."

And French toast? Cinnamon takes it to the next level. Mix cinnamon into the egg custard for a warm and inviting breakfast treat.

Cinnamon Rice Pudding: A Hug in a Bowl

Leftover rice? Simmer it with milk, cinnamon, and a touch of honey. Top with toasted coconut. My Greek yiayia made this weekly—it’s the ultimate “I love you” dessert. So next time you want something special for breakfast or a snack, cinnamon is your best friend to jazz things up.

How to Use Cinnamon in Drinks & Beverages

Make your morning coffee more delightful with a cinnamon stick. Easy. You'll love that touch of sweetness without sugar. And that additional warmth and taste? They'll wow you too and make your everyday cup extraordinary.

How to use cinnamon in coffee

Pro tip: Add a teaspoon of ground DRUERA cinnamon into your coffee grounds before you brew it. Boom! And you start your day on a very positive note.

How to use cinnamon in tea

For a more tasty cup of tea, I like to steep a cinnamon stick in it. It refreshes me like a charm in the afternoon.

Hot chocolate and cinnamon? Sweet couple. It'll taste so amazing that you'll want more, for sure.

Add it to your smoothies too. You'll thank me later. Blend cinnamon with your fave fruits (bananas, apples, or pears). And what about Cinnamon lattes with milk? Another hit!

In the cooler months, try cinnamon spiced cider.

Pro tip: Add Cinnamon to seasonal drinks (holiday eggnog) and festive cocktails for a really inviting aroma and improved taste.

Cinnamon in Spice Rubs & Marinades

Who said cinnamon is just for sweets? Nope, it goes well with meats and marinades too.

Chicken Rub

Rub a bit of cinnamon on chicken to add a subtle warmth that’s seriously tasty. In chicken dishes it goes well with paprika, garlic powder, and cumin. Enjoy that delightful contrast to the natural chicken taste.

Pork Rub

And pork? Put a bit of brown sugar, cinnamon, and chili powder into a rub to make your pork dishes more tasty. It's awesome for BBQ.

Apple Cinnamon Baby Back Ribs: A dry rub made of brown sugar, paprika, chili powder, ground cinnamon turn slow-cooked ribs into a real hit.

Lamb Rub

Add cinnamon to Lamb rubs too. It goes very well with garlic powder, rosemary, thyme. This aromatic mix underlines the robust taste of lamb and adds up to the depth of taste of each bite.

Cinnamon Meatballs: Dipped in tomato sauce and spiced with cumin for taste depth.

Beef Marinade

Add some cinnamon into your beef marinade to get a deeper unique taste that complements the meat’s natural richness. Pair cinnamon with soy sauce, garlic, and ginger for your beef dishes.

Fish Rub and Tofu Marinade

Love fish and tofu? Add it in their marinade too for deeper flavors.

Combine cinnamon with lemon peel, dill, and parsley for a truly unique fish rub. The freshness of lemon and herbs offsets the cinnamon warmth and highlights the fish delicate taste.

Pair cinnamon with some soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil for a unique tofu taste. This yummy marinade infuses tofu with a bold and warming taste, which is perfect for many dishes.

As Chef Yotam Ottolenghi says, "Cinnamon’s warmth balances really well the heat of chili and the richness of meat".

Thus, feel free to use cinnamon for grilling, roasting, or pan-frying as it gives you that perfect hint of warmth and unique taste to your meals.

Exploring Cinnamon in Stews & Curries

I used to think cinnamon's only for cookies and coffee. Then, one chilly evening, I tried to add it into a pot of chili on a whim. Friends, it was a revelation. Suddenly, this spice became my go-to for adding soul-warming magic to my savory dishes. Here’s how to make it work for you…

The Moroccan Tagine Moment

Picture this: You’re simmering a tagine—maybe with tender lamb, apricots, and chickpeas—and you toss in a cinnamon stick. That’s when it all happens. The spice melts into the broth, weaving together sweet and savory like they’re old friends. Pro move? Add a dash of cumin and ginger. Close your eyes, and boom—you’re at a street food stall in Marrakech, minus the plane ticket.

Indian Curries & the Cinnamon Trick

Ever notice how Indian curries have that deep, mysterious flavor you can’t quite pin down? Here’s the hack: Toast a cinnamon stick in hot oil first. I learned this from my aunt’s neighbor, who’s been making butter chicken for 40 years. Let it sizzle until your kitchen smells like a spice bazaar, then build your curry around it. Works like a charm in coconut-based sauces or smoky dal.

Chef Sumayya Usmani uses cinnamon in dishes like beetroot and beef curry to add warmth and depth.

