Toasted cinnamon syrup in a glass bottle with cinnamon sticks and coffee

Toasted Cinnamon Syrup (Starbucks Copycat)

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WHY MAKE THIS RECIPE

Toasted Cinnamon Syrup is not just delicious, but it’s also a simple way to enhance many of your favorite beverages and desserts. This syrup adds a warm, sweet, and aromatic flavor that can transform your morning coffee or drizzle over pancakes into an extraordinary treat. Making it at home means you can skip the artificial flavors often found in store-bought syrups and create a fresh, flavorful version right in your kitchen. Plus, this Starbucks copycat recipe is quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy café-style drinks at home without breaking the bank.

HOW TO MAKE Toasted Cinnamon Syrup

Ingredients

  • 4 cinnamon sticks
  • 1 ¼ cup water
  • ¾ cup brown sugar (packed)
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar

DIRECTIONS

  1. Toast the Cinnamon Sticks: Start by placing the cinnamon sticks in a small saucepan. Heat them over medium heat, turning them every minute or so. Toast them for about 5 minutes, or until they are nicely fragrant and golden on all sides. This step helps unlock the natural oils in the cinnamon, enhancing the flavor of the syrup.

  2. Add the Wet Ingredients: Carefully pour in the water and add both the brown sugar and granulated sugar to the saucepan. Be mindful, as the saucepan will be hot! Use a wooden spoon or a whisk to stir the mixture until the sugars are completely dissolved.

  3. Simmer the Mixture: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Once it starts to bubble softly, let it simmer for another 5 minutes. This simmering process allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

  4. Steep the Cinnamon: After simmering, remove the saucepan from heat. Allow the cinnamon sticks to steep in the syrup at room temperature for about 10 minutes. This helps to deepen the flavor even more.

  5. Strain and Store: Once the steeping time has passed, strain the syrup to remove the cinnamon sticks. Discard the sticks and transfer the syrup to a syrup bottle or a mason jar. The syrup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, making it a great make-ahead option.

HOW TO SERVE Toasted Cinnamon Syrup

Toasted Cinnamon Syrup is incredibly versatile. A classic way to enjoy it is by drizzling it over pancakes or waffles, giving them a delightful sweet and spicy kick. You can also stir it into your coffee or lattes for a comforting beverage reminiscent of your favorite coffee shop creations. For a fun twist, try blending it into milkshakes or using it as a glaze for roasted vegetables or meats. The syrup adds a warm and inviting flavor to hot drinks, desserts, and breakfast items alike.

HOW TO STORE Toasted Cinnamon Syrup

Once you’ve made Toasted Cinnamon Syrup, storing it is simple. Allow the syrup to cool completely after making it, then pour it into an airtight container like a syrup bottle or mason jar. Seal it tightly and place it in the refrigerator. If stored properly, it can last for up to 2 weeks. Before using it, give the bottle a good shake, as the ingredients may settle. If you notice any separation, that’s normal!

TIPS TO MAKE Toasted Cinnamon Syrup

  • Quality Cinnamon: Use high-quality cinnamon sticks for the best flavor. Ceylon cinnamon is preferred for its sweeter and more delicate flavor, while Cassia cinnamon is more common and also works well.

  • Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the amount of sugars based on your taste preferences. If you like your syrup sweeter, add more brown sugar or use more granulated sugar. Conversely, reduce the sugar if you prefer a less sweet syrup.

  • Add Spices: Experiment by adding other spices like nutmeg or cloves while toasting the cinnamon sticks. This can create a unique twist to the flavor profile.

  • Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure that your spices and sugars are fresh to get the best taste. Old spices may lack the potency needed to flavor your syrup effectively.

VARIATIONS

  • Honey Cinnamon Syrup: Swap out the brown sugar for honey to create a honey cinnamon syrup. This will give your syrup a different depth of flavor while still being delicious.

  • Vanilla Cinnamon Syrup: Add half a teaspoon of vanilla extract after straining the syrup for an extra layer of flavor that complements the cinnamon beautifully.

  • Maple Cinnamon Syrup: For a delightful twist, substitute the brown sugar with maple syrup. This will bring a rich, earthy flavor to your syrup.

FAQs

1. How do I know when my syrup is ready?

You will know the syrup is ready when the sugars are fully dissolved, and the mixture has simmered for a few minutes. It should have a slightly thickened consistency once cooled.

2. Can I use ground cinnamon instead of cinnamon sticks?

While you can use ground cinnamon in a pinch, the flavor and texture will differ. Ground cinnamon may create a gritty syrup and won’t provide the same aromatic experience as whole sticks. If you do use ground cinnamon, start with about 1 teaspoon and strain carefully to remove as much sediment as possible.

3. Can I use this syrup in desserts?

Yes! Toasted Cinnamon Syrup is great for desserts. You can drizzle it over ice cream, mix it into cake batter, or use it as a sweetener in baking recipes. The possibilities are endless!

Creating homemade Toasted Cinnamon Syrup is a fun and rewarding experience. You now have a delicious syrup that’s perfect for various uses, whether you’re adding a touch of spice to your drinks, enhancing your breakfast treats, or incorporating it into your favorite desserts. Enjoy crafting and savoring this delightful treat!

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