49 Cinnamon Recipe Ideas That Smell Like Home

There’s something about the smell of cinnamon that instantly feels like comfort. It’s warm, familiar, and has this way of making any space feel welcoming. With 49 recipe ideas centered on it, there’s no shortage of ways to bring that feeling home. It’s the kind of aroma that makes people stop and say, “What smells so good?”

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

Fluffy Vegan French Toast

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

Vegan breakfasts need options that feel indulgent, and this Fluffy Vegan French Toast delivers exactly that. Cinnamon soaks into every slice while the outside gets golden and slightly crisp. I make this on mornings when I want something special without spending an hour in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Fluffy Vegan French Toast

Glazed Cinnamon Toast Crunch Donuts

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

Nostalgia meets homemade baking when you pull these Glazed Cinnamon Toast Crunch Donuts from the oven. Crushed cereal creates a crunchy coating that people remember long after the last bite disappears. Someone always asks if I used a secret ingredient, but the answer is simpler than they expect.
Get the Recipe: Glazed Cinnamon Toast Crunch Donuts

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.

Sweet rolls get an autumn upgrade with these Caramel Apple Hawaiian Rolls. Soft bread soaks up cinnamon-spiced apples and caramel, creating something between dessert and breakfast. I’ve found that making these ahead means less stress when hosting.
Get the Recipe: Caramel Apple Hawaiian Rolls

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.

Unexpected combinations sometimes work better than traditional ones, which is why this Sweet Butternut Squash Dessert Pasta surprises everyone who tries it. Squash becomes creamy and sweet with cinnamon tying everything together. People lean in close when I describe it because the concept alone sparks curiosity.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Butternut Squash Dessert Pasta

Caramelized Fried Banana

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

Quick desserts that taste complex are worth keeping in your rotation, and this Caramelized Fried Banana fits that description perfectly. Butter, sugar, and cinnamon transform ordinary fruit into something guests request by name. The whole thing comes together faster than preheating the oven.
Get the Recipe: Caramelized Fried Banana

Sweet Air Fryer Maple Roasted Carrots

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

Vegetables don’t often appear on dessert tables, but these Sweet Air Fryer Maple Roasted Carrots could change that tradition. Maple syrup and cinnamon coat each piece until the edges turn golden. Kids who normally skip vegetables reach for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Air Fryer Maple Roasted Carrots

Spiced 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.
Spiced Pumpkin Bread. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Autumn baking begins with loaves that fill the house with warmth, and Spiced Pumpkin Bread accomplishes that goal every time. Cinnamon runs through the entire loaf rather than sitting on top. I slice this thick and serve it with coffee when friends drop by.
Get the Recipe: Spiced Pumpkin Bread

Soft Vegan Apple Cookies with Oatmeal

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

Chewy cookies packed with apple pieces and oats make these Soft Vegan Apple Cookies with Oatmeal disappear from any gathering. Cinnamon brings out the fruit flavor without overwhelming it. People who avoid vegan desserts never realize these contain no dairy or eggs.
Get the Recipe: Soft Vegan Apple Cookies with Oatmeal

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.

Coffee shop favorites cost less when you bake them at home, which is why I turn to these Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins so often. Cream cheese filling sits in the center while cinnamon and pumpkin create the base. The streusel topping adds crunch that balances the soft interior.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

Spiced Pumpkin Roll Cookies

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

Rolling cookies might sound complicated, but these Spiced Pumpkin Roll Cookies simplify the process while keeping the visual appeal. Cinnamon swirls through each piece, creating a pattern that looks bakery-quality. I freeze half the batch because they disappear too quickly otherwise.
Get the Recipe: Spiced Pumpkin Roll Cookies

Sweet Cinnamon Sugar Biscuit Bites

Close-up of Cinnamon Sugar Biscuit Bites, dusted in a sweet layer and piled on crisp white paper.
Sweet Cinnamon Sugar Biscuit Bites. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Bite-sized treats work for parties where guests stand and mingle, and these Sweet Cinnamon Sugar Biscuit Bites fit that need perfectly. Soft dough gets coated in cinnamon sugar before baking until golden. They’re still warm when people start asking if there are more.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Cinnamon Sugar Biscuit Bites

Warm Pumpkin Spiced Muffins

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

Morning routines improve when fresh muffins are waiting, and these Warm Pumpkin Spiced Muffins make that happen without much effort. Cinnamon blends with other spices to create depth rather than one-note flavor. I double the recipe because they freeze beautifully.
Get the Recipe: Warm Pumpkin Spiced Muffins