Chili’s Best-Kept Secret

Confession: My famous “secret ingredient” in chili? DRUERA Cinnamon. Just a whisper (½ tsp max!) cuts through the acidity of tomatoes and gives smoky paprika a backstage boost.

Soup Therapy

Lentil soup slump? Been there. Drop a cinnamon stick in the pot while you sauté onions and garlic.

Butternut squash soup feeling flat? A dash of cinnamon + nutmeg is the difference between “meh” and “can I get this recipe?” Trust me, I’ve burned through a lot of squash perfecting this.

Quick reality check: Cinnamon’s like that friend who’s great in small doses but overwhelming if they overstay. Start small, taste as you go, and let it hum in the background rather than belt out a solo.

How to Use Cinnamon with Roasted Vegetables

Ok, now let’s talk about how to prepare vegetables so good like they were made in heaven. I’ll admit: I used to dread roasting veggies. Too often, they’d come out limp, bland, or (shudder) burnt. Then I discovered cinnamon. Not kidding—this spice turned my sad sheet-pan experiments into dishes that even my veggie-skeptic uncle devours.

Sweet Potatoes: The Cinnamon Wonder

Slice them into wedges, toss with olive oil, and, of course, add some DRUERA cinnamon. Roast at 400°F until you see their edges caramelize into crispy goodness. The cinnamon amplifies their natural sweetness and makes them taste like dessert disguised as a side dish.

Pro tip: Add a pinch of smoked paprika if you want a “wait, what is that flavor?!” moment.

Butternut Squash: Winter’s Cozy Blanket

Cubed butternut squash + cinnamon + a drizzle of maple syrup = the ultimate cold-weather comfort food. Roast until the edges get sticky and slightly charred. I serve this at Friendsgiving every year, and someone always asks for the recipe. (Spoiler: It’s three ingredients. Let them think you’re a genius.)

Carrots: The Glow-Up

Ever roasted carrots and thought, Meh, they’re fine? Try tossing them with cinnamon before they hit the oven. The spice deepens their earthy sweetness, and suddenly, they’re the star of the plate. Bonus points: Throw in some cumin and honey for a Middle Eastern vibe.

Brussels Sprouts: From Foe to BFF

Yes, Brussels sprouts. Toss halved sprouts with olive oil, cinnamon, and a squeeze of lemon. Roast until crispy. The cinnamon tames their bitterness, and the lemon adds a zing that’ll make you forget they’re actually good for you. (My 7-year-old niece ate three servings last week. Miracles happen.)

Pumpkin: Not Just for Pie

Cube fresh pumpkin (or use canned in a pinch), mix with cinnamon, garlic powder, and a smidge of chili flakes. Roast until tender. It’s like autumn brought you gifts to your table—savory, slightly spicy, and just sweet enough.

The Golden Rule

Cinnamon loves high heat because it coaxes out the natural sugars in veggies. But don’t go overboard—1/2 to 1 tsp per baking sheet is plenty. And always pair it with fat (oil, butter) to help the flavor bloom.

Cinnamon in Grains & Sides

Let’s be real: grains can sometimes taste like edible cardboard. But—and this is a big “but”—cinnamon swoops in like a culinary superhero to save the day. Here’s how to make grains and sides shine…

Rice: The Cozy Upgrade

Cinnamon and rice are a perfect match made in heaven. Put a cinnamon stick into your rice cooker with basmati or jasmine rice. As it cooks, the spice infuses every grain with a subtle warmth.

Pro tip: Add a handful of raisins or sliced almonds for texture.

Oatmeal: Breakfast’s Best Friend

Plain oatmeal? Yawn. Stir in ½ tsp of cinnamon while it’s cooking, though, and suddenly you’ve got a bowl of comfort that tastes like apple pie filling. My go-to: cinnamon + diced apples + a drizzle of maple syrup. Even my “I-only-eat-eggs” roommate steals bites when I’m not looking.

Quinoa: The Sneaky Sweet-Savory Twist

Yes, quinoa. Mix a pinch of cinnamon into the cooking water for a nutty, slightly sweet base. Pair it with roasted veggies (hello, cinnamon-kissed carrots from the last section!) or dried cranberries. Once, I added cinnamon to a quinoa salad with chickpeas and lemon dressing—my yoga class begged me to bring it to the next potluck.

Couscous: 5-Minute Magic

Cinnamon turns basic couscous into something exotic. Stir ground cinnamon into the broth before adding the couscous. Top with toasted pine nuts and parsley. It’s my lazy-day hack for impressing guests without actually trying.

Quick reality check: Cinnamon in savory dishes is like wearing a bold accessory—it should complement, not overpower. Start with a pinch, taste, and adjust.

