What Is a Substitute for Cinnamon Chips? 12 Easy Alternatives for Baking (Plus a Homemade Recipe!)

You’re in the middle of baking cookies or muffins when suddenly—no cinnamon chips in sight.
Whether stores don’t carry them, they’re sold out, or you simply want a cleaner, homemade option, you’re probably wondering:

In this guide, you’ll discover:

✔ The best substitutes for cinnamon chips
✔ How to use each one in recipes
✔ How cinnamon sticks differ from cinnamon chips
✔ A full DIY homemade cinnamon chips recipe
✔ Flavor customization ideas
✔ And creative ways to use them in cookies, breads, muffins & drinks

⭐ Quick Answer (Featured Snippet Optimisé)

The best substitutes for cinnamon chips are cinnamon-sugar mix, cinnamon butter, homemade cinnamon chips, chocolate chips mixed with cinnamon, pumpkin spice, or nutmeg. These alternatives mimic the warm, sweet, spicy flavor of cinnamon chips in cookies, muffins, breads, and desserts.

If you want to go deeper into how cinnamon chips are made and what’s inside them, don’t miss this detailed guide:
👉 What Are Cinnamon Chips Made Of?

What’s the Difference Between Cinnamon Sticks and Cinnamon Chips?

Cinnamon sticks and cinnamon chips may share the same flavor family, but they work very differently in recipes.

• Cinnamon sticks
  • Dried bark from the cinnamon tree
  • Used whole to infuse flavor into drinks, syrups, stews, sauces, and mulled cider
  • Removed before serving
• Cinnamon chips
  • Small, ready-to-use baking morsels
  • Made from ground cinnamon, sugar, fat (like butter or oil), and stabilizers
  • Designed to hold their shape while softening and melting slightly in the oven

👉 They melt into sweet, spicy pockets of cinnamon flavor during baking — perfect for cookies, muffins, quick breads, and cinnamon swirl loaves.

IIf you want to try making real baking chips from scratch, you’ll love this recipe-style guide:
👉 Homemade Cinnamon Baking Chips

Why Substitute Cinnamon Chips?

You might need a substitute for cinnamon chips because:

• They’re hard to find in regular grocery stores
• You prefer natural, preservative-free options
• You want to control the sugar and fat content in your baking
• You’d like a stronger or more subtle cinnamon flavor than store-bought chips provide

Using homemade or alternative options gives you complete control over:

Flavor intensity

Ingredients

Sweetness level

Texture

And if you love cinnamon as much as we do, you might also enjoy using it in desserts like this cozy, show-stopping treat:
👉 Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake

What Do Cinnamon Chips Taste Like?

Cinnamon chips taste:

• Sweet
• Buttery
• Warmly spiced
• Slightly caramelized when baked

They’re often compared to the filling of a cinnamon roll—rich, cozy, and full of flavor.

They pair beautifully with:

Oats

Apples

Chocolate

Pumpkin

Bananas

If you enjoy cinnamon-forward desserts, you’ll also love these delicious ideas from our recipe collection:

• Apple Cider Donuts
• Baked Cinnamon Chips (crispy, cinnamon-sugar tortilla pieces that make a perfect sweet snack or topping)

Best Substitutes for Cinnamon Chips

Here are the best cinnamon chip substitutes, from quickest to most homemade.

1. Homemade Cinnamon Chips (Closest Match)

If you want something that behaves almost exactly like store-bought cinnamon chips, homemade cinnamon chips are your best option.

You combine:

• Ground cinnamon
• Sugar
• Butter
• Light corn syrup
• Vanilla extract

Bake the mixture, let it cool, and cut it into small pieces. You get real baking chips with a clean ingredient list.

📌 For a detailed, step-by-step version focused entirely on this technique, see:
👉 <a href=”https://chefyuma.com/homemade-cinnamon-baking-chips/”>Homemade Cinnamon Baking Chips</a>

How to use:
Use in a 1:1 ratio to replace cinnamon chips in cookies, muffins, and quick breads.

2. Cinnamon–Sugar Mixture (Fastest Option)

This is the quickest and easiest substitute.

How to make it:

• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar

You can:

• Stir it directly into your batter
• Roll cookie dough balls in it before baking (snickerdoodle style)
• Sprinkle it on top of muffins or breads before baking for a crunchy, sweet crust

This option is perfect for simple recipes and everyday baking.