Moist Banana Bread

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

Classic recipes stick around because they work, and this Moist Banana Bread proves that point with every slice. Cinnamon enhances the banana flavor without competing for attention. People who claim they don’t like banana bread change their minds after trying this version.
Get the Recipe: Moist Banana Bread

Crunchy Maple Pecan Granola

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

Homemade granola costs less and tastes fresher than store-bought versions, plus this Crunchy Maple Pecan Granola lets you control the sweetness level. Maple syrup and cinnamon coat the oats and nuts before baking until golden. I keep a jar on the counter because it never lasts long enough to need storage.
Get the Recipe: Crunchy Maple Pecan Granola

Southern Sweet Potato Pie

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

Southern desserts carry tradition and flavor in equal measure, and this Southern Sweet Potato Pie honors both aspects beautifully. Cinnamon seasons the filling without overpowering the sweet potato’s natural taste. The first slice disappears before the pie fully cools.
Get the Recipe: Southern Sweet Potato Pie

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.

Thick, soft cookies with visible cinnamon swirls recreate the bakery experience with these Copycat Crumbl Cinnamon Swirl Cookies. Each one measures several inches across and stays tender for days. I cut them into quarters for sharing, but most people prefer keeping the whole cookie.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Crumbl Cinnamon Swirl Cookies

Classic Apple Pie With Cinnamon

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

Apple pie anchors autumn baking traditions, and this Classic Apple Pie With Cinnamon demonstrates why the combination never goes out of style. Sliced apples soften while cinnamon infuses every bite. The aroma alone brings people into the kitchen before the timer goes off.
Get the Recipe: Classic Apple Pie With Cinnamon

Moist Orange & Pecan Bundt Cake

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

Citrus brightens spiced cakes in ways that surprise people, and this Moist Orange & Pecan Bundt Cake showcases that balance. Orange zing and cinnamon create an unexpected pairing that works beautifully. Pecans add crunch throughout rather than just on top.
Get the Recipe: Moist Orange & Pecan Bundt Cake

Soft Cinnamon Sugar Blondies

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

Dense, chewy bars satisfy sweet cravings without requiring complicated techniques, and these Soft Cinnamon Sugar Blondies prove that simplicity wins. Cinnamon sugar swirls create pockets of spice throughout each piece. I cut these into small squares because their richness means a little goes far.
Get the Recipe: Soft Cinnamon Sugar Blondies

Classic Deviled Eggs

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

Savory dishes need seasoning that brings out their best qualities, and these Classic Deviled Eggs rely on cinnamon’s warmth in an unexpected way. The spice appears in tiny amounts, adding depth without being identifiable. Guests struggle to name the ingredient that makes these different from standard versions.
Get the Recipe: Classic Deviled Eggs

Warm Apple Crisp

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

Fruit desserts that come together quickly earn permanent spots in any recipe collection, and this Warm Apple Crisp definitely belongs there. Cinnamon-spiced apples bubble under a crispy oat topping. I serve this with vanilla ice cream because the temperature contrast makes both components taste better.
Get the Recipe: Warm Apple Crisp

Rich Tonkotsu Ramen

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

Comfort food crosses cultures when you add warming spices to unexpected dishes, and this Rich Tonkotsu Ramen benefits from cinnamon’s subtle presence. The spice deepens the broth without making it sweet. People who know ramen well notice something different but can’t always identify what changed.
Get the Recipe: Rich Tonkotsu Ramen

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.

Flaky pastries filled with fruit capture attention at any breakfast gathering, and these Copycat Starbucks Sugar Plum Danish recreate that coffee shop luxury. Cinnamon seasons the plum filling while the pastry stays light and crisp. I make these when I want to impress without spending hours baking.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Starbucks Sugar Plum Danish

Sweet Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie

A slice of apple cinnamon roll on a plate.
Sweet Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Two favorite desserts combine into something even better with this Sweet Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie. Cinnamon roll dough replaces traditional pie crust while spiced apples fill the center. The first time I served this, three people asked for the recipe before finishing their slices.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie

Festive Eggnog French Toast

Stack of French toast topped with whipped cream and powdered sugar, garnished with a sprinkle of cinnamon. A cinnamon stick rests beside it on the plate.
Festive Eggnog French Toast. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Holiday breakfasts deserve something beyond everyday options, and this Festive Eggnog French Toast delivers special-occasion flavor. Eggnog soaks into thick bread slices while cinnamon adds warmth to every bite. I make extra because people always want seconds.
Get the Recipe: Festive Eggnog French Toast

