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How to make Homemade Cinnamon extract and its uses

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This homemade cinnamon extract is a great addition to baked goods, can add a little kick to cocktails and chocolate, and can help enhance hair.

Cinnamon is the number one spice used the most in baked goods globally. While it is available in cinnamon sticks or powder, the pure cinnamon essence wraps all flavors and fragrances of cinnamon in one small bottle that you can carry anywhere you want.

Moreover, by preserving cinnamon in alcohol, the fragrance and taste last much longer than in powder form.

cinnamon extract for hair

What is Cinnamon Extract?

The pure cinnamon extract, also called cinnamon essence or cinnamon tincture, is a concentrate made by infusing cinnamon bark sticks in alcohol. The alcohol acts as a menstruum that pulls out the active ingredients from the cinnamon bark and concentrates them as a liquid. This cinnamon extract recipe has the taste and scent of cinnamon and its medicinal benefits.

Alcohol not only extracts the cinnamon’s properties but also acts as a preserving agent. That is why cinnamon extract liquid has a long shelf life when stored properly. In addition, homemade extract is a great way to stock your baking pantry and makes a beautiful gift!

In this tutorial, you will learn how to make cinnamon extract at home, which cinnamon variety to use, and what are the benefits and ways to use it.

how to make cinnamon extract

Effect of cinnamon

Low Blood Sugar – Cinnamon may help lower blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity. Meta-analysis revealed that cinnamon or cinnamon extract improves fasting blood glucose in type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance compared with a placebo.
Anti-Inflammatory & Antioxidant – It contains powerful antioxidants that reduce inflammation.
Heart Health – It may help lower cholesterol and triglycerides.

Antimicrobial – studies have also found natural antibacterial and antifungal properties.
Brain Health – Some studies suggest it may help protect against neurodegenerative diseases.
Digestive Support – Traditionally used to soothe indigestion and bloating.

Skin benefits –  Another small study suggests that cinnamon increases collagen production, which makes your skin look younger.

Ingredients to make cinnamon extract

While you can find cinnamon extract liquid in the supermarket, I prefer the homemade version. You can select the right ingredients and have the essence for a fraction of the bought.

Cinnamon sticks

Cinnamon is a spice obtained from the inner bark of cinnamon trees known as Cinnamomum. It has a long history of uses dating back to ancient times when cinnamon was a rare and valuable spice. Nowadays, cinnamon spice is affordable and easily available in supermarkets and there are two varieties of cinnamon:

Ceylon cinnamon sticks, also called “true,” is mainly imported from Sri Lanka and Madagascar and found mostly in Europe and Mexico. Ceylon cinnamon has a sweet and floral aroma and light color.

Cassia cinnamon, referred to as cinnamon, has a deep reddish-brown color and is imported from China and India.

pure cinnamon extract

In this study, however, researchers pointed out that the Cassia cinnamon may contain significant amounts of coumarin, which is believed to be harmful in large doses. Thus cinnamon extract made from fine Ceylon cinnamon is much better in this regard, and studies show that the level of coumarin is much lower than the Cassia variety.

Unfortunately, most cinnamon found in US supermarkets sells cheaper Cassia variety. For Ceylon, type check some health food stores.

When making cinnamon essence or tea, remember that the stronger the cinnamon scent, the more potent homemade cinnamon extract you make. So use fresh cinnamon sticks from a freshly opened package.

how to make cinnamon tincture

Alcohol

To extract all medicinal properties, fragrances, and taste of cinnamon, we need to use ethanol 40-50% and 80-100 proof of alcohol (also ethyl alcohol or grain spirit) available in a pharmacy. You can also use unflavored vodka. Other alcohols like rum or brandy also pull the flavors and cinnamon properties; however, they have a taste that may affect the final flavor of your cinnamon essence. 

How to make cinnamon extract

First step

Place cinnamon sticks into a sterilized jar. You may want to break them in half if they don’t fit in.

Second step

Pour over the alcohol of your choice. Make sure the cinnamon sticks are covered completely

Third step

Cover the jar with a plastic lid. If you have a jar with a metal lid, place parchment paper between the top and jar. 

