Cinnamon sticks do more than add fragrance to holiday drinks. These aromatic spice sticks infuse dishes with warmth, depth, and complexity. Whether used for slow-simmering stews, steeping in tea, or grinding into fresh powder, whole cinnamon offers versatility in both sweet and savory recipes. Here’s how to incorporate them into your cooking.
1. Cinnamon-Infused Hot Drinks
Cinnamon sticks provide a natural sweetness and spicy undertone to various beverages.
Cinnamon Tea
Steeping a stick in hot water creates a simple tea with digestive benefits and a naturally sweet flavor.
How to Make It:
- Boil 2 cups of water.
- Add 1 cinnamon stick and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Remove the stick and serve. Add honey or lemon for variation.
Spiced Coffee
For a deeper flavor, add cinnamon to your morning brew.
Method:
- Place a stick in your coffee pot while brewing.
- For French press users, steep a stick with the coffee grounds.
- Alternatively, grind cinnamon with coffee beans for an even infusion.
Homemade Chai Latte
A well-balanced chai depends on whole spices, with cinnamon taking the lead.
Ingredients:
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 4 whole cloves
- 4 cardamom pods
- 1-inch ginger, sliced
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup milk
- 2 black tea bags
- Honey or sugar to taste
Instructions:
- Simmer spices in water for 10 minutes.
- Add tea bags and steep for 5 minutes.
- Pour in milk, sweeten to taste, and strain before serving.
2. Sweet Cinnamon-Infused Dishes
Cinnamon sticks bring a warm, spiced aroma to desserts and breakfast dishes.
Cinnamon-Infused Oatmeal
A stick of cinnamon turns a basic bowl of oats into a spiced treat.
Method:
- Simmer 1 cup of oats in 2 cups of milk or water with 1 cinnamon stick.
- Remove the stick before serving.
- Top with fruit, nuts, and honey.
Rice Pudding with Cinnamon
This creamy dish absorbs the deep flavors of whole cinnamon.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup rice
- 4 cups milk
- 1 cinnamon stick
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Simmer rice, milk, and cinnamon until thickened.
- Remove cinnamon, stir in sugar and vanilla.
- Serve warm or chilled.
Homemade Apple Sauce
Cinnamon brings out the natural sweetness of apples.
How to Make It:
- Peel and chop 4 apples.
- Simmer with ½ cup water, 1 cinnamon stick, and 1 tbsp sugar.
- Cook until apples are soft, then remove cinnamon and mash.
3. Savory Dishes That Benefit from Cinnamon Sticks
Cinnamon isn’t just for sweets. It enhances meat, rice, and stews with subtle warmth.
Spiced Rice Pilaf
Cinnamon adds depth to rice-based dishes.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups basmati rice
- 3 cups broth or water
- 1 cinnamon stick
- ½ cup toasted nuts (almonds or cashews)
- ½ cup raisins
Instructions:
- Sauté rice in a pot with a little oil.
- Add broth, cinnamon, and bring to a boil.
- Cover and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Remove cinnamon, fluff rice, and stir in nuts and raisins.
Slow-Cooked Moroccan Tagine
Traditional North African dishes rely on cinnamon for a rich, complex flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb lamb or chicken, cubed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 cup chickpeas
- 1 cup chopped tomatoes
- ½ cup dried apricots
- 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp coriander
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Brown the meat in a pot.
- Add onions, garlic, and spices, including the cinnamon stick.
- Stir in tomatoes, chickpeas, and apricots.
- Simmer for 1.5–2 hours until tender.
- Remove cinnamon before serving.
Braised Beef with Cinnamon
Slow-cooking beef with cinnamon enhances its richness.
How to Make It:
- Sear 2 lbs of beef in a pot.
- Add 1 chopped onion, 2 garlic cloves, and a cinnamon stick.
- Pour in 2 cups broth and let simmer for 2 hours.
- Remove cinnamon before serving over mashed potatoes.
4. Homemade Cinnamon Syrup
Perfect for drizzling over pancakes, waffles, or adding to cocktails.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 cinnamon sticks
Instructions:
- Simmer water and sugar with cinnamon sticks for 10 minutes.
- Remove cinnamon, let cool, and store in a jar.
Uses:
- Add to cocktails, coffee, or tea.
- Drizzle over ice cream.
- Use in baking.
5. Baking with Cinnamon Sticks
Instead of using ground cinnamon, infusing the spice into milk or butter brings a deeper flavor.
Cinnamon-Infused Butter for Pastries
Melt butter with a cinnamon stick for an enhanced baked good.
How to Make It:
- Melt ½ cup butter with a cinnamon stick.
- Simmer for 5 minutes, then strain.
- Use in recipes calling for melted butter.
Cinnamon-Scented Whipped Cream
Perfect for topping pies or hot chocolate.
How to Make It:
- Heat 1 cup heavy cream with 1 cinnamon stick.
- Cool, remove cinnamon, and whip as usual.
6. Preserving and Reusing Cinnamon Sticks
Whole cinnamon can be reused multiple times before discarding.
Tips:
- Rinse and dry cinnamon sticks after use.
- Store in an airtight container for future infusions.
- Grind used sticks into powder for baking.
Cinnamon sticks bring depth to both sweet and savory dishes. Whether steeped, simmered, or ground, their natural spice enhances flavors across a variety of recipes.
