I Stash 49 Cinnamon Recipe Ideas for After School Snacks

When the school bell rings and the kitchen becomes the hangout zone, those 49 after-school snack ideas become a lifesaver. There’s no arguing over what to eat when every choice smells like comfort. It’s the kind of lineup that turns a regular weekday into something to look forward to.

A slice of cinnamon pie on a cake slice over the remaining pie.
Cinnamon Pie. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Carrot Cake Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Carrot Cake Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Grab one from the tray and you know a treat is coming. Carrot Cake Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting blends the smooth with the soft, making every bite interesting. The light crunch brings something different from ordinary cookies. Kids especially like the creamy top. Smiles are hard to miss when these appear after school.
Get the Recipe: Carrot Cake Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Pumpkin Bread

A close-up of a sliced loaf of pumpkin bread with a light tan glaze dripped over the top. The bread has a moist and textured look, with visible air bubbles throughout.
Pumpkin Bread. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Slices from a fresh loaf never stick around long. Pumpkin Bread has a rich scent that calls out for a quick snack. It stays moist and feels just right in every bite. Many find it pairs nicely with a glass of milk. That hint of spice keeps it on the must-have list.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Bread

Caramel Apple Hawaiian Rolls

A plate of five sticky buns topped with caramelized nuts and sauce, resting on a red cloth.
Caramel Apple Hawaiian Rolls. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Pull-apart rolls get a new twist here. Caramel Apple Hawaiian Rolls are gooey, a bit sticky, and always a hit with anyone nearby. The smell is sweet enough to have kids drifting over for seconds. Sharing is encouraged, but it’s hard not to keep a few just for yourself. These rolls finish snack time on a high note.
Get the Recipe: Caramel Apple Hawaiian Rolls

Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

Close-up of a muffin with a bite taken out, topped with cream and pumpkin seeds.
Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Friends rave when they see a batch lined up. Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins capture that bakery feel right at home, with a soft middle and creamy top. The muffins stay fluffy, which makes them easy to eat after a long school day. Kids reach for them first when snacks are served. That swirl on top really catches the eye.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

Fried Banana

A close up of a plate of fried bananas with sauce.
Fried Banana. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Sliced warm from the pan, these pieces never last long. Fried Banana delivers a caramel hit that brings sweetness fast. The outside has a slight crunch while the insides stay soft. These are simple but always bring surprise on first bite. Every round gets eaten quickly, usually with a request for more.
Get the Recipe: Fried Banana

Pumpkin Pancakes

Close-up of a stack of pancakes topped with walnuts and drizzled with syrup.
Pumpkin Pancakes. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Stacked pancakes tend to disappear fast after class. Pumpkin Pancakes are fluffy, filling, and easy to top however you want. The hint of spice offers something beyond the usual breakfast or snack. Both grown-ups and kids sneak extras when they think no one’s looking. Serving them warm is always a hit.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Pancakes

Maple Pecan Granola Recipe

Maple Pecan Granola Recipe. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

A container of this mix gets emptied out before anyone realizes. Maple Pecan Granola Recipe works well for grabbing a handful between homework assignments. Its crunchy texture stands out among other snacks. Pour some over yogurt, or eat plain, either way, it fits busy afternoons. Those pecan pieces add more than just flavor.
Get the Recipe: Maple Pecan Granola Recipe

Pumpkin Spice Roll Cookies

Close-up of a stack of swirled cookies with a light and dark pattern, showcasing a golden brown color.
Pumpkin Spice Roll Cookies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Friends expect a sweet swirl when these roll out. Pumpkin Spice Roll Cookies have a soft crumb with a sweet layer tucked inside. Every bite brings a nice hint of warmth, making them perfect for afternoon hunger. Kids love the rolled shape and often eat more than one. The plate is usually clear before dinner time.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Spice Roll Cookies

Air Fryer Maple Roasted Carrots

Roasted carrots on a white plate with a fork.
Air Fryer Maple Roasted Carrots. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Snack time gets interesting when these hit the table. Air Fryer Maple Roasted Carrots come out crisp on the outside and sweet on the inside. They’re a fun way to slip in extra veggies. Many ask for extras before the plate makes it around to everyone. The smell brings everyone to the kitchen in no time.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Maple Roasted Carrots

