How To Grind Cinnamon Sticks: Beginner’s Guide (Updated)

Last Updated on September 14, 2024 by Shari Mason

Cinnamon plays a key role in adding magic to both **sweet treats** and **hearty meals**. Though **ground cinnamon** is pretty popular, many folks swear by **cinnamon sticks** for that extra **burst of flavor** that makes their dishes **shine**. They believe the sticks pack a **stronger** and more **potent** punch.

Grinding cinnamon sticks at home is an easy and cost-effective way to ensure that you have fresh cinnamon on hand whenever you need it. 

We’ll show you how to grind cinnamon sticks, including selecting the right equipment, preparing the cinnamon sticks, and storing the ground cinnamon for later use. 

5 Ways To Grind Cinnamon Sticks

1. Using A Mortar & Pestle

Using a mortar and pestle is a traditional method for grinding cinnamon sticks that involves crushing the cinnamon sticks by hand. To grind cinnamon [1] sticks using a mortar and pestle:

1. Start by breaking the cinnamon sticks into smaller pieces.
2. Place the pieces of cinnamon into the mortar and use the pestle to crush them into a coarse powder.
3. Continue to grind the cinnamon sticks until you have achieved the desired texture. If you prefer a finer texture, you can continue to grind the cinnamon sticks until they are a fine powder.

This method allows you to control the texture and size of the ground cinnamon, but it requires some effort and may be better for larger quantities of cinnamon. 

Overall, using a mortar and pestle is a great way to grind cinnamon sticks if you prefer a more hands-on approach to cooking and baking.

Read: What To Do If You Don’t Have A Food Processor?

2. Using A Coffee Grinder

A coffee grinder is a quick and easy way to grind cinnamon sticks. To grind cinnamon sticks using a coffee grinder, start by breaking the cinnamon sticks into smaller pieces that will fit in the grinder. 

Then, place the pieces of cinnamon into the grinder and pulse the grinder until you have achieved the desired texture. It is important to pulse the grinder rather than letting it run continuously to avoid overheating the cinnamon and the grinder. 

This method is ideal for those who want a uniform and fine texture of ground cinnamon and have a coffee grinder at home.

3. Using A Food Processor

A food processor [2] is a great way to grind larger quantities of cinnamon sticks quickly and efficiently.

To grind cinnamon sticks using a food processor, start by breaking the cinnamon sticks into smaller pieces that will fit in the processor bowl. 

Then, add the pieces of cinnamon to the processor bowl and pulse the processor until you have achieved the desired texture.

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It is important to pulse the processor rather than letting it run continuously to avoid overheating the cinnamon and the processor. 

Once you have ground the cinnamon sticks to your desired texture, transfer the ground cinnamon to a container with an airtight lid and store it in a cool, dry place. 

This method is ideal for those who need to grind large quantities of cinnamon sticks and want a consistent and uniform texture.

4. Using A Microplane

Using a microplane is a simple and effective way to grind small quantities of cinnamon sticks. To grind cinnamon sticks using a microplane, start by holding the cinnamon stick over a bowl and rubbing it back and forth across the microplane. 

The microplane will shave off tiny pieces of cinnamon, which will collect in the bowl. Continue to grate the cinnamon stick until you have achieved the desired texture. 

This method produces a fine and powdery texture of cinnamon, which is ideal for adding to drinks like coffee or hot chocolate. 

5. Using A Blender

Using a blender is another method for grinding cinnamon sticks. Still, using a dry blade attachment and pulsing the cinnamon sticks in short bursts is essential to avoid overheating the blender. 

To grind cinnamon sticks using a blender, start by breaking the cinnamon sticks into smaller pieces that will fit in the blender.

Then, add the pieces of cinnamon to the blender and pulse the blender in short bursts until you have achieved the desired texture. 

It is important to pulse the blender rather than letting it run continuously to avoid overheating the cinnamon and the blender. 

FAQs

Key Takeaways

Grinding cinnamon sticks is an easy and cost-effective way to ensure that you have fresh and flavorful cinnamon on hand whenever you need it. 

Whether you prefer a more traditional method, like a mortar and pestle, or a more modern method, like a coffee grinder or food processor, there are several ways to grind cinnamon sticks to suit your personal preferences and equipment. 

By following the steps outlined in this article, you can elevate your cooking and baking to the next level with freshly ground cinnamon.

References:

1. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/10-proven-benefits-of-cinnamon
2. https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/appliances/a26064214/best-food-processors-review/