3. Cinnamon Butter Swirls

Cinnamon butter is ideal when you want ribbons of cinnamon flavor instead of little “chips.”

How to make it:

• Mix softened butter with cinnamon and sugar
• Spoon or pipe into your batter in swirls

Best in:

• Banana bread
• Cinnamon swirl bread
• Coffee cake
• Pancakes or waffle batter

It gives you that cinnamon roll-style swirl in each slice.

4. Chocolate Chips With a Hint of Cinnamon

If you want a more indulgent twist, combine cinnamon flavor with chocolate.

How to use:

• Toss your regular chocolate chips with ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon per cup of chips
• Fold into cookie, brownie, or blondie batter

This is delicious in fall-themed desserts or anything featuring pumpkin, oats, or nuts.

For example, imagine pairing cinnamon-kissed chocolate chips with this rich dessert:
👉 <a href=”https://chefyuma.com/chocolate-cake-recipe-step-by-step/”>Chocolate Cake Recipe (Step-by-Step)</a>

5. Cinnamon Sugar Topping

If your recipe uses cinnamon chips mainly for topping (sprinkled on top), you can simply:

• Combine cinnamon and sugar
• Sprinkle it over the batter before baking

This works especially well for:

• Quick breads
• Coffee cakes
• Muffins
• Cinnamon breakfast loaves

6. Pumpkin Spice or Chai Spice

If you don’t mind a slight flavor twist, pumpkin pie spice and chai spice both contain cinnamon plus other warm spices.

They’re fantastic in:

• Pumpkin bread
• Holiday cookies
• Apple desserts
• Fall breakfast bakes

Because they already contain cinnamon, they’re an easy swap when you want a more complex, cozy flavor.

7. Nutmeg

Nutmeg has a flavor profile that’s warm, slightly sweet, and very close to cinnamon—just stronger.

How to use:

• Use ¼ to ½ the amount of cinnamon called for
• Ideal in pies, custards, cookies, cakes, and creamy desserts

It’s a great cinnamon replacement when you’re completely out.

8. Allspice

Allspice tastes like a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves in one spice.

Use it when you want a deep, spicy, almost holiday-like flavor in:

• Pumpkin desserts
• Gingerbread
• Spice cakes
• Stews and marinades

Again, start small and taste as you go.

9. Cloves

Cloves are bold and potent—much stronger than cinnamon—so use them in very small amounts.

• Add just a pinch of ground cloves
• Combine with nutmeg or allspice
• Best in gingerbread, spice cookies, and fall loaves

10. Cardamom

Cardamom offers a sweet, floral, slightly citrusy flavor. It doesn’t taste like cinnamon, but it brings a similar cozy warmth.

Great in:

• Coffee cakes
• Muffins
• Rice pudding
• Scandinavian-style baked goods

11. Cinnamon Extract

If your main goal is pure cinnamon flavor (not texture), cinnamon extract works beautifully.

• Use ½ teaspoon cinnamon extract in batters
• Ideal in cakes, cupcakes, muffins, and frostings

Combine with a crunchy topping or mix-in (like chopped nuts) to add texture.

12. Cinnamon Tortilla Chips (Crispy Alternative)

You can make crispy, cinnamon-flavored pieces using flour tortillas:

1. Brush tortillas with melted butter
2. Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar
3. Bake until crisp
4. Break into small pieces

These don’t melt like baking chips, but they add crunchy bursts of cinnamon to parfaits, dessert nachos, or as a topping.

You can find a baked version of cinnamon crisps here:
👉 Baked Cinnamon Chips

What Is a Good Replacement for Cinnamon Itself?

If you’re completely out of cinnamon, you still have options.

Good replacements include:

• Nutmeg – warm, slightly sweet, very close to cinnamon. Use less.
• Allspice – tastes like a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
• Pumpkin pie spice – contains cinnamon plus ginger, nutmeg, and cloves.
• Chai spice mix – cinnamon-based with cardamom, ginger, and cloves.
• Cloves – strong and pungent, use a tiny pinch.
• Cardamom – sweet, floral, and aromatic.

Start with a small amount, taste, and adjust to avoid overpowering your recipe.

