Of course! Cinnamon toast is the ultimate comfort food—simple, warm, and incredibly satisfying. It can be as basic as three ingredients or elevated to something truly special.
Here’s a guide to making the absolute best cinnamon toast, from the quick everyday method to the legendary “secret” restaurant-style technique.
The Core Concept:
It’s all about creating a cinnamon-sugar paste that transforms in the oven or toaster into a crispy, caramelized crust.
—
1. The Classic & Quick Stovetop/Toaster Method
This is the fastest way to satisfy a craving.
Ingredients:
· Bread (white, wheat, or brioche work well)
· Softened butter
· Granulated sugar
· Ground cinnamon
Ratio for Cinnamon Sugar: A good starting ratio is 1 tablespoon sugar to 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Adjust to your taste! You can make a big batch of this and keep it in a jar.
Instructions:
1. Toast the Bread: Toast your bread in a toaster or under a broiler until lightly golden.
2. Butter: Immediately spread a generous layer of softened butter on the hot toast. The heat from the toast will help melt the butter, which is key.
3. Sprinkle: Sprinkle your cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the buttered toast, right to the edges.
4. Melt (Optional but Recommended): If you have a broiler, place the toast on a baking sheet and broil for 30-60 seconds, watching CLOSELY, until the sugar bubbles and caramelizes. Alternatively, you can pop it in a toaster oven on the “toast” setting for a minute. This melting step is what takes it from good to great.
—
2. The Ultimate Oven-Baked Method (The Best Way)
This method creates a perfectly crispy, caramelized, and irresistible slice that’s worth the extra few minutes. It’s the secret behind famous restaurant cinnamon toast.
Ingredients:
· 4 slices of good bread (Brioche, Texas Toast, or a sturdy white bread are perfect)
· 4 tbsp (½ stick) unsalted butter, very soft
· ¼ cup granulated sugar
· 1 heaping tbsp ground cinnamon
· A tiny pinch of salt (enhances all the flavors)
Instructions:
1. Preheat: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Make the Cinnamon Paste: In a small bowl, mix the very soft butter, sugar, cinnamon, and salt together until it forms a smooth, spreadable paste.
3. Assemble: Place your bread slices on the baking sheet. Spread the cinnamon-butter paste evenly and thickly over each slice, all the way to the edges. This will create a caramelized “crust.”
4. Bake: Bake for 10-15 minutes. Then, turn the oven to broil/grill and broil for 1-2 minutes, WATCHING IT CONSTANTLY to prevent burning, until the top is bubbly and dark golden brown.
5. Serve: Let it cool for just a minute (the sugar is molten lava hot!). Serve immediately.
—
Chef’s Notes & Pro Tips for the Best Cinnamon Toast:
· The Butter is Key: Your butter must be very soft to create a smooth paste that won’t tear the bread. Take it out of the fridge an hour ahead, or microwave it for a few seconds at low power.
· Go to the Edges: Spreading the mixture all the way to the edges prevents burning the bare bread and ensures every single bite is delicious.
· The Bread Matters:
· Texas Toast or Brioche: Thick and soft, they provide a great base for the crunchy topping.
· Sourdough: Adds a lovely tangy contrast to the sweet topping.
· Whole Wheat: Provides a nutty, hearty flavor.
· Flavor Upgrades:
· Add Extract: Mix a drop or two of vanilla extract or almond extract into the butter paste.
· Add Citrus: Add a little grated orange or lemon zest to the mixture.
· Spice It Up: Add a tiny pinch of nutmeg or cardamom along with the cinnamon.
· For a Crispy Bottom: Place the bread directly on the oven rack for the last few minutes of baking.
Enjoy your perfect, cozy treat