Want to know the easiest way to make homemade vanilla cinnamon syrup? Here is a quick 5-minute recipe that anyone can make to enhance the flavor of your morning coffee. With no unnecessary additives and only whole ingredients, this syrup is a healthier alternative to store-bought options.

If you’re getting tired of your standard coffee recipe, or want a latte that tastes like it’s made by your favorite coffee shop, this vanilla coffee syrup with a touch of cinnamon is exactly what you need. After learning how simple this recipe is, you’ll see that it doesn’t take a barista to make a delicious cup of coffee. 

This post is all about the easiest cinnamon vanilla syrup you can make!

About simple syrup

Simple syrups are quick, easy, and versatile sweetener to keep on hand. Whether you want to add a dash to coffee, cocktail, or sweet treat, these syrups are a great staple to keep in the kitchen.

Simple syrups are always made with the same base of a 1:1 ratio of sweetener to water. The beautiful thing about simple syrups is that as long as the base ratio is the same, you can customize the recipe however you would like.

I personally love using simple syrups, especially in my cold drinks. While sweeteners struggle to dissolve without heat, the water in simple syrup creates a perfect liquid sweetener, easily mixed into any temperature beverage. 

Ways to use simple syrup

Simple syrup is versatile and can be a wonderful addition to several types of recipes:

1. Coffee & tea: Having an array of syrups is a fun way to spice up your morning beverage.
2. Cocktails & mocktails: An easy way to add some extra flavor and expand recipe possibilities.
3. Homemade lemonade: Simple syrup dissolves easily in cold drinks, making it a perfect addition to any homemade soda or juice.
4. Pancakes & waffles: Tired of standard maple syrup? Make your own fruit-infused syrup to drizzle on top instead.
5. Baked goods: Brushing simple syrup on top of baked goods is a great way to add moisture and a little extra flavor.
6. Yogurt bowls: Elevate your yogurt bowl by swapping regular honey for a flavorful infused syrup. It’s such an easy way to add some more flavor and make your food all the more special.

How different sweeteners change the flavor

Granulated sugar: This is generally a go-to option for a more neutral flavor. Using granulated sugar will add sweetness while not taking away from the flavor of the additives.

Brown sugar: The molasses in brown sugar provides a warmer, rich flavor that is especially perfect during winter months. This sugar will create a caramel flavor profile that is paired especially well with cinnamon. 

Agave: The flavor of agave varies depending on the type (light, amber, or dark). However, all agave is about 30% sweeter than granulated sugar, so make sure to keep that in mind. Darker agave syrups have a richer flavor and more notes of caramel. Light agave has a more neutral flavor, similar to (but sweeter than) granulated sugar.

Honey: Honey has a more complex flavor than other sugars, with a more floral, earthy undertone. This, however, changes based on the type of honey you buy. For example, orange blossom honey carries a hint of citrus, while wildflower honey has a richer, warm flavor. Doing research on types of honey could help enhance the flavor of your syrup!

Pro health tip: Using raw, unfiltered honey can be a great way to sneak some additional nutrients in your diet. This honey contains several antioxidants and various vitamins (including potassium, calcium, zinc, and magnesium). It can also be used as a natural way to fight stubborn seasonal allergies. 

Maple syrup: This natural sweetener has rich vanilla and caramel undertones, making it my sweetener of choice for this recipe. Its warmth pairs beautifully with the cinnamon while enhancing the vanilla flavor. Similar to raw honey, maple syrup provides antioxidants and essential minerals, boosting its nutritional value. 

Cooking tips

While simple syrup is incredibly easy to make, a few things should be kept in mind to make it a success!

1. Don’t boil the mixture! There’s no need for the mixture to be heated beyond a simmer. Sugar can burn easily and make your syrup taste bitter. Patience is key.
2. Don’t overcook the syrup. Once the sugar and water are completely combined, there’s no need to keep heating the mixture. Overcooking can cause the mixture to carmalize.
3. Stir regularly. To avoid unnecessary burning or uneven heating, make sure to intermittently stir the mixture until the sweetener has completely dissolved in the water.
4. Add extracts after the mixture has cooled. Cooking an alcohol-based extract with the syrup can dull the desired flavor due to evaporation. Adding the extract to a cool mixture will ensure the flavor is preserved. 
5. If you want to make a thicker syrup, use a 2:1 ratio of sweetener to water. For example, instead of using 1 cup of honey and 1 cup of water, use 2 cups of honey and 1 cup of water. 
6. How do you know when it’s finished? You’ll know to stop heating your syrup when the sweetener has completely dissolved and the mixture is clear (not cloudy).
7. Prevent crystalization. To avoid your syrup crystallizing, you can add a dash of lemon juice or cream of tartar. This acidity helps prevent sugar crystals from forming.
   1. Also, make sure to avoid touching the mixture while it cools. The movement of sugar molecules during the cooling process causes them to clump together rather than settle in the mixture. 

Recipe

Equipment

• Small saucepan
• Whisk or wooden spoon
• Airtight jar or container

Ingredients

• Maple syrup
• Water
• Cinnamon
• Vanilla extract

Instructions

To begin making your syrup, add the maple syrup and water to a saucepan and mix. Turn the stove on to medium/high heat until the mixture begins to simmer (but not boil). Stir occasionally to prevent the sugar from burning.

Once the syrup is bubbling, lower the heat to keep the mixture at a low simmer. Continue to stir intermittently until the mixture is fully combined.

Remove the syrup from heat once the mixture is fully combined. You’ll know it’s done when there are no sugar granules and the mixture is clear (not cloudy). 

Stir in the cinnamon immediately after removing the syrup from the stove. Adding it to the hot mixture will ensure it dissolves completely and retains its flavor. Don’t touch the syrup again until it has cooled.

Once the syrup is cool, mix in your vanilla extract. Feel free to taste-test it and add more vanilla or cinnamon if desired.

Pour the mixture into an airtight container and store it for up to a month. I recommend refrigeration to preserve shelf life and flavor. 

There you go! You now have a delicious, homemade vanilla and cinnamon syrup to use in your various cooking adventures. Enjoy!

Storing tips

Keep your homemade simple syrup in an airtight jar for up to a month. If you use a 2:1 ratio of sweetener to water, you can store the syrup for up to six months!