Cinnamon toast is a delicious breakfast snack that has a simple twist that takes this from toasted bread with cinnamon-sugar sprinkled on, to a baked and broiled vanilla and cinnamon sugar layer that is hard to resist!
***Welcome Pinterest Visitors! I’m so glad you decided to clink on this recipe, that has suddenly gone viral on Pinterest. I do hope you like what you see, will take the take to leave a comment, and I hope you’ll come back to visit. This is one of my earliest recipe– taken with my old point-and-shoot camera (and my photography has much improved over the last few years). I’ve got hundreds more since I started this blog in 2008. Enjoy!
I have a confession to make. I strive to cook “real food”. By that, I mean that I like to cook meals for my family, using fresh ingredients– organic, as much as possible. You won’t find a tub of frozen fake whipped topping or canned cream soups in my pantry. I make all of my cakes and cookies from scratch. Sounds impressive? So, here’s my confession– I still love “comfort foods”! I also have a sweet tooth (ya think?)
When I was in high school, I can remember racing to the cafeteria to buy a slice of their famous cinnamon toast. It sold out in minutes, because most of the student body loved it as much as I did. If I was lucky enough to make it in line, a cafeteria worker would lift a piece of cinnamon toast, off a baking sheet. Score! I can remember savoring that crunchy piece of bread with a heavenly balance of cinnamon and butter. It was more than butter toast, sprinkled with cinnamon sugar.
I can’t begin to describe it, but I longed for some of that toast many, MANY years later. I gave up trying to recreate it– until the Pioneer Woman posted her version of making cinnamon toast on her blog. I wondered, was this the long-lost recipe?
I mean, how hard is it to make cinnamon toast? You toast bread, slather it with softened butter and sprinkle cinnamon sugar. Right? Well… this version has two simple little twists. I mean, eensie weensie changes that are so darn simple, that I wonder why I didn’t think of it myself?
On a Saturday morning, this was destined to be made.The night before, I removed a stick of butter so it would be nice and soft… this morning, I preheated the oven to 350F.
Do you really need a recipe for cinnamon toast? Butter? Check. Cinnamon? Check. Vanilla? What? That’s Ree’s secret ingredient– vanilla. That’s Twist #1. Brilliant! Nutmeg, optional? Next time. I’ll play it safe.
Twist #2: Smoosh the butter, add the sugar and cinnamon and a teaspoon of vanilla. Now, in the theme of keeping it real– I’m using whole wheat bread, since butter and sugar aren’t exactly “health foods”.
Place toast on a cookie sheet. Place cookies sheet into the oven and bake for 10 minutes. Turn on the broiler and broil until golden brown and bubbling–45 to 60 seconds should do it. Watch so it won’t burn!
UPDATE: I found that using a toaster oven is a faster/easier way, when making this for two people. Toast the bread, until just before it’s golden brown. Slather on the cinnamon-butter and turn the toaster oven to “broil”. Watch it, carefully, and remove just as the topping begins to bubble. This way, I don’t have “soggy bread syndrome” on the bottom. Works great!
UPDATE: I get lots of comments and emails that this is just as easy to make in a toaster. To be honest, it’s broiling the cinnamon-vanilla butter that gives this toast such a great texture.
The Ultimate Cinnamon Toast, the Pioneer Woman Way
Ingredients
- 8 slices bread whole wheat is great!
- 1 stick salted butter softened
- 1/2 cup sugar (more to taste)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract more to taste
- 1/4 teaspoons ground nutmeg optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350℉
- Smush softened butter with a fork. Dump in sugar, cinnamon, vanilla and nutmeg, if using. Stir to completely combine.
- Spread on slices of bread, completely covering the surface all the way to the edges.
- Place toast on a cookie sheet. Place cookies sheet into the oven and bake for 10 minutes. Turn on the broiler and broil until golden brown and bubbling. Watch so it won’t burn!
- Remove from oven and cut slices into halves diagonally.
Notes
Nutrition
i'm pretty sure that when I saw this on Ree's site, I squealed. And then when I saw it here, I screamed. Looks amazing.
That cinnamon toast really hit home. I am a new follower and I LOVE YOUR BLOG. I love to cook from scratch as much as I can so I will be checking out your recipes, for sure. Have a great weekend. Deb (Carleton Place, Ontario Canada)
Oh my, Cindi told me about this gadge. can you copy and pace? Oh boy, I must want this or I would not be sweating right now! lol
Ohmygoodness. Can I start my day over and have this for breakfast? It looks amazing.