Cinnamon Beyond the Kitchen: Home & Craft

Let’s get one thing straight: cinnamon isn’t just a kitchen MVP. It’s also the ultimate wingman for making your home smell like a cozy café and for unleashing your inner Pinterest mom. (No judgment here—I once spent a weekend hot-gluing cinnamon sticks to a wreath while binge-watching The Great British Bake Off.) Here’s how to let cinnamon flex its creative muscles…

How to Use Cinnamon for Home Fragrance

1. Simmer Pot Magic
My go-to trick for disguising the scent of my dog’s “wet sock” phase? A simmer pot. Toss a cinnamon stick, orange peels, and a few cloves into a pot of water. Let it bubble on low heat. Within minutes, your home smells like you’ve been baking apple pie all day—even if you’re actually eating cereal for dinner.

2. DIY “I’m a Grown-Up” Candles
Store-bought cinnamon candles cost $30. My version? Melt soy wax, add 1 tsp of ground cinnamon + a few drops of cinnamon oil, and pour into mason jars.

Pro tip: Stick a cinnamon stick in the wax before it hardens for ~aesthetic~ vibes. Warning: Friends will ask to buy these. Charge them.

3. Essential Oil Zen
Stressed? Add 2 drops of cinnamon bark oil (mixed with a carrier oil like coconut) to your diffuser. It’s like a spa day, but cheaper. My therapist once said, “Your apartment smells like a hug.” I’ll take that as a win.

4. Closet Freshener Hack
Fill a small fabric sachet with ground cinnamon + dried lavender. Toss it in your closet or gym bag. My hiking boots went from “biohazard” to “mildly earthy” overnight.

Creative Cinnamon Crafts

1. Cinnamon Ornaments (That Don’t Look Like a 3rd-Grade Art Project)
Mix 1 cup applesauce + 1.5 cups ground cinnamon into a dough. Roll it out, cut into shapes (stars, hearts, snowflakes), and bake at 200°F for 2 hours. Poke a hole before baking to thread ribbon through. Hang them on your tree, or gift them to neighbors. Last year, mine smelled like Christmas until March. My cat knocked one off the tree and tried to eat it. 10/10 would recommend.

2. Cinnamon Stick Centerpieces
Grab a bundle of cinnamon sticks, tie them with twine, and pop them in a vase with dried eucalyptus. Instant “I have my life together” vibes. I made one for my coffee table, and my mom asked if I’d hired an interior designer. (I did not.)

3. Cinnamon-Scented Playdough
Mix 1 cup flour, ½ cup salt, 2 tsp cream of tartar, 2 tsp cinnamon, 1 tbsp oil, and 1 cup water. Cook over medium heat until it forms a ball. Let cool. Kids (or you, no shame) can sculpt while smelling like a bakery. My niece made a cinnamon dinosaur. It was glorious.

Different Forms, Different Uses

Let’s clear up the cinnamon confusion. Not all cinnamon is created equal—and I learned this the hard way. Picture 19-year-old me, ambitiously swapping ground cinnamon for a stick in a chai recipe. It turned into a gritty, spicy sludge that my roommate dubbed “swamp tea.” Don’t be like 19-year-old me. Here’s how to use each form like a pro…

How to Use Cinnamon Sticks

Cinnamon sticks are the slow-and-steady heroes. Though you can eat cinnamon sticks, they’re perfect for infusing flavor without overpowering your dish (or craft project!).

Best for:

• Simmering in soups, stews, or mulled wine (they release flavor gradually).
• Cocktails—drop one in a hot toddy or spiced sangria. Pro tip: Lightly crush the stick to unleash more aroma.
• Crafts: Tie them into bundles for décor or grind them fresh in a spice grinder.

Storytime: My friend once gifted me a jar of “vanilla-cinnamon sugar” made by burying a vanilla bean and cinnamon stick in sugar for a month. I put it in my coffee for a week straight and felt like a Tudor-era monarch. Luxe.

Best Ways to Use Ground Cinnamon

Cinnamon powder is the MVP of convenience. It’s your quick-hit flavor booster.

Best for:

• Baking: Cookies, muffins, French toast batter—anything where you want instant spice distribution.
• Smoothies & Oatmeal: No one wants to chew on a stick.
• DIY Spice Blends: Mix with sugar for cinnamon toast, or add to chili powder for a smoky-sweet rub.

Pro tip: Buy small quantities and store in a dark cabinet. Ground cinnamon loses its mojo after 6 months. (My friend learned this after his “fresh” cinnamon rolls tasted like cardboard. Sadness.)