Banana Bread

Close-up of a sliced banana bread loaf, showcasing its moist, textured interior with visible banana chunks.
Banana Bread. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Every house seems to have its own version, but this one always wins. Banana Bread turns up at snack time because it’s soft, rich, and not too heavy. Slices never last long, especially with a bit of spread. The hint of spice makes it more than just another loaf. Extra slices make homework much easier.
Get the Recipe: Banana Bread

Copycat Crumbl Cinnamon Swirl Cookies

A delectable close-up of Copycat Crumbl Cinnamon Swirl Cookies, adorned with spiral white icing on a parchment paper background.
Copycat Crumbl Cinnamon Swirl Cookies. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Cookie fans know these don’t stick around long after baking. Copycat Crumbl Cinnamon Swirl Cookies mix gooey and crisp together just right. Each swirl looks unique, which makes them easy to share. Kids try to snag the biggest one as soon as the tray cools. The kitchen always smells better once these are out.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Crumbl Cinnamon Swirl Cookies

Easy Vegan French Toast

Easy Vegan French Toast. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.
Easy Vegan French Toast. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Golden pieces disappear soon after they land on a plate. Easy Vegan French Toast goes well with syrup or even plain for an after-school energy boost. Each slice is soft inside with a hint of crunch on the surface. People like how it comes together fast but eats like a treat. The leftovers, if any, are rare.
Get the Recipe: Easy Vegan French Toast

Vegan Apple Cookies with Oatmeal

Vegan Apple Cookies with Oatmeal. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Forget basic cookies when these show up. Vegan Apple Cookies with Oatmeal keep things both chewy and a bit tart at the same time. A handful keeps hunger away after class. Extra oats make a difference in every bite. These are popular even among those not usually into cookies.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Apple Cookies with Oatmeal

Glazed Cinnamon Toast Crunch Donuts Recipe

Two glazed donuts topped with crumbled cereal pieces are placed on a white surface.
Glazed Cinnamon Toast Crunch Donuts Recipe. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Turning cereal into donuts gets lots of attention. Glazed Cinnamon Toast Crunch Donuts Recipe make snack time something to look forward to. The light glaze brings out the warm flavor in each bite. Biting into one is always a surprise, especially for kids. Count on none left by the end of the afternoon.
Get the Recipe: Glazed Cinnamon Toast Crunch Donuts Recipe

Pumpkin Spiced Muffins

A stack of pumpkin spiced muffins on a plate.
Pumpkin Spiced Muffins. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

The muffin tray empties quickly, without much help. Pumpkin Spiced Muffins carry a warm note and a gentle crumb. Kids reach for these right after the bell rings. Sharing is easy since they’re not messy or sticky. People often request extras in lunchboxes the next day.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Spiced Muffins

French Toast Casserole

A person taking a portion of French toast casserole.
French Toast Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Digging into this means snack time just got upgraded. French Toast Casserole comes out soft, sweet, and a bit custardy underneath. It’s simple to scoop and share with everyone. Plenty enjoy a big square after a long day at school. There are rarely any leftovers to put away.
Get the Recipe: French Toast Casserole

Sweet Potato Pie

A slice of sweet potato pie with a swirl of cream on it.
Sweet Potato Pie. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

When pie is on the table, snacks turn into a treat time. Sweet Potato Pie has a smooth filling that makes it easy on the first bite. The aroma is strong enough to bring everyone in. Thin slices are never enough, usually sparking arguments over the last wedge. It stays soft even the day after.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Pie

Cinnamon Roll Cake

Close-up of a cinnamon roll cake slice topped with icing and sprinkled with cinnamon on a plate.
Cinnamon Roll Cake. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Cutting into this dessert feels almost like slicing into a cinnamon roll, but easier. Cinnamon Roll Cake sports soft layers with a sweet swirl throughout. The taste comes through best when served warm. Kids keep sneaking bites from the edge. It’s always a hit whenever extra-sweet snacks are needed.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Roll Cake

Pecan Pie Cheesecake

A slice of pecan pie being served on a cake slice.
Pecan Pie Cheesecake. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

A smooth slice is never left alone for long. Pecan Pie Cheesecake matches classic flavors with a creamy twist. Each bite brings a bit of crunch as well. People like that it feels special without being too rich. Plates stay clean whenever a slice is on offer.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Pie Cheesecake

Copycat Starbucks Sugar Plum Danish

Close-up of flaky pastries filled with red fruit jam, sprinkled with powdered sugar, on a white plate.
Copycat Starbucks Sugar Plum Danish. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

