13 Ways To Use Cinnamon Sticks In Cooking

Cinnamon sticks are the most tempting spice in everyone’s kitchen when adding aromatic flavors to food. Whether baking or cooking savory dishes, cinnamon sticks fit in everywhere and amplify the taste and aroma to the next level.

You will be surprised to know that cinnamon sticks have hundreds of health benefits. Having said that, it is time to explore all the ways to use cinnamon sticks in cooking and add a little spice to our lives. 

13 Ways To Use Cinnamon Sticks In Cooking 

For sure, cinnamon sticks are a great addition to food. Having said that, let’s explore 13 ways to use cinnamon sticks in cooking:

1. Baking Dishes

One of the best ways to use cinnamon sticks is in baking dishes. Cinnamon adds a cinnamon matic note and enhances the overall sweetness of the baked goods. You can add it to cakes, pastries, pies, and any sweet treat.

A hint of little spice from the cinnamon also adds to the overall flavor and complements the dish’s sweetness. You can even bake bread infused with cinnamon, and I bet you’ll love it. 

2. Stews, Broths And Soups

We all know that stews, broths, and soups are super comforting, and lots of spices and herbs are added to bring out the warm notes. 

Now, the cinnamon stick is undoubtedly the star element that adds fragrance, warmth, and depth to the overall flavor. So, add them while you make soups and broths and see the difference yourself. 

3. Sweet Desserts

I would suggest you add a little cinnamon to your sweet desserts and make them more tempting and spicy. This little touch will add more depth to your sweet treats.

I mean, you can add cinnamon sticks to your pies or custards, which will definitely elevate the sweet notes of the dessert. Moreover, try experimenting with ice cream flavors by adding a hint of ground cinnamon stick and enjoy the spicy kick. 

4. Beverages

Add cinnamon sticks to your cup of joe to make it more warm and comforting. Boil the stick while making your beverage so that it has tempting earthy and woodsy notes. 

I love sprinkling cinnamon powder on top of my latte, and I think you should try it, too. The flavor hits you at the right spot and enhances the beverage. 

5. Syrups

We all have used different syrups in various dishes. Now, many of us prefer making syrups at home. That is where cinnamon sticks come into the picture.

The moment you simmer some bits of cinnamon sticks, your kitchen will be filled with a nice, tempting aroma that is quite calming and relaxing. Moreover, you will also enjoy the spicy hint along with a teasing note in your syrup, especially sweet ones, which is quite tempting. 

6. Preserves And Condiments

From pickling to jams and jellies, cinnamon sticks are also helpful in preserving food items for a long time. This is because cinnamon has natural antifungal properties.

Therefore, use them in your next pickles or jam and make them long-lasting while adding aromatic and spicy notes. 

7. Mulled Wine or Cider

Many of you don’t know, but you can make your wine more aromatic and flavorful with just a little addition of cinnamon stick. Toss the cinnamon stick and bring holiday magic to your drink.

The fragrant warmth of cinnamon sticks will indeed blend beautifully with rich notes of mulled wine. Moreover, due to cinnamon’s mood and properties, you can also experience aromatherapy. 

8. Garnishing

What’s better than sprinkling some little spice onto your cooked food? I prefer sprinkling some ground cinnamon over the food. This way, the food gets fresh and earthy notes to the dish. Moreover, a little spice from cinnamon in your fruit salads and parfaits adds an aromatic touch of cinnamon powder. 

9. Healthy Drinks

Cinnamon is also known for numerous health benefits, and now it’s time to incorporate its goodness into your daily life. Surprisingly, you can replace sugar in your drinks with cinnamon sticks and enjoy the health benefits. 

Make some detox water by adding cinnamon sticks, lemon, and other detoxing ingredients. There are different recipes, like golden milk, that you can try, and you will be surprised by the effects. 

10. Holiday/Seasonal Dishes

Pumpkin spice latte, eggnog, gingerbread—you name it—cinnamon sticks are one of the essential ingredients that make so many seasonal dishes more tempting and flavorful. 

Cinnamon sticks are an integral part of seasonal dishes, so let’s continue the tradition and infuse our lives with spicy and sweet notes. 

11. Flavoring Meats And Seafood

The spice rub blend is used to marinate meats, and obviously, cinnamon sticks are part of the spice rub. Cinnamon sticks can also be used in seafood items.

For instance, you can sear salmon marinated with cinnamon and other spices. Trust me, the final flavor would have enhanced umami notes with a hint of spicy touch. 

12. Snacks

From bars to granola, cinnamon sticks are quite a great sugar substitute. So, if you are trying to stay fit and reduce sugar, use cinnamon powder, and you will enjoy the replacement. Whip some powder in the batch or sprinkle on top, and you will love the enhanced notes. 

13. Slow Cooking

Slow cooking infuses the dish with lots of flavor and aroma. Without any doubt, cinnamon has to be a part of slow cooking. The best thing about cinnamon is that it has more warm notes when cooked longer. So drop one or two sticks and let the magic happen.

Conclusion

Now that you know all the ways to use cinnamon sticks, I am sure that it will be easier to incorporate them into your daily life. Trust me, using cinnamon sticks not only elevates the flavor but also has so many health benefits that are too good to be true. 

From the options I have mentioned, choose whatever pleases your taste buds and enjoy the addition of exotic aroma to your life. I hope that you find this discussion helpful. I will be back soon with something similar.