Sticky Cinnamon Rice is a heartwarming dish that pairs soft, tender rice with a luscious, spiced cinnamon sauce. A perfect choice for breakfast, dessert, or even a midday comfort snack, this creamy rice pudding-style recipe delivers a delicious balance of warmth, sweetness, and texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is the embodiment of comfort food. The rich, cinnamon-spiced syrup blends into every grain of the rice, creating a luxurious bite that satisfies both sweet cravings and emotional comfort. Here are a few reasons you’ll fall in love with Sticky Cinnamon Rice:

Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples you likely already have—rice, sugar, milk, and cinnamon.
Customizable Sweetness: Easily adaptable based on your preferred level of sweetness or spice.
Flexible Serving: Works well as a breakfast bowl, dessert, or even as a holiday treat.
Make Ahead Friendly: Can be stored and reheated for days of comforting goodness.
Naturally Gluten-Free: Perfect for those avoiding gluten, with easy swaps for dairy-free diets.

The dish evokes a nostalgic warmth reminiscent of childhood rice puddings, yet the boldness of cinnamon and optional toppings like candied pecans elevate it into something new.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

rice (short‑grain or medium‑grain preferred for creaminess)
water
milk (whole milk recommended for richness, but dairy-free options work well)
butter
brown sugar (light or dark)
ground cinnamon
vanilla extract
salt
optional toppings: chopped pecans, candied nuts, whipped cream, or maple drizzle

directions

Cook the Rice
Begin by rinsing 1 cup of rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming gummy. Combine the rinsed rice with 1 cup of water and a pinch of salt in a medium saucepan. Cover and bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to low. Cook for 15 minutes or until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender.
Prepare the Cinnamon Sauce
In a separate saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, stir in ½ cup brown sugar and 1 to 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon. Stir continuously until the mixture begins to bubble and the sugar dissolves. Slowly pour in 1 cup of milk, whisking constantly to avoid curdling. Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and continue to cook for 3–5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Combine and Simmer
Pour the warm cinnamon sauce over the cooked rice. Stir well to combine, allowing the rice to soak up the sauce. If the mixture is too thick, you can add more milk a few tablespoons at a time. Let it simmer gently for 5 more minutes until everything melds together into a thick, sticky consistency.
Serve and Garnish
Spoon into bowls or small jars. For added crunch and flavor, top with chopped pecans, candied walnuts, or even a sprinkle of nutmeg. For a decadent twist, add a dollop of whipped cream or drizzle with maple syrup.

Servings and timing

Yield: 4 servings
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

This quick and cozy recipe can be scaled up for gatherings or meal prep for the week.

Variations

One of the joys of Sticky Cinnamon Rice is how versatile it is. Here are some creative variations to make it your own:

Dairy-Free Version: Use oat milk, almond milk, or coconut milk instead of whole milk. Coconut milk gives a rich tropical note that pairs beautifully with cinnamon.
Add Fruit: Stir in raisins, chopped apples, or dates during the final cooking step for a fruity twist.
Nutty Crunch: Incorporate toasted almonds, pistachios, or candied pecans for texture.
Cocoa Swirl: Mix in a tablespoon of cocoa powder with the cinnamon sugar for a hint of chocolate flavor.
Spiced Upgrade: Add a pinch of ground nutmeg, cardamom, or clove for a more complex flavor profile.
Savory‑Sweet Hybrid: Add a small pinch of sea salt flakes and a splash of maple syrup to balance the sweetness with umami notes.

storage/reheating

Sticky Cinnamon Rice stores very well, making it perfect for advance preparation.

Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Not recommended due to changes in rice texture upon thawing.
Reheating: Warm gently in a saucepan or microwave with a few splashes of milk stirred in to restore its creaminess.

Pro tip: Let it sit for a few minutes after reheating to allow the flavor to intensify and the texture to return to optimal stickiness.

FAQs

What type of rice should I use?

Short‑grain or medium‑grain rice works best because of its natural starchiness, which results in a creamier and more cohesive dish. Jasmine rice is also a flavorful alternative.

Can I use pre-cooked rice?

Yes, you can use leftover cooked rice. Simply heat it gently and add the prepared cinnamon sauce. Let it simmer until the flavors absorb and the texture becomes sticky.

Is this recipe good for breakfast?

Absolutely. It’s a warm, filling, and naturally sweet meal that pairs well with fruit or yogurt, making it an ideal breakfast option.

Can I reduce the sugar content?

Yes. Use ¼ cup brown sugar instead of ½ cup for a lighter sweetness, or swap in natural sweeteners like honey, agave, or date syrup.

Does this need to be served hot?

It tastes best warm, but you can also serve it at room temperature or slightly chilled like traditional rice pudding.

Can this be made in a rice cooker?

Yes, you can cook the rice in a rice cooker and prepare the cinnamon sauce separately. Then combine them and let the flavors marry.

Is this gluten-free?

Yes, all ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free, but always check the packaging of individual products to ensure no cross-contamination.

What milk alternatives work best?

Oat milk and coconut milk offer excellent creaminess. Almond milk is lighter but still flavorful. Avoid using rice milk as it can result in an overly thin texture.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, simply double all ingredients. Use a larger pot and extend the simmering time slightly to ensure even heating and flavor distribution.

What toppings go best with this dish?

Top with chopped pecans, toasted coconut, caramel drizzle, or fresh fruit. For a festive touch, dust with cinnamon sugar or cocoa powder.

Conclusion

Sticky Cinnamon Rice is a classic example of how a few humble ingredients can transform into a rich and soul-satisfying dish. It blends the nostalgic comfort of rice pudding with the bold, aromatic flair of cinnamon and brown sugar. Perfectly suited for cold mornings or cozy evenings, this dish can be adapted to meet your dietary needs, flavor preferences, or seasonal tastes.

Whether you’re preparing a batch for a brunch table, looking for a warm bedtime snack, or seeking a dessert that’s indulgent without being overly complicated, Sticky Cinnamon Rice delivers on all fronts. Its comforting aroma, creamy texture, and gentle sweetness make it a timeless recipe to return to again and again.