OK,that digital reader is really cool. And as for comfort food, for me, it is the most "real" of "real food!" You GO!
Debby, YUM, this is MY kinda toast! Thanks for posting it! Love the pics! Roz
I have a sad weakness for cinnamon toast. This version looks so delicious. Must try it soon.
I love Monica's version, and this certainly looks just as yummy too..
Your photos are beautiful!!
I'm so glad that you made this recipe! I just about passed out when I saw PW's version. It looks heavenly.
It looks absolutely fab!!!
XXX
Lia.
I'd like that brown sugar cinnamony butter on everything.
~ingrid
These are all the truly delicious and superb dishes with very sumptuous and scrumptious taste, which will just change the feel of your taste buds forever.
This does look great – but so do all of your photos and recipes. My mind is boggling at all the great ideas and recipes I want to try. I like best how you incorporate garden produce in so many items – yay for green you!
I make something similar to this bread – but I don't have to use arm power or a mixer for it- lazy me. I cut leftover french bread into 1 1/2 in. slices, then cut across slices so that you have thick rectangles/batons. Dip in melted butter – don't bother to clarify. Then roll in a mixture of 1 cup sugar, 1 tbsp cinnamon, and 1/2 tsp cardamom, mixed together in a shallow bowl, gently patting the bread sticks for a good coating. Bake in preheated 400 degree oven about 15 minutes, or until browned and crispy. I usually turn them over with tongs after the 1st 10 min. Bake the bread in a 15x11x1 in. pan with a rack – I use parchment or a silpat underneath to keep bubbling sugar cleanup to a minimum. Cool slightly on a rack to keep crisp and prevent burning your mouth by cramming one in [because the aroma is so great – the cardamom? – hmm.] Delicious with crisp bacon and some creamy hot chocolate on a snowy Saturday [which I hope are over for the year.] Recently served to some friends who biked over with big appetites – they were inhaled. No talking at the table while they drank 2 pots of coffee and ate a whole loaf of French bread – with butter and spiced sugar, natch!
Thanks again from a grateful reader —
Maureen O.
Maureen– I wish I had a way to write to you personally. Thanks so much for your recipe; it does sound mouth-watering!
Cheers!
My mom always made our cinnamon toast like this! I love it.. I need to make this for my kids.. Thank you for reminding me..
Im licking my screen 🙁
Cinnamon toast is a big favorite around here too. Can't wait to try your version. Is there a chance that you'll make your cinnamon rolls with raisins?
Why preheat the oven if you are going to broil it?
I grew up eating it prepared this way too, along with hot cocoa made from milk, cocoa powder, sugar and vanilla, YUM.
I grew up eating it prepared this way too, along with hot cocoa made from milk, cocoa powder, sugar and vanilla, YUM.
My children absolutely love Cinnamon toast. But I do it all wrong 🙂 Can't wait to try this. Thanks for sharing!
Yep, that's the way my mother made it. Only difference is she toasted the bread on one side, took it out of the oven, then spread the yummy goodness on the other side and put it back in the oven. Adds that extra crunch and texture. You can also make up your "spread" in large patches and keep in the refrigerator. Saves time.
That looks sinful!! I must tryit lol 🙂
Mmmm. My mama used to make this for me!!
My dad taught me to make toast in the toaster then slap butter on thick, sprinkle with an excessive amount of cinnamon and sugar and microwave for 10 seconds to make sure the butter is melted fully, 34 years later I still make this weekly! 🙂 But I hate using the oven, maybe I am just lazy. LOL
My grandma taught me this years ago, but she used brown sugar with butter. Oh so good!!!
I come from the brown sugar and cinnamon with butter school I will have to try adding vanilla!
This really does look delicious! I'm very pleased to discover your blog. I'm here via Pinterest 🙂
I'm so glad I clicked over & found your blog! This recipe will be a huge hit & I'm eager to check out your blog.
WOW. I just made myself a slice and can not believe how delightful it was! Will make more when my little brothers get home! Thank you for this 🙂
Made this morning and my boys couldn't stop eating it. This was so delicious and better than any sticky buns!
Thank you for the great recipe!!