Sweet Cinnamon Roll Cake

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

Sheet cakes simplify serving large groups, and this Sweet Cinnamon Roll Cake gives you all the flavor of individual rolls without the shaping work. Cinnamon sugar swirls throughout the batter before baking. The glaze on top seeps into every crack and crevice.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Cinnamon Roll Cake

Warm Spiced Apple Cookies

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

Soft cookies packed with apple chunks bring autumn flavor to any dessert table, and these Warm Spiced Apple Cookies accomplish that goal perfectly. Cinnamon blends with other spices to create complexity beyond single-note sweetness. They stay soft for days if you manage to hide them from hungry snackers.
Get the Recipe: Warm Spiced Apple Cookies

Moist Pumpkin Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting

A group of pumpkin bars with icing on top.
Moist Pumpkin Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Sheet pan desserts feed crowds efficiently, and these Moist Pumpkin Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting prove that convenience doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor. Cinnamon seasons the pumpkin base while cream cheese frosting adds tang. I cut these into generous squares because they’re too good to skimp on portion size.
Get the Recipe: Moist Pumpkin Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting

Sweet Raw Vegan Carrot Cake Bites

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

No-bake desserts solve the problem of full ovens during busy seasons, and these Sweet Raw Vegan Carrot Cake Bites taste just as good as their baked counterparts. Dates and nuts create the base while cinnamon and carrots provide familiar flavor. People who avoid raw desserts never guess these contain no flour or heat.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Raw Vegan Carrot Cake Bites

Rich Homemade Bread Pudding

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

Leftover bread transforms into luxury dessert with this Rich Homemade Bread Pudding. Cinnamon-spiced custard soaks into every piece before baking until golden. I serve this warm because that’s when the texture contrasts between soft interior and crispy top work best.
Get the Recipe: Rich Homemade Bread Pudding

Fluffy Pancake Casserole

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

Breakfast casseroles eliminate the need to stand at the stove flipping individual pancakes, and this Fluffy Pancake Casserole demonstrates that convenience beautifully. Cinnamon flavors the entire dish rather than just appearing as a topping. Everyone gets hot pancakes at the same time instead of some eating while others wait.
Get the Recipe: Fluffy Pancake Casserole

Hearty 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.
Hearty Vegan Chili. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Warming spices deepen savory dishes in subtle ways, and this Hearty Vegan Chili uses cinnamon to add complexity without sweetness. The spice rounds out the tomato base and balances the heat from other ingredients. Meat-eaters who try this never miss what isn’t there.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Vegan Chili

Sweet Cinnamon Roll Casserole

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

Brunch dishes that serve many people from one pan simplify entertaining, and this Sweet Cinnamon Roll Casserole does exactly that. Store-bought rolls get arranged in a baking dish before cinnamon-spiced custard brings everything together. The edges turn golden while the center stays soft and gooey.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Cinnamon Roll Casserole

Fluffy Baked Vanilla Donuts

A pile of vegan baked vanilla donuts.
Fluffy Baked Vanilla Donuts. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Baked donuts skip the frying step while delivering tender, cake-like results, and these Fluffy Baked Vanilla Donuts showcase that technique perfectly. Cinnamon sugar coating adds flavor and texture to each donut. I make these on mornings when I want something special without the mess of hot oil.
Get the Recipe: Fluffy Baked Vanilla Donuts

Rich Birria Ramen

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

Fusion cooking creates exciting new dishes, and this Rich Birria Ramen combines Mexican and Japanese traditions beautifully. Cinnamon seasons the birria broth alongside traditional spices. The noodles soak up all those complex flavors while the meat becomes tender and rich.
Get the Recipe: Rich Birria Ramen

Decadent Apple Pie Stuffed Cheesecake

A slice of apple pie stuffed cheesecake on a plate with a spoon.
Decadent Apple Pie Stuffed Cheesecake. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Layered desserts impress guests without requiring advanced techniques, and this Decadent Apple Pie Stuffed Cheesecake proves that statement true. Cinnamon-spiced apples sit between creamy cheesecake layers and a graham cracker crust. I refrigerate this overnight because the flavors meld together and improve with time.
Get the Recipe: Decadent Apple Pie Stuffed Cheesecake

