Description

Homemade Cinnamon Toast Crunch is a light, crispy cereal coated with a sweet cinnamon-sugar blend, offering a perfect balance of crunch and subtle sweetness. This easy-to-make breakfast or snack recipe delivers the cozy flavors of cinnamon without being overpowering, ideal for cinnamon lovers and those seeking a homemade treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 cup milk
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Topping Ingredients

2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon melted butter

Instructions

Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, 1/4 cup sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, salt, and baking powder until evenly combined. Add the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract, stirring until a cohesive dough forms.
Roll Out the Dough: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the dough between two sheets of parchment paper and use a rolling pin to roll it out evenly to about 1/8 inch thickness.
Cut the Dough: Remove the top parchment sheet and cut the dough into small squares approximately 1/2 inch each using a knife or pizza cutter. Leave the cut dough on the bottom parchment sheet placed over a baking sheet.
Bake the Cereal: Bake the dough squares in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until they become golden brown and crisp.
Prepare the Topping: While the cereal bakes, mix together 2 tablespoons sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon in a small bowl. Melt 1 tablespoon butter separately.
Coat the Cereal: As soon as the cereal comes out of the oven, brush the melted butter evenly over the warm cereal squares. Immediately sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the top to coat them thoroughly.
Cool and Serve: Transfer the coated cereal to a cooling rack and allow it to cool completely. Once cooled, gently break apart any squares stuck together. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for up to one week.

Notes

For a less sweet variation, reduce the sugar quantity in the dough and topping.
Omit cinnamon if you prefer a plain crunchy cereal; it will still be delicious.
Store cereal in a sealed container to maintain crunchiness.
Use parchment paper for easy handling and to prevent sticking.
Ensure even thickness when rolling dough for uniform baking.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Breakfast Cereal
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: cinnamon toast crunch, homemade cereal, crunchy cereal, cinnamon sugar snack, sweet breakfast cereal