I'm still amazed at how many people are viewing this recipe. It's so simple, but I agree, so good! Thanks for the comments and welcome!
It looks awesome… snowy, windy night! Oh.. I will make everyone happy!
I home made all our bread and I bet this is awesome on that.
I just found you on pinterest 😉 Oh my who would have thought vanilla!! My kids are gonna love me in the morning. Thank you!!!
Jessica, hi! I hope your kids love it as much as my adult kid. I made more, this morning, and my son just loved it.
It seems like I remember something similar in Home Eco. only it had powdered sugar instead of the regular. Does that sound familiar to anyone? (That would of been in the 60's!) Love your blog!
My Grandmother from Arkansas use to make me something similiar…except she just put a thick coat of butter on a slice of white bread-then sprinkle a light dusting of sugar on it and pop it into the broiler. The sugar carmalizes and its yummy!
Thanks for the memories!
Melisa H.
My Great grandmother is from Arkansas too & she use to make it for us with a hot bowl of oatmeal before we went to school. I use to make it for my son when he was little & he still ask for it w/ oatmeal. Great memories! Trish
Thanks for sharing, looks yummy. I'd be careful saying that you wouldn't find anything processed in your kitchen, White sugar is very processed
Dear Anonymous:
Hmmm, I'm getting daily anonymous comments on my blog. Is that you?
If you read my tongue in cheek narration, I say that I have eliminated processed foods, and yet I do have a sweet tooth.
I'm not perfect. What you won't find it my house is fast food, frozen processed dinners, canned creamed soups, fake whipped cream etc. Lighten up, okay?
Yesss!!! I am planning to try this next week when my kids come home for their first college spring break! They are counting down the days until they can get "real" food, and they will LOVE this! I'm having trouble seeing the amounts on the recipe – is it 1/2 cup sugar and 1-1/2 teaspoons of cinnamon?
I may have gained five pounds this morning by just looking. I'm making these in the am 🙂 My kids will thank you..my bum probably won't but oh well!
This looks amazing definitely will have to try it some morning!
I cant seem to find the recipe link to the download o this… can you email it to me? thewdfam[at]gmail.com, thank you!! 🙂
Thank goodness for Pinterest!! I had cinnamon toast like every day when I was a kid – great memories 🙂 Doing it this way is outta this world though. And I like how you plopped on a whole lot of the mix. YUM. I had it twice today, but let's keep that between us!
Where did I miss the recipe? I can't find it.
this is like my mom use to make all us kids on Sundays after church love this one even better .love your blog
Mock French Toast:
I used to make this for my kids when I didn't want to go all out and make french toast the traditional way. Liberally butter toast and then drizzle with maple syrup and lightly dust with powdered sugar. Tastes so much like the real thing they will be satisfied
Mock French toast sounds interesting. Trust me, if you spread the butter on the bread and then toast it– it's a whole new game!
Hi Debby, thanks for the blog! At first glance, my brain read "french" instead of just "cinnamon" so as I read the directions I was quite confused that there were no eggs involved!! It wasn't until the end that my brain clicked on and I realized this was NOT for french toast, but cinnamon toast!! Too funny. I am excited to try this kind of cinnamon toast, b/c yes, I am totally of the variety that toasts a piece of bread, then spreads (peanut) butter and sprinkles cinn. sugar on. Just to clarify, there was nothing in the post that was confusing, it was just my brain!! Great post, thank you!
how much sugar and cinnamon?!?
Anonymous. You don't see the recipe card?
This sounds amazing, but I can not find the recipe. Can you help please?
Dear Mrs. D:
You don't see the recipe card at the end of the post? Did you scroll down? If you can't find it, please email me at foodiewife@gmail.com and I'll send it to you.
This is the first thing we learned to cook in home ec when I was in the 7th. grade. Brings back great memories!
Thanks! This looks like the cinnamon toast my grandmother used to make. Deliciousness!
Did we go to the same home ec class Pam? I, too, learned this method in grade 7 and still make it the same way since. No other way will do. Thank you for the reminder. …. Suzanna
I really just miss Nature's Pride bread. Have you found anything similar since Hostess went under? It was seriously the perfect bread!
Thanks! Delicious. Try adding a dash of cardamom like my grandmother did.
