Cinnamon Roll Simple Syrup

When the holidays come around, I always find myself reaching for flavors that feel warm and comforting. Cinnamon is at the top of that list. This cinnamon roll simple syrup gives you all the cozy flavor of a fresh cinnamon roll in a form you can use in cocktails, coffee, hot cocoa, or even over pancakes. It is a holiday recipe that brings a sweet hint of nostalgia and a warm finish that feels perfect for winter gatherings.

I first made this syrup on a cold December morning when friends were coming over for brunch. I wanted something that felt fun and homemade without taking much effort. Within minutes, my whole kitchen smelled like fresh baked cinnamon rolls. Watching everyone pour it into their coffee and cocktails reminded me why I love recipes like this. They make simple moments feel special.

If you love homemade touches during the holidays, this syrup will be one of your favorite pantry staples. It comes together fast, uses basic ingredients, and stays fresh long enough to enjoy through the whole season. Even better, it works for both cozy nights in and busy holiday weekends. Whether you need a sweet swirl for your latte or a flavor boost for your favorite cocktail, this syrup brings a comforting cinnamon flavor that feels right at home during winter.

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Why You’ll Love This

Cinnamon roll simple syrup brings a comforting, bakery style flavor to your drinks and desserts. It is rich without being heavy, sweet without being overwhelming, and it blends smoothly into warm or cold drinks. Making it at home also gives you full control over the flavor.

You can make it spicier, sweeter, or more mellow depending on what you like. It is one of those small holiday recipes that feels thoughtful even though it takes very little time.

Here are a few reasons people love this syrup:

• Ready in under 20 minutes
• Brings a warm cinnamon flavor to cocktails and coffee
• Fits perfectly with winter and christmas recipe collections
• Uses pantry staples you already have
• Works in both hot drinks and chilled cocktails
• Stores well so you can make it ahead for events
• Great for gifting in small bottles

Once you start using it, you’ll understand why people reach for it all season. It adds a soft sweetness and a nostalgic flavor that feels perfect for winter gatherings.

Ingredients

The ingredients in this syrup come together to create layers of warmth and sweetness. White sugar helps the syrup stay smooth, while brown sugar adds a caramel note that feels rich and comforting.

Cinnamon powder brings strong spice, and the cinnamon sticks add a slow infusion that deepens the flavor as it simmers. Vanilla ties everything together and gives the syrup that soft, bakery style finish.

You will need:

• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon powder
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1/2 tablespoon vanilla

Using both sugars gives the syrup a more rounded flavor and helps it feel closer to a warm cinnamon roll. The powder and the sticks work together to create a blend of bold and smooth spice. The vanilla adds warmth without taking away from the cinnamon.

If you want a stronger flavor, feel free to add a third cinnamon stick or increase the powder slightly. Just keep in mind that cinnamon intensifies as it cools.

Suggested Liquor Brands and Substitutions

Even though this is a syrup recipe and not a cocktail, many people use it to build holiday drinks. It pairs beautifully with aged spirits, creamy liqueurs, and smooth vodkas. Choosing the right liquor can help you highlight the cozy sweetness of the syrup, especially when making winter cocktails for parties or christmas gatherings. Here are a few options that complement the syrup well.

• Bourbon: Bulleit, Four Roses, and Maker’s Mark have warm notes that blend smoothly with cinnamon.
• Whiskey: Jameson or Tullamore D.E.W. give a softer finish that works well in holiday sours.
• Rum: Plantation Original Dry and Bacardi Añejo match the caramel flavor from the brown sugar.
• Vodka: Ketel One or Tito’s keep the drink clean and let the syrup shine.
• Cream Liqueurs: Baileys, RumChata, or Five Farms create a dessert style drink with the syrup.
• Non alcoholic substitutions: Cold brew coffee, chai tea, hot chocolate, or steamed milk all pair beautifully with this syrup.

You can experiment based on what you already have. Most spirits work well because the cinnamon flavor blends easily with warm or neutral bases.

Equipment and Glassware

Making this syrup does not require any special equipment. Most home kitchens already have everything needed. A small pot and heat-safe spoon will get the job done. Using a fine mesh strainer helps remove any solids and keeps the syrup smooth. For storing, a mason jar or glass bottle works best. Glass helps the syrup stay fresher and holds the temperature better than plastic.

Helpful items include:

• Medium saucepan
• Wooden spoon or heat-safe spatula
• Fine mesh strainer
• Mason jar or sealed bottle for storing
• Small funnel for easy pouring

If you plan to use this syrup for cocktails, having a squeeze bottle can also make pouring easier. It is not necessary but it does help if you make this syrup often.