That sweet glaze catches everyone’s eye the minute it arrives. Copycat Starbucks Sugar Plum Danish folds up a soft center and a slight crunch. Kids like the fruity filling as much as the layers of pastry. Each piece is simple to hold and enjoy. They go quickly at snack time without much prompting.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Starbucks Sugar Plum Danish

Birria Ramen

A bowl of ramen with meat, cilantro, and a lime wedge, topped with noodles wrapped around chopsticks.
Birria Ramen. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Mixing up noodle soup with a classic, this snack stands out. Birria Ramen brings together big flavor and a broth that feels warming. Slurping up noodles after school just feels fun. Friends line up for seconds soon after the first bowl goes out. No leftovers are ever seen with this dish.
Get the Recipe: Birria Ramen

Cinnamon Roll Casserole

Close-up of a dish of warm cinnamon rolls topped with white glaze.
Cinnamon Roll Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Warm smells fill the kitchen when this is ready to serve. Cinnamon Roll Casserole pulls apart easy, so it’s quick for hungry kids to grab a square. The top adds just enough crunch without getting heavy. Each scoop brings cinnamon to the foreground. More often than not, it’s gone before it cools.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Roll Casserole

Orange & Pecan Bundt Cake Recipe

Orange & Pecan Bundt Cake Recipe. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Bundt cakes make snack time a group event. Orange & Pecan Bundt Cake Recipe balances soft citrus with a nutty finish. Slices cut easy, making sharing simple. Many enjoy it with a drink after a busy day. It’s a treat people come back to often all week.
Get the Recipe: Orange & Pecan Bundt Cake Recipe

Pumpkin Bars

A group of pumpkin bars with icing on top.
Pumpkin Bars. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Thick squares don’t last on the tray for long. Pumpkin Bars are soft to bite and easy to stack for after-school munching. They come with just enough spice to keep kids reaching for more. Snack time gets better every time these are on the menu. Simplicity is what keeps people asking for these again.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Bars

Pancake Casserole

A baked French toast casserole topped with powdered sugar, sliced strawberries, and blueberries in a white dish.
Pancake Casserole. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Fluffy on top and rich inside, this dish gets scooped up fast. Pancake Casserole brings pancakes to a new snack form, making it easy to eat together. Slices reheat just as well, so leftovers are rare. Kids look forward to seeing this after a long day. Plates clear in minutes with little effort.
Get the Recipe: Pancake Casserole

Tonkotsu Ramen

Close-up of a bowl of ramen with noodles, a halved boiled egg, sliced meat, green leafy vegetables, and mushrooms in broth.
Tonkotsu Ramen. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Steaming bowls draw hungry kids to the kitchen. Tonkotsu Ramen is rich, warming, and full of soft noodles. Eating with chopsticks just adds to the fun. The broth feels like a reward after homework. You’ll find bowls empty before you know it.
Get the Recipe: Tonkotsu Ramen

Apple Pie

A slice of apple pie on a plate with a scoop of ice cream.
Apple Pie. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Classic slices are quick to go when snack time rolls around. Apple Pie fills the air with a sweet scent and flaky crust that everyone wants. The filling has just enough hint of spice. Kids often ask for seconds before their first slice is done. You’ll usually see smiles once it’s on the table.
Get the Recipe: Apple Pie

Homemade Bread Pudding

A close-up of decadent bread pudding, topped with creamy vanilla sauce, is being lifted from a serving plate.
Homemade Bread Pudding. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Leftover bread gets new life in this dish. Homemade Bread Pudding comes out soft, sweet, and easy to portion for snack time. People top it with whatever is nearby. Each bowl feels just right after a long day. The last scoop always brings a chorus of “save some for me.”
Get the Recipe: Homemade Bread Pudding

Gooey Pumpkin S’mores Cookie Cake

Two slices of pumpkin s'mores pie on a white plate, topped with chocolate chips, graham crackers, and toasted marshmallows.
Gooey Pumpkin S’mores Cookie Cake. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Combining two snacks guarantees smiles all around. Gooey Pumpkin S’mores Cookie Cake is rich, a bit sticky, and loaded with chocolate. Snackers dig in for the gooey center every time. Each slice feels like a reward for finishing chores. Everyone tries for the center piece first.
Get the Recipe: Gooey Pumpkin S’mores Cookie Cake

