Homemade Cinnamon Toast Crunch

There is something undeniably nostalgic and comforting about making your own Cinnamon Toast Crunch at home. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into crisp golden squares coated in sweet cinnamon a treat that brings back childhood memories but with a fresh baked taste that boxed cereal can never match. Whether you are preparing breakfast or seeking a fun snack these homemade bites never last long in my house

I first tried making this cereal on a rainy afternoon to surprise my family. They could not believe how tasty and fresh homemade cereal could be and now we never go back to the store version

Ingredients

• All purpose flour: gives the cereal its structure and a light crisp texture choose a high quality unbleached flour for best results
• Granulated sugar: brings sweetness and aids in crisping the dough use extra fine if you have it
• Ground cinnamon: infuses that classic warm flavor Vietnamese or Ceylon cinnamon gives rich taste
• Salt: sharpens every flavor with just a pinch flaky sea salt is extra special
• Baking powder: helps the dough puff slightly for a light crunch check it is fresh for good leavening
• Milk: brings the dough together adding tenderness whole milk’s richness is perfect but any variety works
• Unsalted butter: gives richness and lovely flavor melted for easy blending quality European style butter shines
• Vanilla extract: deepens the aromatic sweetness pure vanilla makes a difference in flavor
• Granulated sugar for topping: ensures a sweet mingle with the cinnamon
• Ground cinnamon for topping: creates the signature swirled coating use your favorite for the best aroma
• Melted butter for topping: helps the cinnamon sugar stick and adds a last bit of delicious richness

Step by Step Instructions

Prepare the Dough:

In a large bowl whisk the flour sugar cinnamon salt and baking powder very thoroughly to ensure every bite is well mixed. Add the milk melted butter and vanilla mix until you form a soft cohesive dough do not overwork it or it can toughen

Roll Out the Dough:

Lay parchment paper on your work surface then shape the dough into a disc. Place another sheet of parchment on top and roll out as evenly as you can to about one eighth inch thick a thin even sheet ensures crispness everywhere

Cut the Dough:

Peel off the top parchment then with a sharp knife or pizza cutter slice the dough into tiny squares about half an inch. Try to make them as uniform as possible so they bake evenly but do not stress perfection

Bake the Cereal:

Carefully slide the parchment with the cut dough onto your baking sheet. Bake in your preheated oven at three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit for ten to twelve minutes until the squares are golden brown and crisp watch closely at the end

Prepare the Topping:

While the cereal bakes mix together the sugar and cinnamon for topping in a small bowl until uniform and fragrant melt the remaining butter separately

Coat the Cereal:

Still warm from the oven brush the baked squares with melted butter for that signature richness then generously sprinkle the cinnamon sugar blend over them so it sticks nicely to the surface

Cool and Serve:

Let the cereal cool completely on a rack this is important so it stays crisp Once cool break apart any stuck together then enjoy fresh or store in an airtight container

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One of my favorite parts of making this cereal is how the house fills with the scent of cinnamon and sugar My kids often gather in the kitchen to sneak warm pieces right off the rack and every batch feels like a celebration of simple joys

Storage Tips

Let the cereal cool fully before storing or it can lose its crunch Moisture is the enemy so use a truly airtight container and store at room temperature Avoid the fridge as it can soften the cereal over time this snack keeps well for up to a week but rarely lasts that long in my experience

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap whole wheat flour for a nuttier heartier cereal Try coconut sugar or brown sugar for a different depth of sweetness If you need dairy free simply use plant based butter and oat or almond milk without changing the method For a gluten free option use a one for one gluten free flour blend with added xanthan gum

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Serving Suggestions

Serve with cold milk for a classic breakfast or use as a topping for yogurt parfaits The cinnamon sugar squares also make a great lunchbox snack or sweet party mix If feeling creative toss with a handful of mini chocolate chips for a playful treat

A Little History

Cinnamon Toast Crunch became a pantry staple in the 1980s but the crispy cinnamon sugar toast inspiration goes back much further to French toast and classic cinnamon toast traditions Making your own at home revives the spirit of old fashioned breakfasts where sweet warmth and family time mattered most

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What type of flour should I use?

All-purpose flour works best for achieving a tender, crisp texture in the finished cereal pieces.

→ Can I use a substitute for butter?

If needed, you can substitute unsalted butter with plant-based alternatives or margarine with similar results.

→ How do I store the finished cereal?

Allow the cereal squares to cool completely, then store in an airtight container to maintain their crispness for up to a week.

→ Can I make the dough in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead and refrigerate it, covered, for up to a day before rolling and baking.

→ Is it possible to reduce the sugar?

You can reduce the amount of sugar in both the dough and topping to suit your taste preferences, though sweetness and texture may vary.