I found this recipe via Pinterest, and it looked so good that I just had to try it! I made it this morning for my family and it blew my mind! It is soooooo delicious. The edges get all crunchy and have crystallized sugar on them and the middle is a bit gooey. I will never make cinnamon toast any other way! The vanilla absolutely makes this so special! I did add a bit of the nutmeg, and I really enjoyed the flavor combo. Thanks so much for posting!
Mom made this cinnamon toast for us, and I thought it was just the best. I haven't lived at home for 40 years, and still remember how perfect it was. Thanks for posting, and thanks for the memory.
My mom made cinnamon toast for us similar to this. She would just slather the bread with butter than sprinkle on sugar and cinnamon than pop it under the broiler till melted and slightly toasted. One side was toasty and the other side still soft and gooey. So yummy dipped in hot chocolate! This is definitely a more "gourmet" version than what I am use to but looks worth it. Yummy! 🙂
How much sugar & cinnamon did you use?
In RED there is a comment that if you cannot view the recipe card, I have provided a link to find the recipe!
Sounds yummy, can't wait to try it. My mom used to do something similar when we were kids. She would take left over hamburger and hot dogs rolls and thickly butter them then sprinkle on a mix of sugar, cinnamon and brown sugar. Then bake. The rolls added a bit of softness under the crispy sugar and toasted edges. Ahh, comfort food sweets. :o)
Thank you four sharing this. Yes, Pinterestis exponential like that. You have some awesome recipes and tips.
I used to love eating my mom's cinnamon toast as a kid, but I'd never thought of mixing all the ingredients together before hand. And the vanilla… is genius.
Happy cooking ~
Sound really nice….I'll try it right away! Thank you
Yum, have to try this one. I love the Pioneer Woman. I am also a Debby. Saw this on Pinterest.
Thanks foodiewife for taking an American staple and making it the best it can be. I've made a butter, cinnamon, sugar & nutmeg mix to keep in the refrigerator so cinnamon toast at anytime. With a toaster oven, I'm eating too much of it. Looking forward to spending some time thru your other recipes.
jrachelle, you are very welcome. Truthfully, the Pioneer Woman inspired me to make this. We do love it! Thanks for commenting.
I used honey in lieu of sugar and it still tasted awesome. I too, eat a real food diet, but that also means unprocessed and no preservatives to me.
I just made these and we loved them, I added my own twist by slicing an apple pretty thinly and putting the slices on top of the spread and then adding another small touch of spread. Our weather is chilly today and the apples helped satisfy a sudden craving for apple dumplings!
I cannot believe you have the gall to use a recipe from someone else and not link to the original. shame on you. go read some blog etiquette blogs before you get in trouble.
Becca, shame on you for being so rude! Your post was absolutely not necessary. I believe that Ree would be very satisfied with the way her recipe was shared.
I had to use Anonymous because I don't know how to use the other options.
Priscilla
Becca, if you are referring to Pioneer Woman, it is mentioned all over this page. If not, give whoever it is the plug they deserve. Please, help remedy what you think is wrong and not just make it worse.
Dear Becca,
You don't have an email on your blogs, so I had to leave a comment. I do know blog etiquette, thank you very much. I guess your glasses were fogged, so you couldn't see that I said "thank you Pioneer Woman" nor did you see that my recipe card says it's from the Pioneer Woman? I always give credit where it's due, and NEVER claim credit for a recipe that isn't mine. That's common courtesy, and I understand about copyrights. Have a great day, though I doubt you'll be back to read my response. Thank you JRachelle for your response.
I am so glad that I come across this recipe. My elementary school had cinnamon toast like this too! I haven't thought about it in a long time. It was the best thing in the world. I plan to make this tomorrow.
Thanks 🙂
For a slightly healthier version….try substituting white sugar with agave or stevia…..just sayin…. have a blessed day!
Camille, I don't think it' s all that much healthier. I have Type II diabetes and my son has Type I. The Diabetes association says there is no clinical proof that Agave nor Stevia is "healthier" than white sugar. I still say "moderation".
Thank you, Priscilla! I chose to leave Becca's rude comment on (I could have deleted it). Part of being a food blogger is that you can be the target of harsh criticism. But those are few and far between from the wonderful people I've met through my blog.
Debby
I'm too lazy to do all that, but I make kinda the same. Just butter bread, sprinkle cinnamon, then sugar in top and broil until sugar is crunchy. Be careful not to burn it. The bottom of bread is soft like a roll. My sister do it that way since I was little.
my mother used to make it with powdered sugar and cinnamon and loads and better then put it under the broiler for just a couple seconds. It was delicious.
