Homemade Cinnamon Extract

Making homemade cinnamon extract just makes sense if you’re like me and love that earthy, warm, slightly spicy flavor of cinnamon.

Extract of cinnamon is crazy simple to make, the biggest investment is your time, waiting for the liquid to be infused from the cinnamon sticks. A great thing about this method is you don’t need any special ingredients.

Easy Cinnamon Extract

Cinnamon is one of those flavorings that can take just about anything up a notch. This cinnamon extract takes the deep earthy spice of cinnamon and turns it into a liquid extract you can use for anything you want without having to deal with having cinnamon bark in your recipe changing the look or texture. 

And the best part? You can use the bits and shards of cinnamon sticks that are often left over in the bottom of the bag!

What You’ll Need

• Cinnamon sticks: You can use whole or leftover cracked bits and pieces which is a handy way to use them up.
• Alcohol: Vodka or Everclear. Food-grade glycerine can also be used if you don’t want to use alcohol.

Making Extract Of Cinnamon

Super easy method of how to make cinnamon extract. In fact, this method can work for almost any other extract you might want to make. Vanilla, orange, etc.

1. Start by gathering your cinnamon bark (sticks or pieces) and add them to a clean and dry glass mason jar. Fill with the vodka or Everclear. Clean the rim of the jar of any spills and place on the lid.
2. Let the jar sit in a dark place for at least two months. Yes, that may seem like a long time, but trust me, it’s worth the wait! The longer the mixture sits, the stronger it can become. Whenever you remember (once or twice a week is great), give the jar a shake and go on with your day.
3. Once the 2 (or 3, or whenever you get to it) months are up, strain the mixture through a fine sieve (or a few layers of cheesecloth) to remove any tiny bits of cinnamon. And voila—homemade cinnamon extract!

Recipe Notes

• Vodka works really well because it doesn’t have a strong flavor, so it lets the cinnamon shine through, making it a more balanced choice for a wide variety of recipes.
• Everclear, on the other hand, has a much higher alcohol content, which results in a more intense extraction. This can be great if you want a very concentrated flavor, but it can also overpower more delicate dishes or drinks, so that’s something you’ll want to be mindful of.
• For a nice twist, try swapping vodka for brandy or dark rum.
• For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a split vanilla bean while making this extract. The result? A rich cinnamon-vanilla extract that will elevate anything from cookies to coffee.
• If you prefer the extract by itself, my recipe for Homemade Vanilla Extract can show you how to make that at home as well.
• As I mentioned earlier, if using vodka isn’t your thing, then use food-grade glycerin. (Organic please!). Use it in the same amounts as the alcohol, but the infusion time will take longer. You can plan on having the cinnamon extract ready in about 3-4 months. It may also impart a slight sweetness to the extract that wouldn’t be there if you used the alcohol.

Ways To Use Your Homemade Cinnamon Extract

There are so many ways to use this extract, I’m pretty confident that it will become a kitchen staple.

• Baking: Swap out vanilla extract (or use it in conjunction!) with cinnamon extract in your cakes, cookies, or muffins for a unique twist. It adds such a comforting, warm note that’s perfect for fall and winter.
• Cinnamon Whipped Cream: Whip up some decadent cinnamon whipped cream and use it to top pies (think pumpkin or apple)!
• Drinks: Add a splash to your morning coffee. Or add a splash to my Spiced Rum Hot Chocolate – trust me, it’s like having a fancy cafe drink right at home.
• Breakfast Toppings: Mix a few drops with honey and drizzle it over oatmeal, pancakes, or yogurt. It’s an easy way to elevate breakfast and adds a burst of cinnamon flavor.
• Cocktails: Use the extract to make homemade cinnamon-flavored cocktails, like a spiced old-fashioned or a hot toddy. It’s perfect for holiday gatherings.
• Gifting: This would probably be one of my favorite ways to use it. Create a gift basket with a small bottle of your homemade cinnamon extract, some whole cinnamon sticks, and a few cinnamon-themed recipe cards.

To keep your cinnamon extract fresh and flavorful, store it in a dark place like a pantry or cupboard. It should last for at least a year, but I have a feeling you’ll be reaching for it long before then!

Making this cinnamon extract has been such a rewarding little project, and I love how it’s added a special touch to my cooking and baking. If you try it out, let me know what you think or if you come up with any creative ways to use it!

Thanks for stopping by The Salty Pot and I hope you have a wonderful day!