Fourth step

Place the jar in a dark, cold place for four weeks. Keep an eye on the jar as you need to shake it from time to time (every second day) 

Fifth step

Remove the cinnamon sticks, and transfer the pure cinnamon extract to a dark dropper bottle. Label it. 

Note: Unlike other extracts such as vanilla or coffee beans that you can leave in your extract jar long time, cinnamon sticks can taste bitter and ruin the extract if you keep cinnamon sticks in the alcohol too long. Once the extract reaches desired taste and flavor, remove the sticks. 

pure cinnamon extract

How to use cinnamon extract

cooking or drinks

Just a few drops give any recipe an unmistakable cinnamon flavor. The flavoring is intense so just be careful not to use too much. It is better to experiment at the beginning, start with a little, and add more to the taste.

I use a dropper bottle rather than just a regular bottle for a better dosage.

Instead of cinnamon whiskey, add a few drops to these cinnamon toast crunch shots.

Cinnamon essence for baking

This cinnamon extract recipe adds a unique flavor to desserts and pastries and is the most popular spice in baked goods worldwide. 

Homemade cinnamon rolls…..

cookies, tea, sauces, dressings, puddings, cakes, and sorbet for an unmistakable cinnamon flavor.

Potent cinnamon essence is the perfect ingredient for any whipped cream, icing, frosting, or topping;

I like the delicate fragrance of this homemade cinnamon essence on my ice cream sorbets, morning smoothie, popsicles, or pancakes. You can alternate with coffee or vanilla extract.

homemade cinnamon extract

Cinnamon extract for hair

For hair growth

Researchers confirmed that cinnamon contains cinnamaldehyde that increases circulation and blood flow to the hair follicles, thus supporting hair growth. However, more studies are needed.

to ease dandruff

According to this study, cinnamon possesses antifungal properties that work against a fungus that causes dandruff; thus, including cinnamon extract in your shampoo or conditioner helps to ease dandruff.

Alternatively, you can make your hair mask where you just gently heat ¼ cup of coconut oil and ¼ cup of olive oil in a small saucepan over low heat to melt don’t need to boil the mixture. Add 20 drops (1/2 teaspoon) of this cinnamon essence recipe to create a hair mask. This mask you can apply to your scalp and hair and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. Wash it with shampoo. When used regularly on the scalp, this cinnamon mask may stimulate circulation, thus encouraging hair growth and reducing hair loss. It also has antifungal properties, which might help treat dandruff.

Similarly, works also cinnamon oil.

how to make a homemade cinnamon extract from ground cinnamon?

Technically you can also make the cinnamon extract with cinnamon powder when freshly ground, but you may have difficulties sieving the fine powder. You may have to use several layers of cheesecloth or repeat the process of sieving several times to achieve a clear cinnamon extract without any grit

cinnamon extract liquid
Yield: 240 ml (1 cup, 8 oz)

How to make cinnamon extract and its uses

cinnamon extract recipe

If you want to give your food the right touch, use cinnamon extract. It makes a great addition to baked goods but can also give a little kick to cocktails, chocolate or help to enhance your hair.

Cook Time 20 minutes
Additional Time 28 days
Total Time 28 days 20 minutes

Ingredients

Instructions

Place cinnamon sticks into a sterilized jar. You may want to break them in half if they don’t fit in.

Pour over the alcohol of your choice. Make sure the cinnamon sticks are covered completely

Cover the jar with a plastic lid. If you have a jar with a metal lid, place parchment paper between the top and jar. 

Place the jar in a dark, cold place for four weeks. Keep an eye on the jar as you need to shake it from time to time (every second day) 

Remove the cinnamon sticks and transfer the pure cinnamon extract to a dark dropper bottle. Label it.

Notes

Unlike other extracts such as vanilla or coffee beans that you can leave in your extract jar long time, cinnamon sticks can taste bitter and ruin the extract if you keep cinnamon sticks in the alcohol too long. Once the extract reaches desired taste and flavor, remove the sticks. 

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

40

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 98Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 0mgCarbohydrates: 0gFiber: 0gSugar: 0gProtein: 0g

Did you make this recipe?

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Vladka Merva on January 29th, 2025

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