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Cinnamon Flat Bread: A Taste of Home

The scent of cinnamon baking always transports me back to my grandmother’s kitchen. She’d be humming a tuneless melody, her hands dusted with flour as she prepared treats for us grandkids. While her specialty was apple pie, sometimes she’d whip up a simple cinnamon flatbread – a warm, comforting snack that we devoured in minutes. The slightly crisp edges, the soft interior, and that burst of cinnamon-sugar sweetness—it was pure magic. Now, whenever I bake this simple flatbread, I feel connected to those cherished memories.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5-10 minutes
Total Time: 20-25 minutes
Servings: Variable, depending on how you cut it
Yields: 1 baking tray
Dietary Type: Vegetarian (can be made vegan – see variations)

Ingredients

Dough:

2 cups spelt flour (or whole wheat flour)
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons sugar
¾ cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)

Brushing:

1 egg yolk
1 tablespoon milk (dairy or non-dairy)

Topping:

2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
½ teaspoon cinnamon
⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

Equipment Needed

Large mixing bowl
Measuring cups and spoons
Rolling pin
Baking paper
Baking tray
Cooling rack

Instructions

In a large bowl, mix together the spelt flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Ensure all dry ingredients are well combined.
Add the milk to the dry ingredients.
Using slightly floured hands, mix the ingredients together until a dough forms. The dough should come together easily and not be overly sticky. Add a touch more flour if needed.
Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes. This develops the gluten and creates a slightly chewy texture.
Let the dough rest for about 10 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax, making it easier to roll out.
Preheat your oven to 480°F (250°C). Place the baking tray inside the oven while it preheats. This ensures a crispier bottom crust. The tray needs to be oven-safe.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough with a rolling pin. Aim for a thin dough – the thinner you roll it, the crispier the flatbread will become during baking. Think pizza dough thinness.
Place the rolled-out dough on a sheet of baking paper that is the same size as your baking tray. This will make it easy to transfer the flatbread to the hot baking tray.
In a small bowl, mix together the egg yolk and 1 tablespoon of milk.
Brush the entire surface of the dough with the egg yolk mixture. This will give the flatbread a beautiful golden color.
In another small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper (if using).
Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the brushed dough.
Carefully remove the hot baking tray from the oven.
Gently transfer the dough (on the baking paper) onto the hot baking tray.
Bake for about 5-10 minutes. If you prefer a softer flatbread, bake for 5 minutes. For a crispier flatbread, bake for up to 10 minutes, keeping a close eye on it. The flatbread is done when it’s golden brown and slightly puffed. You’ll likely see some “bubbles” forming during baking – that’s a good sign!
Remove the cinnamon flatbread from the oven and let it cool on a cooling rack.
Once slightly cooled, cut the flatbread into pieces and serve.

Expert Tips & Tricks

For an extra crispy crust, brush the baking tray with a little melted butter before placing the baking paper on it.
If you don’t have brown sugar, you can use granulated sugar, but the brown sugar adds a richer, caramel-like flavor.
Don’t over-knead the dough. Over-kneading can result in a tough flatbread.
Watch the flatbread carefully during the last few minutes of baking to prevent burning. Ovens can vary, so adjust the baking time accordingly.
If the edges are browning too quickly, you can loosely tent the flatbread with foil for the last few minutes of baking.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This cinnamon flatbread is delicious served warm, right out of the oven. It’s wonderful on its own, or you can pair it with a glass of milk, a cup of coffee, or your favorite tea. For a more substantial snack, serve it with jam, peanut butter, Nutella, cream cheese, or a dollop of Greek yogurt.

Leftovers can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days. To refresh, you can briefly reheat it in a toaster oven or a regular oven at a low temperature (around 300°F or 150°C) for a few minutes. You can also freeze the flatbread for up to 2 months. Thaw it completely before reheating.

Nutritional Information

Please note that these are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	250 kcal	13%
Total Fat	6g	8%
Saturated Fat	2g	10%
Cholesterol	30mg	10%
Sodium	150mg	7%
Total Carbohydrate	45g	15%
Dietary Fiber	3g	12%
Sugars	15g	–
Protein	5g	10%

Variations & Substitutions

Vegan: Replace the cow’s milk with almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk. Substitute the egg yolk brushing with a mixture of maple syrup and a touch of plant-based milk.
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. You may need to add a little more liquid to achieve the right dough consistency.
Spice It Up: Experiment with other spices in the topping, such as nutmeg, ginger, cardamom, or allspice.
Sweet Tooth: Add a drizzle of icing or a dusting of powdered sugar after baking for extra sweetness.
Fruity Twist: Top the flatbread with sliced apples, pears, or berries before baking.
Savory Option: Omit the sugar from the dough and the cinnamon-sugar topping. Brush with olive oil and sprinkle with herbs, garlic powder, and grated Parmesan cheese for a savory flatbread.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use regular all-purpose flour instead of spelt or whole wheat flour?

A: Yes, you can! The texture will be slightly different, resulting in a less nutty flavour, but still delicious.

Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?

A: Absolutely! You can prepare the dough, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Allow it to come to room temperature before rolling it out.

Q: My flatbread is burning on the bottom. What am I doing wrong?

A: Make sure your oven rack is positioned in the middle. Also, ensure the baking tray is preheated. You might also want to reduce the baking time or temperature slightly.

Q: Can I add nuts to the topping?

A: Yes, chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds would be a delightful addition to the cinnamon-sugar topping.

Q: Is the cayenne pepper really necessary?

A: No, it’s optional. It adds a subtle warmth and a hint of spice that complements the cinnamon, but you can definitely omit it if you prefer.

Final Thoughts

I sincerely hope you enjoy this simple yet satisfying cinnamon flatbread recipe. It’s a delightful treat that can be enjoyed any time of day. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different toppings and variations to make it your own. Bake it, share it, and savor the moment. And if you happen to make it, I’d love to hear about your experience! Perhaps pair it with a homemade chai latte for an extra cosy experience. Happy baking!

Cinnamon Flat Bread Recipe