Cinnamon Sugar Chips: Uses, Recipe & Buying Guide

Cinnamon sugar chips are small, crunchy cookie pieces coated in a sweet cinnamon-sugar mixture, commonly used as a topping for desserts, baked goods, and beverages. They provide a satisfying crunch with warm, spiced flavor and are available commercially or can be easily made at home using simple ingredients.

Cinnamon sugar chips offer a delightful combination of crisp texture and aromatic spice that elevates many sweet treats. Unlike traditional chocolate chips, these crunchy morsels maintain their shape and provide a distinctive textural contrast when added to baked goods or used as decorative toppings. Their popularity has grown significantly among home bakers and professional pastry chefs alike for their versatility and crowd-pleasing flavor profile.

What Exactly Are Cinnamon Sugar Chips?

Cinnamon sugar chips consist of small, disk-shaped cookie pieces made from a simple dough of flour, butter, sugar, and cinnamon, then coated in additional cinnamon-sugar mixture. The manufacturing process creates a crunchy exterior with a slightly tender interior that delivers intense cinnamon flavor with every bite.

These chips differ significantly from cinnamon chips (which are typically soft and chewy) and from standard chocolate chips. Their unique texture makes them particularly valuable for applications where maintaining crispness is important, such as in ice cream toppings, pie crusts, or as decorative elements on finished desserts.

Nutritional Profile and Dietary Considerations

Understanding the nutritional content of cinnamon sugar chips helps consumers make informed choices. A typical serving (about 2 tablespoons or 28g) contains:

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	110	-
Total Fat	4.5g	6%
Saturated Fat	2.5g	13%
Carbohydrates	17g	6%
Sugars	10g	-
Dietary Fiber	0.5g	2%
Protein	1g	-

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

For those following specific dietary patterns, cinnamon sugar chips are naturally gluten-free when made with gluten-free flour, and can be adapted for vegan diets by substituting butter with plant-based alternatives. However, commercially produced versions may contain gluten or dairy, so checking ingredient labels is essential for those with dietary restrictions.

Homemade Cinnamon Sugar Chips Recipe

Making cinnamon sugar chips at home gives you complete control over ingredients and allows for customization. This simple recipe yields approximately 2 cups of chips:

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free alternative)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons additional cinnamon-sugar mixture (for coating)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Combine flour, sugars, cinnamon, and salt in a food processor
2. Add cold butter cubes and pulse until mixture resembles coarse crumbs
3. Add 1-2 tablespoons of ice water, just until dough begins to come together
4. Form dough into a disk, wrap in plastic, and chill for 30 minutes
5. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper
6. Roll dough to 1/8-inch thickness and cut into small circles using a cookie cutter or glass
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes until edges are golden
8. While still warm, toss chips in additional cinnamon-sugar mixture
9. Cool completely before storing or using

For perfect results, ensure your butter remains cold throughout preparation, and don't skip the chilling step as it prevents spreading. The chips will crisp up further as they cool. For extra flavor complexity, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the dough.

Creative Uses for Cinnamon Sugar Chips

While commonly sprinkled on top of ice cream, cinnamon sugar chips offer numerous creative applications that home bakers might not consider:

• Baking enhancement: Press into the top of thumbprint cookies before baking for added texture
• Coffee and cocktail garnish: Float a few chips on lattes or use as rim decoration for spiced cocktails
• Breakfast boost: Sprinkle over oatmeal, yogurt, or pancakes for instant flavor upgrade
• Crust component: Mix with crushed graham crackers for pie crusts with extra dimension
• Gift idea: Package in decorative jars as homemade hostess gifts

Professional pastry chefs often use cinnamon sugar chips as a finishing touch on plated desserts, where their visual appeal and textural contrast create memorable dining experiences. They work particularly well with apple-based desserts, cheesecakes, and vanilla-flavored treats where their warm spice can shine.

Commercial Options and Where to Find Them

For those who prefer convenience, several brands offer cinnamon sugar chips in grocery stores:

• Enjoy Life Foods: Offers allergen-free cinnamon sugar chips suitable for various dietary needs
• Ghirardelli: Known for premium chocolate products, they also produce high-quality cinnamon chips
• King Arthur Baking: Sells cinnamon chips specifically formulated for baking applications
• Local specialty brands: Many regional bakeries and specialty food producers offer unique versions

When shopping for cinnamon sugar chips, check the baking aisle near chocolate chips, the international foods section, or the natural foods area of larger supermarkets. Health food stores often carry specialty brands with organic or minimally processed ingredients. Online retailers provide the widest selection, including hard-to-find varieties and bulk purchasing options for frequent users.

Proper Storage Techniques

Maximizing the shelf life of cinnamon sugar chips requires proper storage:

• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks
• For longer storage (up to 3 months), keep in the refrigerator
• Freeze for up to 6 months in a freezer-safe container with parchment between layers
• Always allow homemade chips to cool completely before storing to prevent moisture buildup

Moisture is the enemy of crispness, so including a silica gel packet in storage containers can help maintain optimal texture. If chips lose their crunch, reviving them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5-7 minutes will restore their crisp texture without burning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I substitute cinnamon sugar chips for chocolate chips in cookies?

Yes, you can substitute cinnamon sugar chips for chocolate chips in most cookie recipes, though the texture and flavor profile will differ significantly. Since cinnamon sugar chips don't melt like chocolate, cookies will have distinct crunchy pockets of flavor rather than soft chocolate centers. For best results, reduce added sugar in the cookie recipe by 1-2 tablespoons to balance the additional sweetness from the chips.

How do cinnamon sugar chips differ from cinnamon chips?

Cinnamon sugar chips are crunchy cookie pieces coated in cinnamon-sugar, while traditional cinnamon chips are soft, chewy pieces made primarily from sugar, cinnamon, and binding agents that melt when heated. The key difference is texture: cinnamon sugar chips maintain their shape and provide crunch, whereas cinnamon chips soften and blend into batters. This makes cinnamon sugar chips better for toppings and applications where texture contrast is desired.

Are cinnamon sugar chips gluten-free?

Commercially produced cinnamon sugar chips may or may not be gluten-free, depending on the brand and manufacturing process. Always check the ingredient label for wheat or other gluten-containing ingredients. Many brands now offer certified gluten-free options. When making homemade cinnamon sugar chips, use a gluten-free flour blend to ensure they're safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

What's the best way to crush cinnamon sugar chips for pie crusts?

The best method for crushing cinnamon sugar chips is using a food processor with short pulses until you reach your desired consistency. For a finer texture, place chips in a sealed plastic bag and use a rolling pin. Avoid over-processing, as the sugar content can turn the chips into a paste. For pie crust applications, a coarse to medium grind works best to maintain texture while distributing flavor evenly throughout the crust.

Can I make cinnamon sugar chips without a food processor?

Absolutely. You can make cinnamon sugar chips using the traditional pastry method by cutting cold butter into the dry ingredients with a pastry cutter or two knives. Work quickly to keep the butter cold, then gather the dough with your hands. The texture might be slightly different than food processor versions, but the flavor will be excellent. Many traditional bakers prefer this hands-on method as it gives better control over the dough consistency.