Homemade Cinnamon Toast Crunch

This homemade cinnamon toast crunch cereal brings that classic crispy sweet crunch right to your kitchen with simple ingredients you probably have on hand. It’s perfect for breakfast or just a fun snack when you want something cozy with a cinnamon sugar touch.

I first made this on a lazy weekend morning and loved how fresh and crunchy it tasted straight from the oven like a warm treat for my cereal bowl.

Ingredients

• One cup all-purpose flour: for the base choose a fresh bag for best texture
• Quarter cup granulated sugar: adds sweetness opt for fine sugar so it mixes evenly
• One teaspoon ground cinnamon: gives the iconic warm spice pick a fragrant cinnamon for strong flavor
• Quarter teaspoon salt: enhances all flavors balance is key here
• Quarter teaspoon baking powder: gives slight lift so pieces bake light and crisp
• Quarter cup milk: helps bind the dough for the perfect texture whole milk adds richness
• Two tablespoons unsalted butter melted: adds buttery depth use quality for a nice flavor
• One teaspoon vanilla extract: brings a subtle sweet aroma
• Two tablespoons granulated sugar for topping: ensures the cereal shines with crunch
• One teaspoon ground cinnamon for topping: repeats that cozy spice for coating
• One tablespoon melted butter for topping: makes the cinnamon-sugar stick and gives shine

Instructions

Build The Dough:

Whisk together flour sugar cinnamon salt and baking powder in a large bowl so the dry ingredients are well combined. Add milk melted butter and vanilla extract. Stir gently until the dough just comes together without overmixing to keep the texture light.

Preheat Oven And Roll Out:

Turn your oven on to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Between two sheets of parchment paper roll the dough out evenly to about one eighth of an inch thick. This thin layer is key so the cereal crisps up nicely.

Cut Into Squares:

Peel off the top parchment paper then cut the dough into half inch squares using a sharp knife or pizza cutter. Try to cut evenly so they bake consistently.

Bake Till Golden:

Transfer the parchment paper with dough squares to a baking sheet carefully. Put in the oven and bake for ten to twelve minutes until the pieces are golden and crispy. Watch closely toward the end so they don’t burn.

Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Topping:

While baking mix two tablespoons sugar with one teaspoon cinnamon in a small bowl. Melt a tablespoon of butter separately to brush over the baked cereal.

Butter And Coat:

When the cereal comes out brush immediately with melted butter then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar generously over the warm squares so they absorb the coating perfectly.

Cool And Serve:

Set the cereal on a cooling rack letting it cool completely for maximum crunch. Once cooled break apart any stuck pieces and serve fresh or store in an airtight container for up to a week.

Cinnamon is my favorite here because it transforms simple flour and sugar into something nostalgic and warm. It always reminds me of weekend mornings with my family sharing a bowl and catching up before the day starts.

Storage Tips

Store this cereal in an airtight container at room temperature to keep it crisp longer. Avoid any moisture exposure as that softens the crunch quickly. It will stay fresh up to seven days though it’s best enjoyed within the first three for ultimate crispiness.

Ingredient Swaps

Try using almond or oat milk to make the recipe dairy free. Coconut oil melted works well instead of butter giving a subtle tropical note. You can experiment with brown sugar instead of white for a deeper molasses flavor but keep an eye on baking time since sugars vary in browning.

Serving Ideas

Serve with cold milk just like a classic cereal bowl or sprinkle over yogurt and fruit for a crunchy touch. These pieces make an excellent snack on their own and can even jazz up ice cream or pudding with a cinnamon twist.

This cereal brings cozy nostalgia and crispy sweetness to your kitchen, perfect for quiet mornings or sharing with loved ones.

Frequently Asked Recipe Questions

→ How can I ensure the cereal stays crispy?

Store the cereal in an airtight container once cooled completely to maintain its crispness and prevent sogginess.

→ Can I adjust the sweetness level?

Yes, reducing the topping sugar will result in a less sweet cereal without sacrificing the cinnamon flavor.

→ What is the ideal thickness for rolling the dough?

Roll the dough to about 1/8 inch thick to achieve a crispy, lightweight texture after baking.

→ Is it necessary to use parchment paper?

Parchment paper prevents sticking and allows easy transfer of the dough squares onto the baking sheet.

→ How long should the cereal cool before storing?

Allow the cereal to cool completely on a cooling rack to ensure maximum crispness before storing.