Vanilla Cinnamon Sugar Christmas Bites Recipe – Warm Little Nibbles of Holiday Joy

There’s a certain hush that falls over the kitchen when the oven first clicks on; then the house fills with a sweet, spicy scent. Right away I think of my grandmother humming while she stirred — and that familiar feeling returns every time I bake these Vanilla Cinnamon Sugar Christmas Bites. They smell like holiday mornings, and within the first 100 words I’ll tell you: this recipe is tiny, cozy, and impossible not to share.

If you want a small, buttery bite that warms the palms and the heart, keep reading. Also, if you like pairing treats with coffee or gifting homemade goodies, these will become a favorite. By the way, while you’re planning a dessert spread, you might enjoy this Christmas custard pie I tried last year — it pairs beautifully with tiny bites.

Why You’ll Love It

• Quick and easy to make, so you can bake a batch between errands.
• Comforting homemade flavor — warm cinnamon and vanilla in every nibble.
• Made with simple ingredients you probably already have in the pantry.
• Great for any occasion, whether a casual brunch or a holiday cookie swap.
• Always a crowd-pleaser; kids love them, and grown-ups keep coming back.

Also, these Vanilla Cinnamon Sugar Christmas Bites travel well and freeze perfectly for last-minute treats. For other cozy sweets, check out this vanilla sprinkle loaf if you want a centerpiece dessert.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted — use unsalted butter so you can control the salt
• 1 large egg
• 3/4 cup milk — room temperature works best for even mixing
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tsp baking powder

Also, for a little extra holiday crunch, sprinkle a pinch of coarse sugar on top before baking. For inspo on cinnamon-forward treats, I like to compare ideas with this brown sugar cinnamon cookie recipe.

How to Make It

1. Preheat and prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), and grease a mini bite or mini muffin pan. When the oven warms, the kitchen fills with a cozy hum.
2. Mix dry: In a bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cinnamon, and baking powder. Stir until the mixture looks even and slightly sandy.
3. Whisk wet: In another bowl, whisk the melted butter, egg, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and glossy. You’ll see tiny ribbons when it’s ready.
4. Combine gently: Pour the wet into the dry, and fold until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix; otherwise the bites lose their tender crumb.
5. Fill molds: Spoon the batter into the mini molds, filling each about 2/3 full. Then tap the pan lightly so the batter settles and air bubbles escape.
6. Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the bites are golden and a toothpick comes out clean. You’ll smell the cinnamon first, and then the vanilla — that’s your cue.
7. Finish: Once cooled slightly, dust the bites with cinnamon sugar before serving. They should be warm, soft in the center, and slightly crisp at the edges.

Also, for a slightly different texture, try a version inspired by these cinnamon-sugar blondies — I sometimes fold in a tablespoon of brown sugar for depth.

Kitchen Tips

• Time-saver: Melt the butter in the microwave while you measure the dry ingredients so everything moves faster.
• Common fix: If the batter looks too thick, add a splash more milk; conversely, if it’s too thin, fold in a tablespoon of flour.
• Flavor twist: Add a pinch of nutmeg or swap half the cinnamon for cardamom for a warm, floral note. For a savory-sweet experiment, try a mini version inspired by my favorite cinnamon-sugar crescent pizza idea.

Serving Ideas

Serve these little bites warm on a simple platter. Also, they shine at:

• Sunday brunch with coffee and orange marmalade.
• Holiday cookie plates alongside spiced nuts or tarts.
• A cozy night in, with a throw blanket and a mug of cocoa.

Garnish with a dusting of cinnamon sugar, a tiny dollop of whipped cream, or a sliver of candied orange peel for a festive touch.

Storing & Leftovers

• Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Also, they stay moist when layered with parchment.
• Freeze cooled bites in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and warm for 10–15 seconds in the microwave.
• Leftover idea: Split and fill with cream cheese or jam to make mini sandwich treats for lunchboxes.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Definitely! It often tastes even better the next day, and reheating for a few seconds brings back that fresh-baked warmth.

Q: Can I swap any ingredients?
A: Of course! Use what you have — swap milk for almond milk or try melted coconut oil instead of butter. These Vanilla Cinnamon Sugar Christmas Bites are forgiving.

Q: What’s the best way to serve it?
A: Fresh from the pan, while it’s still warm and aromatic. Add a dusting of cinnamon sugar and watch them disappear.

Q: How do I know it’s perfectly cooked?
A: Look for golden edges, a springy top, and that fragrant cinnamon-vanilla smell — then test with a toothpick.

Conclusion

I hope you give these Vanilla Cinnamon Sugar Christmas Bites a try this season; they’re small moments of joy. Also, if you love video how-tos, check out this helpful Cinnamon Roll Bites (VIDEO) – The Recipe Rebel for another bite-sized idea. Meanwhile, if you want a crunchy companion for your cookie tray, this Cinnamon Sugar Pecans or Almonds – Dining With Debbie recipe makes a lovely pairing. Try the Vanilla Cinnamon Sugar Christmas Bites and make them your own — then tell me how you tweaked them!

Vanilla Cinnamon Sugar Christmas Bites

These tiny, buttery Vanilla Cinnamon Sugar Christmas Bites are warm little nibbles filled with comforting flavors of cinnamon and vanilla, perfect for sharing or pairing with coffee.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 12 minutes mins

Total Time 22 minutes mins

Servings: 24 bites

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American, Holiday

Calories: 50

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Batter ingredients

• 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 0.75 cups granulated sugar Use refined sugar for the best texture.
• 0.5 cups unsalted butter, melted Use unsalted butter for better control over saltiness.
• 1 large egg Room temperature for better mixing.
• 0.75 cups milk Room temperature works best for even mixing.
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tsp baking powder

For topping

• pinch coarse sugar For an extra holiday crunch.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), and grease a mini bite or mini muffin pan.

Mixing ingredients

1. In a bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cinnamon, and baking powder. Stir until slightly sandy.
2. In another bowl, whisk melted butter, egg, milk, and vanilla until smooth and glossy.
3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry, and fold until just combined. Avoid over-mixing.

Baking

1. Spoon the batter into the mini molds, filling each about 2/3 full.
2. Tap the pan lightly to settle the batter and release air bubbles.
3. Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
4. Once cooled slightly, dust the bites with cinnamon sugar before serving.

Notes

Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Freeze for up to 2 months. Great for serving warm with coffee, and can be used in creative desserts like mini sandwiches with cream cheese or jam.