Also, some people prefer taking cinnamon supplements made from true cinnamon for more health benefits.

How to Use Cinnamon Extract

Cinnamon extract is the overachiever of the bunch. A little goes a long way.

Best for:

• Baked goods: Add ½ tsp to brownie batter or frosting for a punchy kick.
• DIY vanilla extract: Swap half the vanilla beans with cinnamon sticks in your homemade extract.
• Holiday cocktails: 2 drops in a bourbon old fashioned = instant winter vibes.

Warning: This stuff is potent. I once added a full teaspoon to pancake batter. They tasted like Fireball shots. The kids were not amused.

Chef’s Cheat Sheet

• Sticks = slow infusions (drinks, stews, crafts).
• Ground = instant flavor (baking, sprinkling, blending).
• Extract = concentrated power (desserts, DIY projects).

Storytime: Last fall, I made cinnamon extract by soaking sticks in vodka for 8 weeks. My partner saw the jar and asked, “Are you making potion?” Yes. Yes, I am. And it’s delicious.

Cinnamon Trees: Where the Magic Begins

Beyond the powder, the sticks, and the extract lies the source of it all: the cinnamon tree. Different varieties of cinnamon come from distinct species of trees, each with unique characteristics. Cinnamon from Ceylon (Cinnamomum verum), for example, originates from a specific type of evergreen tree.

DRUERA cuts sticks from trees manually and processes them by hand to ensure the highest quality. All our cinnamon is Alba grade, which is the highest grade, and only 1% of companies sell Alba grade cinnamon. This commitment to quality starts with the careful cultivation and harvesting of cinnamon trees.

Benefits of Cinnamon, Safety and Precautions

Cinnamon is packed with potential health benefits, but it's important to use it safely. Studies by ScienceDirect suggest that cinnamon may play a role in supporting metabolism and digestion. They reveal that cinnamon regulates glucose metabolism by increasing enzyme activity and reducing insulin's effects

However, despite all great benefits of cinnamon, understanding the safe limits of intake and possible allergies can help ensure a positive experience.

As WebMD indicates in its article, Cinnamon possesses a lot of benefits like antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory properties. According to research made by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), it can improve digestion and even has a potential to lower blood sugar levels. However, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional, especially if you are already managing Blood Sugar with medication.

Addressing Concerns: DRUERA Cinnamon and Lead Contamination

In recent years, concerns have been raised regarding lead contamination in spices, including cinnamon. At DRUERA, we understand the importance of food safety and take rigorous measures to ensure our cinnamon is free from lead contamination.

To learn more about our commitment to lead-free cinnamon, our testing procedures, and the steps we take to guarantee the safety of our products, read our comprehensive article about lead-free cinnamon.

How Much Cinnamon is Safe to Consume Every Day?

Cinnamon is generally safe for most people in small amounts. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) suggests a daily coumarin intake of 0.1 mg per kilogram of body weight. This means a 60 kg adult could safely consume about 6 mg of coumarin, roughly equivalent to a teaspoon of Cassia cinnamon.

Be cautious with Cassia cinnamon, as it contains 3-6x more coumarin than true cinnamon from Ceylon. High intakes can cause liver damage due to coumarin. Always monitor your consumption, especially if you enjoy this spice often.

At DRUERA, we are passionate about the quality and safety of our cinnamon. We only source and offer Alba grade Ceylon cinnamon to give you peace of mind.

Want to learn more about the nuances of each type? We have a complete guide dedicated to the Types of Cinnamon! Read it to explore the origins, flavor profiles, best uses, and health considerations of each variety in detail.

Allergic Reactions and Interactions

It’s possible to be allergic to cinnamon, leading to symptoms like skin irritation or digestive discomfort. If you suspect an allergy, discontinue use and speak with a healthcare provider. Additionally, Cinnamaldehyde, a compound in cinnamon, can irritate if applied directly to sensitive areas.

Cinnamon may interact with medications, especially those affecting blood sugar or the liver. If you have diabetes or liver conditions, MedicalNewsToday recommends you consult a doctor before any cinnamon intake. Cinnamon’s effects on blood sugar and potential to lower blood pressure mean you should use caution if combining with prescribed medications. Always prioritize your health when adding new elements to your routine.

The Golden Rule of Using Cinnamon

Cinnamon’s here to enhance your life, not complicate it. Use common sense:

• Stick to culinary doses (not shovel-fulls).
• Choose Ceylon cinnamon from a reputable brand like DRUERA if you’re a daily user.
• Listen to your body.

And hey, if you accidentally go overboard? Drink water, eat something bland, and swear to never trust TikTok hacks again. We’ve all been there.