Why You Should Use Ceylon Cinnamon When Making Cinnamon Rolls

Cinnamon rolls are soft, sweet, and a warm treat worldwide. But did you know that the type of cinnamon you use can destroy the flavor, aroma, and even the healthiness of your cinnamon rolls?

If you’re using common store-bought cinnamon, there’s a high chance you’re using Cassia cinnamon, a cheaper, less healthy, and more pungent variety. For the perfect cinnamon roll, there’s one clear winner. It is Ceylon cinnamon, also known as “True Cinnamon,” that is not only delicious but also healthier.

What is Ceylon Cinnamon?

Ceylon cinnamon comes from the inner bark of the Cinnamomum Zeylanicum tree, native to Sri Lanka. It has a light brown color, a delicate texture, and a sweet and floral flavor that sets it apart from the harsh, spicy notes of Cassia cinnamon.

Because of its refined taste, Ceylon cinnamon is famous among chefs and bakers around the world when quality matters.

1. Superior Flavor for a Refined, Balanced Roll

Cinnamon rolls rely on the right balance of sugar, butter, and spice. Cassia cinnamon has a harsh, sharp flavor that can overpower the sweetness of the dough and glaze.

Ceylon cinnamon, on the other hand, has:

• A mild, sweet aroma

• A light citrusy undertone

• A smooth warmth without bitterness

This creates a more balanced and gourmet cinnamon roll, allowing the buttery dough and cream cheese frosting to shine alongside the spice not compete with it.

2. Heavenly Aroma That Fills Your Kitchen

The smell of cinnamon rolls baking is pure comfort and with Ceylon cinnamon, that aroma becomes even more irresistible. Because of its higher concentration of essential oils, especially cinnamaldehyde, Ceylon cinnamon produces a sweeter and more inviting scent. Your home will smell like a professional bakery, drawing everyone to the kitchen.

3. Better Texture and Appearance in the Filling

Ceylon cinnamon is usually ground into a finer powder than Cassia, allowing it to blend seamlessly into your brown sugar and butter filling. The result?

• Even spreading throughout the dough

• No gritty or overpowering spice pockets

• A smoother swirl pattern after baking

This means Ceylon cinnamon will help you to get a visually perfect cinnamon roll and a melt-in-your-mouth texture that customers and guests will love.

4. Healthier for You and Your Family

One of the biggest reasons to use Ceylon cinnamon over Cassia is health.

Cassia cinnamon contains high levels of coumarin, a compound that may cause liver damage and blood thinning if consumed in large amounts. Just one teaspoon of Cassia a day could exceed the recommended daily limit of coumarin.

Ceylon cinnamon contains very low levels of coumarin almost negligible. That means it’s:

• Safe for regular use

• Better for kids, pregnant women, and sensitive individuals

• A smarter choice for health-conscious bakers

If you’re making cinnamon rolls often or baking them for customers Ceylon cinnamon is the safer and healthier option.

5. Authenticity that Reflects Premium Quality

Using Ceylon cinnamon shows that you care about quality and authenticity whether you’re baking at home or selling your cinnamon rolls at a bakery.

Mentioning your rolls as made with “True Ceylon Cinnamon from Sri Lanka” adds a gourmet, premium appeal that sets your product apart.

It shows:

• You care about natural ingredients

• You value better health and flavor

• You use real cinnamon, not a substitute

It will glorify your brand.

6. Pairs Beautifully with Other Ingredients

Ceylon cinnamon improves the other key elements of cinnamon rolls:

• Brown sugar: Accentuates the caramel notes

• Butter: Balances the richness

• Cream cheese frosting: Doesn’t clash or overwhelm

• Vanilla and nutmeg: Harmonizes without conflict

This synergy makes Ceylon cinnamon the perfect partner for a multi-layered, indulgent flavor profile.

7. Easy to Source and Store

While Ceylon cinnamon is less common in supermarkets, it’s easily available online in both stick and powdered form. And when stored properly in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, it can last up to 2–3 years with full potency.

Especially, for cinnamon rolls, always choose finely ground Ceylon cinnamon powder for the smoothest filling. For example, Ceylon Cinnamon Powder by Cinnamon SL.

How Much Ceylon Cinnamon to Use in Rolls

Because Ceylon cinnamon is milder than Cassia, you may want to use slightly more in recipes for a bolder flavor. If a recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of regular cinnamon, use 1.25 teaspoons of Ceylon cinnamon.

Adjust to taste and don’t be afraid to let this beautiful spice shine.

Ready to Bake the Best Cinnamon Rolls Ever?
Shop pure, premium Ceylon cinnamon from Galle, Sri Lanka at CinnamonSL.com and taste the difference true cinnamon makes.