Cinnamon Sugar Rice

This simple cinnamon sugar rice is an easy, no-cook version of rice pudding that comes together in just moments. The sweet cinnamon sugar mixture makes leftover rice taste extraordinary! This recipe can easily be made dairy-free and is naturally gluten-free too.

If you need a quick and easy dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth, you found it! This cinnamon rice recipe is an old-fashioned family favorite. The milk softens the rice slightly, and the cinnamon sugar mixture brings it to life. Serve it with some creamy hot cocoa or a molasses cookie for an extra special treat!

Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Sugar Rice

• Super simple dessert - It doesn’t get much easier than this! You’re simply mixing cooked with sugar, cinnamon, and milk for a warm, cozy treat. No stove is needed!
• Kid-friendly - I grew up eating this dessert as a simple treat after a meal. Kids love it!
• Great way to use leftover rice - Do you ever find yourself with way too much leftover rice? Put it to good use and make this easy rice with cinnamon and sugar. You’ll want to start making extra rice on purpose!

Variations

• Add dried fruit and nuts - Stir in some raisins, dried cranberries, or your favorite dried fruit, and add a sprinkle of chopped almonds or pistachios.
• Cook it on the stove - For a creamier dessert, cook the rice with milk and cinnamon on the stovetop. This will soften the rice slightly and allow the flavors to mingle together.
• Use a different sweetener - Although it’s classic to use regular white cane sugar, this rice dessert is also great with a little maple syrup or honey.
• Make it creamy - Use evaporated milk or a little half-and-half for a richer, creamier dessert.

How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Rice

1. Heat the rice in a small bowl in the microwave.
2. Sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar.
3. Top with milk.
4. Eat.

Expert Tips

• Preseason the rice - Cook it in coconut milk to give it a creamier texture and flavor.
• Use good quality cinnamon - Although this dish is excellent with any cinnamon, it’s incredibly flavorful with high-quality, fresh cinnamon.
• Warm the milk on the stove - If you’re not in a rush, gently warm it instead of zapping it in the microwave.

Recipe FAQs

What’s the best type of rice for cinnamon sugar rice?

You can really make this dessert with any type of cooked white rice. It’s especially yummy with fluffy long-grain varieties like Jasmine or Basmati rice.

What’s the difference between cinnamon sugar rice and rice pudding?

Think of cinnamon sugar rice as being more like oatmeal or breakfast cereal than pudding. The rice is not cooked down to create a thick, creamy pudding, like rice pudding. Instead, it’s reheated, sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar, and then the milk is poured on top. The rice won’t have time to absorb the liquid, so it’ll still stay runny. It’s one of those old-school, use-it-up recipes that tastes great, even if it’s incredibly simple!

How can you make cinnamon sugar rice even more flavorful?

If you want to take this dish to the next level, add some flavor powerhouses.

• Add a sprinkle of salt and a splash of vanilla extract.
• Replace the white sugar with brown sugar for extra flavor and richness.
• Infuse the milk with a cinnamon stick to let the cinnamon flavor really shine.
• Stir in some dried cranberries or cherries for a fruity pop, and sprinkle in some chopped nuts.
• A little fresh orange zest would really brighten it up, too!

More Rice Recipes To Try

• What to do with leftover rice
• Brown rice salad
• Egyptian Rice Recipe
• Caribbean rice salad