Deviled Eggs

Deviled eggs with cranberry sauce on a platter.
Deviled Eggs. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

A tray of eggs doesn’t get cold with this snack. Deviled Eggs come out with a smooth center and a bit of kick. People nibble them up fast, grabbing more than one if they can. They’re easy to eat, no utensils needed. Most trays don’t last more than five minutes.
Get the Recipe: Deviled Eggs

Spiced Apple Cookies

Close-up of three stacked cookies topped with a chunky fruit filling and a sprinkle of crumbs, placed near an apple.
Spiced Apple Cookies. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Warm cookie trays hold everyone’s attention after a tough day. Spiced Apple Cookies combine chewy texture with just enough fruit. Kids find these easy to grab in a rush. The flavor feels familiar but never boring. Friends agree these are a top pick for snack time.
Get the Recipe: Spiced Apple Cookies

Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

Cinnamon rolls in a pan with icing.
Homemade Cinnamon Rolls. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

A pan of these keeps kids hanging around for “just one more.” Homemade Cinnamon Rolls unroll easily into sweet layers. Icing on top adds extra fun, making them messier but better for it. A single roll is never enough. Each new pan runs out faster than the last.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

Raw Vegan Carrot Cake Bites

Raw Vegan Carrot Cake Bites. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Snackers looking for something simple go for these. Raw Vegan Carrot Cake Bites are quick to grab and easy to eat. Each bite keeps things sweet without being heavy. Kids sneak them into lunchboxes often. That little zing makes them different from basic bars.
Get the Recipe: Raw Vegan Carrot Cake Bites

Apple Crisp

Close-up of apple crumble with oats and brown sugar topping. A spoon is partially visible on the left.
Apple Crisp. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Bringing this to snack time makes people happy. Apple Crisp blends soft fruit with a crunchy top layer. Scooping big portions is encouraged since it cools off fast. People always ask for a second serving. No leftovers once everyone’s had a turn.
Get the Recipe: Apple Crisp

Cinnamon Sugar Blondies

Close-up of sliced crumbly cakes topped with white icing. One piece is positioned vertically to show its texture.
Cinnamon Sugar Blondies. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Squares of these go fast after school lets out. Cinnamon Sugar Blondies are chewy and a bit crumbly, which makes them great for a snack plate. They hold up well if made ahead. Kids break off corner pieces first. Sweets like these never last the day.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Sugar Blondies

Best Vegan Chili

Close-up of a bowl of chili, topped with chopped cilantro, sliced red onions, and a dollop of sour cream. The chili contains beans, tomatoes, and other visible vegetables.
Best Vegan Chili. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Chili isn’t just for dinner, especially this version. Best Vegan Chili warms everyone up after sports or homework. Portable cups make it a snap to eat on the run. People notice how filling it is, yet not too heavy. Every bowl leaves kids looking for more.
Get the Recipe: Best Vegan Chili

Pumpkin Roll

A slice of pumpkin roll being sprinkled with powdered sugar.
Pumpkin Roll. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Thin cake rolled up tight always makes snack time special. Pumpkin Roll pleases crowds with its balance of filling and sweet spice. Slicing it up is part of the fun. Kids like to eat it by the spiral. Nothing ever sits out for long when this is served.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Roll

Sweet Butternut Squash Dessert Pasta

A plate of baked pasta with a crispy, browned topping and dollops of white sauce.
Sweet Butternut Squash Dessert Pasta. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Turning pasta into a snack works well here. Sweet Butternut Squash Dessert Pasta gets creamy, just sweet enough, and always gets a reaction. It’s handy for both small groups or bigger crews. Kids like to try it out since it’s not every day you see pasta for snack. The bowl doesn’t last long, surprisingly.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Butternut Squash Dessert Pasta

Fluffy Pumpkin Caramel Cake

Close-up of a slice of pumpkin cake with cream cheese frosting and a drizzle of caramel on top.
Fluffy Pumpkin Caramel Cake. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

One bite draws everyone’s attention. Fluffy Pumpkin Caramel Cake stays soft and almost melts away. The topping brings out a deeper sweetness. This cake is light enough for seconds, which most end up taking. You’ll hear plenty of talk about making it again soon.
Get the Recipe: Fluffy Pumpkin Caramel Cake