I am so glad I found this recipe! When my babies are sick, I make them cinnamon toast and peppermint tea. This recipe is the best! Thank you so much for sharing!
Marci
Thanks, Marci. So glad you enjoyed it. It's so simple, and yet so good!
This is how my mother taught me to make cinnamon toast, but she didn't use vanilla and she didn't mix the cinnamon/ sugar with the butter but sprinkled it on top. Then into the broiler. This was probably one if the firsts "dishes" I learned to make by myself as a child. Haven't made it yet, but I'm quite confident that Lee D's recipe is an evolutionary advance!
I have looked, and totally may have missed it on your blog or someone's comments, but do you butter both sides of the bread or just the top? Wasn't sure how the bottom of the bread would turn out if left alone. I can't wait to try this! I have only just sprinkled the cinnamon and sugar on buttered toast 🙂
Debby! It's Leslie from work. Imagine my surprise to click this pin on pinterest and end up on your blog! Your famous woman!!!!! Hooray! 🙂
OMG what a day. I concur with 2 others this was served with oatmeal and jar of c&s sprinkled over butter and under the broiler. Great memories of mom and love. Thanks for the smile. And idea…cold here in NE Ohio
I grew up with a version of this! Loved it then and still love it! My dad used to butter the bread then sprinkle sugar then cinnamon on it. Then pop it under the briiler for short time (burns easily!)! Gonna try it your way and with the vanilla next time! Sounds easier!
Oh Debbie, you're the best cook!! I wish you'd come live in my kitchen!! Thanks for the wonderful French toast! It's my favorite!!
I can almost taste it now. I've made something like this but this looks liken the topper. Can't wait to make it. thanks for the memories.
I just made these for my boys. Delicious! Definitely a special treat! Thank you!
We made this toast in Jr. High (1970) in home economics. It was called Cinnamon Bubble Toast. We first toasted one side of the toast plain under the broiler then flipped it over and spread on the butter/cinnamon/sugar and returned it to the broiler. This way both sides are crispy! Enjoy, it is so yummy!
I have been trying for years to duplicate the cinnamon toast I used to get at the cafeteria at college. Now I have it !! Yahoo !! Thanks for being one of the 20 most pinned fun foods.
Cinnamon bubble toast… I like that name! Yep, I used to buy a toast like this at my high school. This reminds me of it.
I still can't believe this post is a top pinner! The photograph that was pinned is out of focus, and not my best work…but, it's safe to say that cinnamon toast is such a comfort food and people love it.
Thanks for the comments.
Love this toast, with plenty of freshly brewed black coffee! I had to use cinnamon raisin bread because that was all I had on hand but it was sooo good. Thanks for posting.
My Mom always added a tiny dash of clove to Her Cinnamon toast mix.
My mama used to make us this same recipe when we were kids. The crunchy broiled sugar/butter was heavenly when we'd come in from the cold outside. She served it with hot chocolate. I've made this for my kids and I think I'll have to make it for my grandbabies…thank you for the lovely memory.
I've done this several times, it is the BEST. Thanks for sharing, I like your changes to the Pioneer Woman's version.
http://www.iheartaz.com
I can not see the amount of ingredients on here. Can you please list them?
Dear Anonymous,
If you had written to me, with my email that I provided, I would've gladly sent you the recipe. HOWEVER, there is a recipe card at the bottom of the post.
Use brown sugar, and add some coconut and this will be over the top delicious. This was an old recipe from the Betty Crocker Boys and Girls Cookbook from back in the 1960s.
Hello, I just came across your recipe on Pinterest and had to comment. My Aunt Pearl used to make this exact recipe but with one little twist, she would add a tablespoon of applesauce on top. When I was young that is what I would ask for every Sunday for breakfast. Thank you for reminding me of that wonderful time in my life and that wonderful women I loved dearly.
Dear Melinda,
Thank you for your sweet story. I love the idea of the applesauce on top. At least, your Aunt Pearl could rest assured that you got some vitamins and fiber with the toast!
Found your recipe on Pinterest. I love it! Tastes delicious! Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Amazing, it looks really delicious, cant wait to taste it. Thank you for sharing it with us.