Cinnamon Butter Gnocchi

Cinnamon Butter Gnocchi is a sweet Italian dessert – or more specifically a traditional carnival dish from Venice – made with tender potato gnocchi tossed in warm cinnamon butter and finished with brown sugar. This cozy dessert gnocchi is simple, nostalgic, and wonderfully indulgent, blurring the line between comfort food and dessert.

Hey, folks!

If you’re in the mood for something a little unexpected, what about this recipe? And if you’re looking at my photos thinking I’ve made a potato dish with baby potatoes… you’re not completely wrong. Because these are actually potato gnocchi – but in dessert form!

I think this gnocchi recipe is the most out of the ordinary that I have ever tried. I came across it on the Pasta Project last year, a blog where I have tried many traditional pasta recipes. Please be sure to check the original post to learn more about this unique recipe – Cinnamon Butter Gnocchi: Recipe from Veneto – The Pasta Project.

So, let’s dive into this recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Butter Gnocchi

• Unexpected and playful. Sweet gnocchi feels surprising yet instantly comforting.
• Simple ingredients. Just a handful of pantry staples transform gnocchi into dessert.
• Quick to make. Ready in minutes, whether using regular or skillet gnocchi.
• Warm and cozy. Cinnamon butter and brown sugar create a nostalgic, carnival-style flavour.
• Versatile. Works beautifully as a dessert, sweet brunch dish, or indulgent snack.

Flavour and Texture Profile

This dessert gnocchi is soft and pillowy on the inside, coated in rich, melted butter infused with warm cinnamon. Brown sugar adds gentle caramel notes, while a touch of salt balances the sweetness. When skillet gnocchi is used, the exterior becomes lightly crisp, adding contrast and depth.

Ingredients You’ll Need for This Cinnamon Butter Gnocchi

For this recipe, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients that work together beautifully:

• Potato gnocchi. Regular gnocchi creates a soft, tender dessert, while skillet gnocchi adds a lightly crisp exterior.
• Butter. Forms the base of the sauce, giving richness and silky texture.
• Brown sugar. Adds caramel-like sweetness; golden sugar works especially well.
• Cinnamon. Brings warmth and classic dessert flavour.
• Salt. Just a small pinch to balance sweetness and enhance flavour.

More Delicious Gnocchi Recipes

Are you looking for more fun dessert gnocchi ideas, like this one? Be sure to check more recipes below:

• Soft Dessert Gnocchi with Rum and Raisins
• Skillet Gnocchi with Honey, Brandy and Clementine

I’d love for you to try this Cinnamon Butter Gnocchi. If you give this recipe a go, please share your results in the comments, message me on Instagram, or post your photos with the hashtag #havocinthekitchen. I look forward to seeing your creations and hearing your thoughts.

Cheers!

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Cinnamon Butter Gnocchi

Recipe by Ben | Havocinthekitchen

0.0 from 0 votes

Course: Pasta and GnocchiCuisine: Italian, Veneto

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

5

minutes

Cooking time

20

minutes

Cinnamon Butter Gnocchi is a cozy Italian dessert made with tender potato gnocchi, warm cinnamon butter, and sugar – simple and irresistible.

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Ingredients

• about 1 lb. (450 gr.) regular or skillet potato gnocchi – I used skillet gnocchi

• 1/2 cup (120 gr.) butter

• 1/4 cup (50 gr.) brown sugar – I used golden sugar

• 1/2 to 1 tbsp. cinnamon

• a small pinch of salt

Directions

• For Regular Gnocchi (Require Boiling):
• Bring a large pot with salted water to a boil.
• Cook the gnocchi in the boiling water (it should take only 2-3 minutes depending on the size). They are ready when they rise to the surface.
• In the meantime, melt the butter in a large pan. Once the butter has melted add the ground cinnamon and salt.
• Once the gnocchi float to the surface, drain them with a slotted spoon and place them in the pan with the butter cinnamon sauce. Gently mix together to coat. Sprinkle with brown sugar just before serving.
• For Skillet Gnocchi (Does Not Require Boiling):
• If using the skillet gnocchi, skip the steps 1 and 2.
• Add the butter, cinnamon, and salt to a large pan over medium heat. Add the skillet gnocchi and cook them until nicely golden, stirring frequently, for about 5 minutes. Lower the heat if the butter is burning too much.
• Sprinkle with brown sugar just before serving. Serve and enjoy right away!