Peach Cobbler

A close-up of a slice of peach cobbler topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on a white plate.
Peach Cobbler. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Scooping out this treat gets lots of excitement going. Peach Cobbler has a soft, syrupy base topped with a golden layer. Kids take spoonfuls for both snack and dessert. The fruit shines through every bite. Spoons clank as people try to scrape the last morsels.
Get the Recipe: Peach Cobbler

Moussaka

A pan of cooked lasagna topped with melted cheese, black pepper, and chopped parsley.
Moussaka. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Kids might not expect it, but this dish always goes over well. Moussaka combines layers that mix soft and rich in every serving. Larger slices serve hungry snackers fast. Some come back for seconds even after saying they’re full. It has a way of bringing everyone to the table.
Get the Recipe: Moussaka

Cinnamon Apple Strudel Slices

A close-up of a baked pastry ring dusted with powdered sugar, featuring multiple layers of golden-brown, flaky dough and hints of cinnamon apple strudel slices peeking through.
Cinnamon Apple Strudel Slices. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

A sliced treat dusted just right makes snack breaks fun. Cinnamon Apple Strudel Slices flake away, leaving bits of fruit and sweetness behind. They’re easy to hold for quick bites. Sharing happens, but reluctantly. Most agree these slices are worth the wait.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Apple Strudel Slices

Honeycrisp Salad

A bowl of mixed greens salad with sliced Honeycrisp apples, walnuts, and crumbled blue cheese.
Honeycrisp Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Bowls of this salad get emptied fast, especially after a long day. Honeycrisp Salad brings crunch to any snack routine. Kids reach for it, finding sweet bits in every bite. Dressing pulls everything together smoothly. More often than not, there’s nothing left by dinner.
Get the Recipe: Honeycrisp Salad

Cinnamon Applesauce

A jar labeled
Cinnamon Applesauce. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Jars offered up right after school get scooped up quick. Cinnamon Applesauce is smooth, cool, and feels sweet enough to stand alone. It works in a cup, with a spoon, or even poured over cake. Kids ask for seconds without pause. It’s hard to make enough for everyone.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Applesauce

Apple Cobbler

A baked apple cobbler with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top, partially served in a dish.
Apple Cobbler. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Baking this up means snack time just got better. Apple Cobbler lets the soft fruit fill up everyone’s plates with a surprise crunch on top. The contrast keeps snackers coming back. Spoons move quickly once it’s ready. Rarely does it last into the evening.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cobbler

Mushroom Birria Tacos

A plate of tacos with a sauce on it.
Mushroom Birria Tacos. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Switch up snack hour with something bold and fun. Mushroom Birria Tacos give a rich filling stuffed inside warm shells. Dipping them makes things interesting for kids. You’ll find no two tacos gone the same way. Friends talk about this one for days.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Birria Tacos

Cinnamon Swirl Bread

Close-up of cinnamon swirl bread slices, showcasing a spiral pattern in the texture.
Cinnamon Swirl Bread. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Loaves like this vanish in minutes. Cinnamon Swirl Bread comes packed with a ribbon of warm flavor in every slice. Kids use it for sandwiches or alone for quick snacks. The swirl always keeps snack time fun. A warm loaf guarantees extra visits to the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Swirl Bread

Sweet Potato Fritters

Sweet potato fritters in a stack.
Sweet Potato Fritters. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Hot from the pan, fritters fill hungry kids up fast. Sweet Potato Fritters crunch outside while staying soft within. They’re easy to share but easy to finish solo too. People enjoy the gentle sweetness that fits right into snack time. More often than not, plates come back empty.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Fritters

Cinnamon Pie

A slice of cinnamon pie on a cake slice over the remaining pie.
Cinnamon Pie. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

When pie shows up as a snack, everyone gets curious. Cinnamon Pie has a smooth slice with a deep, sweet base. The crust offers just enough to support the filling. Small pieces encourage extra helpings. This pie never lasts past after school snack.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Pie

About the Author
A woman with long brown hair is smiling and standing with her arms crossed. She is wearing a sleeveless, black and white diamond-patterned dress.

Hey there! I’m Mandy

Mandy Applegate is a home cook, food blogger, and writer who believes the best meals are the ones shared with the people you love.

She’s all about easy recipes that taste amazing, the kind that make ordinary days feel a little more special and remind you why cooking at home matters.

She has been published on NBC, the Daily News, the Boston Herald, and the Chicago Sun-Times, amongst many others.

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