Ingredients for Homemade Cinnamon Chips

Making your own cinnamon chips is easier than it sounds. You only need a few simple pantry staples:

• Ground Cinnamon – the star of the flavor
• Granulated Sugar – adds sweetness and structure
• Unsalted Butter – for richness and smooth texture
• Light Corn Syrup – helps bind and prevents the chips from becoming too brittle
• Vanilla Extract – adds depth and warmth

For a focused cinnamon-chip recipe with additional tips, you can also check out:
👉 Homemade Cinnamon Baking Chips

Equipment You’ll Need

Before you start making homemade cinnamon chips, gather these basic tools:

• Mixing bowls for combining ingredients.
• A spatula for even mixing.
• A baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• A sharp knife or kitchen scissors to cut the cooled mixture into chips.

Step-by-Step Recipe for Homemade Cinnamon Chips

Making cinnamon chips at home is easier than you might think. Follow these steps to create a perfect substitute for cinnamon chips:

1. Mix the Ingredients
   Start by combining ground cinnamon and granulated sugar in a mixing bowl. Add softened butter, light corn syrup, and vanilla extract, stirring until the mixture becomes crumbly.
2. Spread the Mixture
   Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the mixture evenly. Ensure the layer is thin to allow for even baking.
3. Bake Until Perfect
   Preheat your oven to 225°F (107°C) and bake the mixture for about 50 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it becomes bubbly and slightly firm.
4. Cool and Cut
   Remove the tray from the oven and let it cool completely. Once hardened, chop the mixture into small chip-sized pieces.
5. Store Properly
   Keep your homemade cinnamon chips in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks, or freeze them for longer storage.

Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Chips

When making cinnamon chips, a few small adjustments can make a big difference. First, always use parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure an even bake. If you prefer a less sweet chip, reduce the sugar content slightly or experiment with a sugar substitute. Finally, store your chips properly to keep them fresh and ready to use in your favorite recipes.

Creative Uses for Cinnamon Baking Chips

Cinnamon chips are incredibly versatile. Here are some of the best ways to use them:

• In Cookies: Add them to snickerdoodles or oatmeal cookies for a spicy-sweet twist.
• In Muffins: Mix them into the batter to create pockets of cinnamon goodness.
• As a Topping: Sprinkle over pancakes, waffles, or oatmeal for a breakfast treat.
• In Bread Recipes: Use them in cinnamon swirl bread or banana bread for added flavor.
• In Drinks: Add them to hot chocolate or coffee for a festive touch.

Plus, homemade solutions like baking cinnamon chips at home let you control the ingredients and sweetness levels.

Customization Options

You can easily customize cinnamon chips to suit your tastes. Try adding cocoa powder for a chocolate-cinnamon variation, or mix in nutmeg and cloves for a holiday-inspired flavor. For those watching their sugar intake, a low-sugar alternative like erythritol can be used.

For more on how cinnamon chips are made and their versatile uses, explore what cinnamon chips are made of.

Which cinnamon chip substitute will you try first — the quick sugar mix or the homemade recipe? 🍪
Share your baking results in the comments below!

FAQs About Substitutes for Cinnamon Chips

👉 What Is a Substitute for Cinnamon Chips? 7 Easy & Delicious Alternatives

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• Author: Janet
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 1 cup cinnamon chips 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Can’t find cinnamon chips at the store? Discover delicious and easy substitutes—from DIY cinnamon baking chips to quick cinnamon-sugar mixes—that keep your recipes full of warm, spiced flavor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 teaspoon light corn syrup
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 225°F (107°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, combine ground cinnamon and sugar.
3. Add softened butter, corn syrup, and vanilla extract. Mix until the texture becomes crumbly.
4. Spread the mixture thinly on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
5. Bake for 50 minutes, until the mixture is bubbly and slightly firm.
6. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely.
7. Once hardened, cut into small chip-sized pieces.
8. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks or freeze for longer storage.

Notes

Customize the sweetness by adjusting sugar levels or using a sugar substitute like erythritol. Always use parchment paper to avoid sticking.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Baking Tips
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
• Calories: 45
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 1mg
• Fat: 2g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 1g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Protein: 0g
• Cholesterol: 5mg

Keywords: cinnamon chips, cinnamon chip substitute, homemade cinnamon chips, baking tips

Which cinnamon chip substitute will you try first — the quick cinnamon–sugar mix or the homemade cinnamon baking chips? 🍪
Share your baking experiments and favorite combinations in the comments!