Sweet Air Fryer French Toast Casserole

A dish of French toast with pecans and powdered sugar.
Sweet Air Fryer French Toast Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Air fryers simplify traditionally oven-based recipes, and this Sweet Air Fryer French Toast Casserole adapts the classic dish for smaller batches. Cinnamon-soaked bread cubes get crispy on top while staying custardy inside. The cooking time shrinks compared to conventional methods.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Air Fryer French Toast Casserole

Warm Peach Cobbler

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

Summer fruit extends into autumn when you have recipes like this Warm Peach Cobbler that celebrate seasonal transitions. Cinnamon enhances the peaches without hiding their natural sweetness. The biscuit topping bakes until golden brown while the fruit bubbles underneath.
Get the Recipe: Warm Peach Cobbler

Mushroom Birria Tacos

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

Plant-based versions of meat-centric dishes work when the flavors are right, and these Mushroom Birria Tacos nail that balance. Cinnamon adds depth to the mushroom filling while other spices create complexity. People who love traditional birria appreciate this vegetarian take.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Birria Tacos

Creamy Vegan Rice Pudding

Creamy Vegan Rice Pudding. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Comfort food takes many forms, and this Creamy Vegan Rice Pudding delivers that cozy feeling without any dairy. Cinnamon infuses the coconut milk base while rice becomes tender and creamy. I eat this warm for dessert or cold for breakfast the next morning.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Vegan Rice Pudding

Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows

A person scooping a sweet potato casserole out of a baking dish.
Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Holiday side dishes often blur the line into dessert territory, and this Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows definitely walks that line. Cinnamon seasons the mashed sweet potatoes before marshmallows melt on top. The contrast between creamy base and toasted marshmallows keeps people coming back for more.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows

Moist Banana Avocado Bread

Sliced loaf of chocolate chip banana avocado bread on a white surface. The bread has a golden-brown crust with chocolate chips on top and visible throughout the slices.
Moist Banana Avocado Bread. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Avocado adds moisture to baked goods without affecting the flavor, and this Moist Banana Avocado Bread demonstrates that technique perfectly. Cinnamon complements both the banana and avocado while creating familiar comfort food flavor. People never guess the secret ingredient that makes this so tender.
Get the Recipe: Moist Banana Avocado Bread

Soft Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls

A close-up of a sourdough cinnamon roll topped with creamy icing and a sprinkle of cinnamon on a plate.
Soft Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Sourdough discard finds purpose in these Soft Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls that taste incredible while reducing waste. Tangy sourdough balances the sweet cinnamon filling in each spiral. The slight fermented flavor adds complexity that sets these apart from standard cinnamon rolls.
Get the Recipe: Soft Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls

Dense Fruit Cake

A close-up of a fruitcake with a slice being lifted out, showing its dense texture and pieces of dried fruit inside.
Dense Fruit Cake. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Traditional holiday cakes carry history in every slice, and this Dense Fruit Cake honors that tradition while incorporating warming spices. Cinnamon ties together all the dried fruits and nuts throughout the batter. I bake this weeks ahead because the flavor improves as it sits.
Get the Recipe: Dense Fruit Cake

Swirled Cinnamon Bread

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

Breakfast bread that looks beautiful and tastes even better makes mornings special, and this Swirled Cinnamon Bread delivers on both counts. Cinnamon sugar spirals through each slice when you cut into the loaf. I toast thick slices and spread them with butter while they’re still warm.
Get the Recipe: Swirled Cinnamon Bread

Fluffy Pumpkin Waffles

Three golden-brown vegan pumpkin waffles stacked on a white plate, with syrup pooling in their square pockets.
Fluffy Pumpkin Waffles. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Weekend breakfast gets an autumn upgrade with these Fluffy Pumpkin Waffles that fill the kitchen with warming scents. Cinnamon and pumpkin combine in the batter while the waffle iron creates crispy edges. I freeze extras because they reheat perfectly in the toaster for busy mornings.
Get the Recipe: Fluffy Pumpkin Waffles

Rich Pecan Pie Cheesecake

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

Combining two classic desserts into one show-stopping creation makes this Rich Pecan Pie Cheesecake the centerpiece of any dessert spread. Cinnamon seasons both the creamy cheesecake layer and the pecan pie topping, tying the components together. The graham cracker crust provides crunch while the filling stays silky smooth.
Get the Recipe: Rich Pecan Pie Cheesecake

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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