If you’re craving the ultimate sweet, buttery, and cinnamon-kissed breakfast treat, look no further than the Best Cinnamon Toast. This is pure nostalgia in every bite: a golden, crisp crust gives way to tender bread slathered in a rich, spiced butter topping that caramelizes to perfection. Whether you want to pamper yourself on a slow morning or surprise your loved ones with a classic comfort food, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into something truly magical. Get ready to fall in love with the Best Cinnamon Toast!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
It doesn’t get much simpler (or more satisfying) than this! Each ingredient in the Best Cinnamon Toast has a starring role, coming together to create a symphony of flavor and texture. From the bread you choose to the final sprinkle of cinnamon, every element counts.
- Thick-cut white or brioche bread (4 slices): Sturdy, rich bread gives every bite the perfect balance of crunch and softness.
- Unsalted butter, softened (4 tablespoons): Softened butter blends smoothly and melts into the bread for a luscious, golden layer.
- Granulated sugar (3 tablespoons): This adds classic, crystalline sweetness and the iconic cinnamon toast crunch.
- Light brown sugar (1 tablespoon): Brown sugar brings warmth, depth, and a touch of caramel flavor to the topping.
- Ground cinnamon (1 ½ teaspoons): The spice that makes it all sing with its familiar, cozy aroma and taste.
- Pinch of salt: Just enough salt heightens every sweet note and rounds out the flavors.
How to Make Best Cinnamon Toast
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s nice and hot by the time your toast is ready to go in. This temperature helps the butter melt and the sugars caramelize just right, without burning the bread.
Step 2: Mix the Cinnamon Butter
In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, both sugars, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Stir everything together until it’s creamy, smooth, and looks a little bit like cookie dough. This is where all the magic flavor starts!
Step 3: Spread the Butter Mixture
Generously slather the cinnamon butter mixture onto one side of each slice of bread. Don’t hold back – make sure to reach every corner and edge so you get that glorious caramelization in every bite.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Lay the prepared slices, buttered side up, on a baking sheet. Slide them into the oven and bake for 10–12 minutes. You’ll see the butter bubbling as the crust gets golden and the sugars melt into the bread.
Step 5: Broil for Crunch
Finish things off by broiling your toast on high for 1–2 minutes. Keep a close eye – you want the top to be bubbling and just starting to crisp up, not burnt. This step gives the Best Cinnamon Toast its irresistible caramelized finish.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Let the toast rest for a minute or two (if you can wait!). This helps the topping set with a perfect crunch. Slice it up and serve warm for the ultimate cinnamon toast experience.
How to Serve Best Cinnamon Toast
Garnishes
When it comes to garnishing the Best Cinnamon Toast, simplicity shines. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of pure maple syrup takes this treat straight to cloud nine, while a sprinkle of extra cinnamon offers a delightful pop of color and flavor.
Side Dishes
Pair your toast with creamy Greek yogurt and fresh berries for a breakfast that balances sweetness and brightness. For something heartier, scrambled eggs or crispy bacon on the side create a lovely contrast to the toast’s rich, spiced sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut your Best Cinnamon Toast into elegant strips or triangles for dipping, or pile slices on a platter for brunch gatherings. Topping each piece with sliced bananas, strawberries, or even a dollop of whipped cream turns the humble cinnamon toast into a showstopper.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftover Best Cinnamon Toast, let the slices cool completely. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They’ll stay pleasantly crisp and are a dream for snacking later!
Freezing
To freeze, arrange cooled slices in a single layer on a baking sheet, then freeze until firm. Transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment. Best Cinnamon Toast freezes beautifully for up to a month.
Reheating
For the crispiest results, reheat in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes straight from the fridge, or 8–10 minutes if frozen. A quick broil at the end brings back that signature crunch.
FAQs
Can I use other types of bread for Best Cinnamon Toast?
Absolutely! While thick-cut white or brioche gives the ultimate plush texture, sourdough, challah, or even whole wheat slices work deliciously and can add unique flavors to this classic favorite.
What’s the secret to getting the topping extra crispy?
The key is that final broil – just a minute or two is all it takes to create a crackly caramelized sugar layer. Sprinkling a touch of extra granulated sugar on top right before broiling adds even more crunch.
Can I make Best Cinnamon Toast dairy-free?
Yes, just swap the unsalted butter for a plant-based alternative that’s suitable for baking. Make sure your bread is dairy-free as well, and you’ll still get all the flavor with a deliciously crisp finish.
Can I prepare the cinnamon butter ahead of time?
Definitely! Mix up the butter, sugars, cinnamon, and salt ahead, then refrigerate for up to a week. Let it come to room temp for easy spreading when you’re ready to bake up your Best Cinnamon Toast.
Is Best Cinnamon Toast good for kids?
Kids adore this treat! It’s a sweet, comforting, and kid-approved breakfast or snack, plus making it together is a great way to introduce little chefs to baking magic.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried making the Best Cinnamon Toast at home, now’s the time! The combination of buttery cinnamon sugar and golden, bubbly bread simply can’t be beat. Share it with family, friends, or just treat yourself to a blissful bite – this is comfort food that’s meant to be enjoyed again and again.
Print
Best Cinnamon Toast Recipe
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort breakfast with this Best Cinnamon Toast recipe. Perfectly spiced cinnamon butter spread on thick-cut bread, baked to golden perfection for a delightful morning treat.
Ingredients
Bread:
- 4 slices of thick-cut white or brioche bread
Cinnamon Butter:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare Cinnamon Butter: In a small bowl, mix softened butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt until smooth.
- Spread Butter: Evenly spread the cinnamon butter mixture on one side of each bread slice.
- Bake: Place slices on a baking sheet, buttered side up. Bake for 10–12 minutes, then broil for 1–2 minutes until bubbly and slightly crisp.
- Serve: Remove from oven, cool for a minute, slice, and serve warm.
Notes
- For extra crunch, sprinkle extra sugar before broiling.
- This recipe can be made with sourdough or whole wheat bread.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 130mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
