Cinnamon is a spice that transforms everyday recipes into something special, thanks to its warm aroma and unmistakable flavor. I think that, after salt, pepper, and rosemary, cinnamon is the spice I use most in my kitchen. Especially in sweet recipes, as I imagine happens in your kitchen too, but also in savoury dishes like roasts, cannelloni, certain rice dishes, tagines, or creamy soups. It adds a unique touch that completely changes the recipe and how you enjoy it.
On our blog, we have a wide variety of recipes that include cinnamon as an ingredient, but we wanted to dedicate a post to showcase those recipes where cinnamon is undeniably the star. That’s why, in this post, you’ll find 10 cinnamon recipes that celebrate its versatility—from classics like cinnamon bread and traditional Swedish Kanelbullar to more creative options like cinnamon ice cream or sweet potato panellets.
Here’s the list of recipes—you’ll find comforting desserts like apple pie with cinnamon spirals and French toast with baked apple (which I absolutely love!), as well as other tempting ideas. In every case, they’ll fill your home with their unique fragrance! Let’s get started with these delicious sweet recipes!
1. Brioche Rolls with Cinnamon and Walnuts
Baking pastries at home is addictive! However, it doesn’t always go as planned, so when you find a foolproof and easy recipe, it quickly becomes a staple treat.
That’s exactly what happened to me with this brioche dough—it’s soft and fluffy, perfect for both savoury and sweet creations, making my breakfasts and tea times extra special.
Baking these brioches, filling the house with their sweet aroma, setting a beautiful table, and serving them under this gorgeous Kitchen Craft cake dome turns an ordinary day into a full-on celebration. You don’t need extravagant meals to enjoy the holidays—just little details that make every moment special.
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2. French Toast with Baked Apple and Cinnamon
French toast, also known as "pain perdu", is a simple recipe made of bread slices soaked in an egg and milk mixture, pan-fried until they’re crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. The best part about French toast is that you can pair it with almost anything—fresh fruit, maple syrup, chocolate… whatever you fancy! Today, I’ve decided to give them an autumnal twist by using the sweet and spiced flavor of baked apples with cinnamon. I promise it won’t take much time, and the result will amaze you.
So grab your apron, pick some apples and bread, and let’s make this recipe with love! I hope you enjoy it.
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3. Apple Pie with Cinnamon Spirals
Apple pies are to autumn what orange leaves and falling trees are. Even though we bake and enjoy them all year round, this season makes them even more appealing. This apple pie with cinnamon spirals is a variation of the classic American “apple pie” made by Martha Stewart, and we fell in love with it the moment we tried it.
The presentation is stunning, and although it’s more elaborate than a traditional apple pie, it’s worth the effort for a special occasion. If you usually buy pre-made pastry dough, that’s fine—but you’re missing out on something truly amazing. While store-bought dough is convenient, homemade dough yields an infinitely better result. We encourage you to follow this recipe from start to finish—you won’t regret it!
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4. Sweet Potato and Cinnamon Panellets
This panellets recipe is one of the most traditional for this time of year. It’s a classic treat from Catalan, Balearic, and Valencian pastry-making, originally made to celebrate All Saints' Day on the 1st of November. With this easy recipe, your homemade panellets will turn out absolutely delicious!
However, this is such a tasty and easy-to-make treat that nowadays, you can find them in traditional bakeries all over Spain during autumn.
There are many variations, but today I’m sharing one of the most traditional recipes, made with a sweet potato base and, of course, almonds—a key ingredient in this delightful treat. And good news for coeliacs: this treat is gluten-free!
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5. Speculoos: Ginger and Cinnamon Cookies
Speculoos cookies have that special charm that only a traditional recipe, rich in history and spiced with warm flavours, can bring. Originally from Belgium and the Netherlands, these crispy, flavourful cookies are made with a spice blend that gives them their distinct and irresistible aroma.
Speculoos cookies are the perfect combination of texture and taste. They have that crispness I always look for in a good cookie, and the mix of cinnamon, cloves, and ginger is simply delicious. At home, they disappear quickly, so I always try to bake a big batch and store them in a beautiful jar… but to be honest, they never last long!
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6. Kanelbullar: Traditional Swedish Cinnamon Buns
The recipe for these braided cinnamon buns originated in the 1920s, when they were considered a luxury due to the rarity of exotic spices like cardamom and cinnamon. With the economic boom of the 1950s, cinnamon and cardamom buns became a beloved treat in Swedish homes and hearts.
Swedish cinnamon buns, known as ‘Kanelbullar’ (singular: Kanelbulle), are a true culinary treasure in Swedish tradition. These intricately braided, imperfect, and unique buns capture the warm essence of South Indian cardamom. Cinnamon and cardamom are the most popular fillings, with pearl sugar sprinkled on the cinnamon buns and a hint of sugar and cardamom on the cardamom buns. I encourage you to try them—they are simply delightful!
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7. Baked Pears with Cinnamon and Honey
There’s nothing better than taking your time to enjoy a good breakfast, and this recipe has become a staple of my morning routine. It’s incredibly easy to prepare (almost effortless) and ready in no time.
Baked pears are perfect as a side for salads or grilled/baked fish. Of course, you can also enjoy them on their own or, as I like them best, with bread and fresh cheese. A fantastic breakfast or light dinner! Here are my best tips.
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8. Classic Cinnamon Raisin Bread
Can you smell it? That scent of cinnamon bread fills the entire house and all my senses! That’s why I just had to share this recipe—it’s an absolute treat! This cinnamon raisin bread is super easy to make. It requires very little kneading, and while I call it bread, it could just as easily be considered a cake, as it sits somewhere between the two (it needs time to rise, but no heavy kneading).
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9. How to Make Cinnamon Ice Cream
This cinnamon ice cream recipe is like taking a bite of summer in every spoonful. It’s a super easy ice cream to make and completely addictive. Making homemade ice cream is extra special, not just because of how delicious it is, but also because you control every ingredient that goes into it.
Here’s the recipe for this delicious ice cream, which we’re making today with the KitchenAid Ice Cream Maker, one of the brand’s most popular accessories.
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10. Cinnamon Rolls: Spiced Buns Ready in 30 Minutes!
Do you think your Le Creuset bread cocotte is only good for making bread? Think again! It’s the perfect oven for all kinds of dough—besides being great for roasting meat and fish whenever you want! And today, I’m proving that you can make incredible recipes with it by baking these quick and delicious spiced cinnamon rolls. This is the perfect festive breakfast solution. I assure you that both the spiced flavour and the sweet cream cheese topping make these an absolute treat.
I highly recommend making the complete recipe: the dough is already amazing with its spiced filling, but the glaze is the final touch—it makes the buns even more irresistible and adds a softness that makes every bite pure delight!