How to Make It

This cinnamon roll simple syrup is simple to make and fills your kitchen with a warm, holiday scent. It only takes a few steps, and once you make it once, you will probably find yourself making it several times each winter. The key is keeping the heat low and letting the cinnamon sticks infuse slowly.

1. Add the white sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon powder, cinnamon sticks, and vanilla to a medium pot.
2. Pour in 1 cup of water and place the pot over medium heat.
3. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once it starts bubbling, lower the heat.
4. Let it simmer for 15 minutes, stirring every few minutes to help the sugars dissolve.
5. Remove the pot from the heat and allow the syrup to cool completely.
6. Strain the syrup through a fine mesh strainer to remove the sticks and any cinnamon solids.
7. Pour into a mason jar or bottle and store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

If you want a deeper flavor, let it simmer a bit longer. If you want a lighter syrup, add more water at the end. This recipe is flexible and easy to adjust based on your taste.

Pro Tips

A few small details can help you make the best version of this syrup. These tips make the flavors stronger, the texture smoother, and the storage easier. They also help you avoid common mistakes like over-thickening or burning the sugars.

• Warm the water before adding it to the pot to help everything dissolve evenly.
• Use fresh cinnamon sticks for the best flavor. Older sticks can taste faint.
• Keep the heat low once it starts simmering to avoid boiling away too much liquid.
• Let it cool fully before straining so the spices settle properly.
• Shake the jar before using because natural settling is normal.
• Make a double batch if you plan to use it for both coffee and cocktails.
• Taste halfway through simmering and adjust the spice level if needed.

Feel free to play with the flavors until the syrup matches your taste. Adjusting spices is one of the easiest ways to make this recipe feel personal.

Variations

Once you get comfortable making the base recipe, you can try different flavors for fun. Small changes make the syrup feel new without much extra work. These variations are perfect for different winter drinks, brunch menus, or holiday parties.

Try these ideas:

• Add a pinch of nutmeg for extra warmth.
• Drop in a small piece of orange peel for a citrus twist.
• Add a splash of maple syrup for a deeper taste.
• Replace half the water with apple juice for apple cinnamon syrup.
• Add a few cloves for a stronger spice blend.

These tiny shifts create entirely new flavors while keeping the cozy cinnamon profile.

When to Serve and Pairings

Cinnamon roll simple syrup fits naturally into winter cooking and holiday gatherings. It works well at christmas brunch, afternoon coffee dates, or cozy nights at home. You can also use it in party cocktails when you want a sweet and warm flavor. It adds a seasonal touch without overwhelming the drink or dish.

Great pairings include:

• Lattes and cappuccinos
• Chai tea
• Hot chocolate
• Winter cocktails like whiskey sours or rum drinks
• Pancakes, waffles, and French toast
• Holiday punch recipes

If you want to create a full holiday drink menu, this syrup can become a base flavor for multiple recipes. It is flexible enough to use in drinks for kids and adults.

Storage and Serving Notes

This syrup stores well and keeps its flavor for up to two weeks in the refrigerator. Make sure your container is clean and airtight before pouring the syrup inside. Shake gently before each use because spices settle naturally over time. If the syrup thickens too much, add a splash of warm water and stir until smooth.

If you want to make a large batch for holiday events, doubling or tripling the recipe works well. The simmer time does not change. You can also gift the syrup in small bottles with a label for a simple homemade present. This is a fun idea for teachers, coworkers, or friends who enjoy coffee or cocktails.

FAQs

Making flavored syrups at home is simple, but a few common questions come up often. Here are answers to help you feel confident about making, storing, and using this holiday recipe.

Can I freeze the syrup?
Yes, freezing works well. Pour it into an ice cube tray and thaw cubes as needed.

Can I use only cinnamon sticks instead of powder?
You can, but the flavor will be lighter. The powder adds bold spice while the sticks give a smooth edge.

Can I use vanilla extract instead of vanilla syrup?
Yes, vanilla extract works well. Add it after you remove the pot from the heat so the flavor stays bright.

Can I make a sugar free version?
You can try a sugar substitute, but the texture may be thinner. Some substitutes do not thicken the same way.

Does this work in iced drinks?
Yes, it mixes easily in iced coffee, iced chai, and cold cocktails.

More Cocktails to Try

If you enjoy using homemade syrups, you may like these cocktail ideas that pair nicely with cinnamon roll simple syrup. Each one has a cozy vibe that works well during winter or holiday gatherings.

• Cinnamon Roll Espresso Martini
• Cinnamon Amaretto Sour
• Vanilla Cinnamon Old Fashioned
• Cinnamon Pear and Rum Cocktail
• Cinnamon Bourbon Old Fashioned

These recipes help you use the syrup in creative ways and keep your holiday drink menu fresh and fun.