There’s just something so magical about The Best Cinnamon Toast: crispy, caramelized edges, buttery richness, and that warm, aromatic hit of cinnamon and sugar melting into every bite. It’s pure nostalgia and classic comfort food, and it comes together in mere minutes. Whether you’re warming up a cold morning or craving a simple, sweet pick-me-up, this version promises to bring a smile, capturing everything you love about this timeless treat in the perfect ratio of crunch, sweetness, and spice.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For The Best Cinnamon Toast, the beauty is truly in the basics—each ingredient is purposefully chosen to deliver standout texture and flavor. Here’s what you need, along with the little tricks that make every slice unforgettable:
- Bread: Thick-cut slices hold up beautifully and give you that satisfying crunch and chewy center; day-old bread works especially well.
- Unsalted butter, softened: Spreading softened butter on both sides ensures each bite is rich and allows the bread to crisp up at the edges.
- Granulated sugar: Regular white sugar creates that iconic, shimmering crunchy topping you remember from childhood.
- Ground cinnamon: The star of the show—choose a fresh, fragrant cinnamon for robust, warm spice in every bite.
- Pinch of salt: Just a little salt balances the sweetness and brings all the flavors to life, preventing the toast from tasting flat.
How to Make The Best Cinnamon Toast
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. While stovetop cinnamon toast is cozy in a rush, baking delivers a next-level crispy bottom and golden, bubbly top that truly earns this the title of The Best Cinnamon Toast. Lining up your ingredients while the oven heats makes the whole process extra smooth.
Step 2: Mix Up the Cinnamon Sugar
In a small bowl, thoroughly combine the sugar, ground cinnamon, and just a pinch of salt. This simple blend is everything—each grain of sugar coats the bread evenly, while the cinnamon infuses every bite with warmth. Don’t skip the salt; it elevates the sweetness beautifully!
Step 3: Butter Every Slice Generously
Take your softened butter and spread a generous, even layer over both sides of each bread slice. This trick creates that signature crisp outside while keeping the middle soft and flavorful. Don’t be shy here—the extra butter is where a lot of the magic happens.
Step 4: Sprinkle Cinnamon Sugar Over the Top
Evenly sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the top sides of the buttered bread. Be as generous as you like—this is your moment to load up that irresistible sweet-spicy topping. Press down gently so the sugar sticks and caramelizes as it bakes.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Bubbly
Arrange your prepared slices on a baking sheet, cinnamon sugar side facing up, and bake for 8 to 10 minutes. Watch closely—the edges will turn golden brown, the sugar will start to bubble, and your kitchen will smell utterly incredible. If you love extra crunch, finish under the broiler for 1–2 minutes.
Step 6: Cool Slightly and Serve Warm
Once your toast is beautifully golden and bubbling, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a minute or two. This short rest gives the sugar topping time to set into a gorgeous, crackly layer. Serve warm, and prepare to swoon over every crispy, cinnamon-kissed bite.
How to Serve The Best Cinnamon Toast
Garnishes
The Best Cinnamon Toast doesn’t need much extra, but a touch of flair never hurts! Try dusting the finished toast with a little extra ground cinnamon or a snowy sprinkle of powdered sugar for pretty presentation. For those who like a bit of richness, a tiny drizzle of honey or maple syrup over the top is pure joy.
Side Dishes
While The Best Cinnamon Toast shines solo, it also rounds out a brunch plate beautifully. Pair with fresh-cut fruit, a simple yogurt parfait, or scrambled eggs for a bit of savory contrast. A mug of hot cocoa, coffee, or spiced chai amplifies the cozy, breakfast-at-home feeling.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond basic slices! Slice your toast into “soldiers” and serve upright in a teacup for dipping, or cut into fun shapes for little ones. Layer slices with mascarpone or cream cheese for a decadent breakfast stack, or serve with whipped cream and berries for a fancy brunch treat. The Best Cinnamon Toast is endlessly customizable.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover slices of The Best Cinnamon Toast are rare, but if you do have extra, let them cool completely before storing in an airtight container at room temperature. This keeps them crisp for up to a day, preserving both texture and flavor.
Freezing
If you’d like to make a big batch ahead, freeze baked and cooled slices in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag with parchment between layers. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months, perfect for quick breakfast emergencies or last-minute snack cravings.
Reheating
To regain that fresh-from-the-oven crunch, reheat frozen or leftover toast in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F for a few minutes until crisp and warm. Avoid the microwave, which can make the toast soggy instead of crackly.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Breakfast
Absolutely! While thick-cut white bread is classic, whole wheat, brioche, challah, or even sourdough are all delicious options. Each brings its own unique texture and flavor profile to the finished toast, so feel free to experiment.
Is it possible to make The Best Cinnamon Toast dairy-free?
Yes! Simply substitute your favorite plant-based butter for the unsalted butter. Coconut oil is another tasty alternative that naturally adds a little extra richness. The final result remains crunchy and packed with flavor.
How do you keep the cinnamon sugar from falling off?
The secret is to apply the butter generously and sprinkle on the sugar mixture just after, gently pressing the sugar in so it adheres. Baking helps the topping stick and caramelize so you can avoid the messy sugar fallout!
Can I make The Best Cinnamon Toast in a toaster?
While you can toast the bread first and then add a butter-sugar-cinnamon blend, the oven method is what gives that signature bubbly, caramelized top. The toaster version is quicker but just can’t compare in texture or flavor.
What’s the best way to get extra crunchy cinnamon toast?
For ultra-crisp edges and caramelized sugar, broil your toast for 1–2 minutes after baking. Keep an eye on it, as sugar can go from golden to burnt quickly, but the reward is a shatteringly crisp topping that truly defines The Best Cinnamon Toast.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving comfort, nostalgia, or just something blissfully simple and sweet, you’ll find yourself making The Best Cinnamon Toast on repeat. Every bite balances golden crunch with buttery warmth and that standout cinnamon sugar magic. Give it a try, share with family or friends, and let this classic bring as much joy to your table as it has to mine.
Print
The Best Cinnamon Toast Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of cinnamon and sugar with this easy-to-make, baked cinnamon toast recipe. Perfect for a quick breakfast or a sweet snack any time of day!
Ingredients
Bread:
- 4 slices of bread
Cinnamon Sugar Mixture:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- a pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Prepare cinnamon sugar mixture: In a small bowl, mix the sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
- Butter the bread: Spread the softened butter on both sides of each slice of bread.
- Add cinnamon sugar: Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture on top of the buttered bread.
- Bake: Place the slices on a baking sheet and bake for 8 to 10 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Cool and serve: Remove from the oven, cool slightly, and serve warm.
Notes
- For extra crunch, broil the toast for 1 to 2 minutes after baking.
- Use thick-cut bread for the best texture.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
