If you have a sweet tooth and a love for nostalgic flavors, the Pizza Hut Cinnamon Sticks Recipe is an absolute game-changer you need to try at home. Picture golden, soft strips of dough brushed with butter, generously coated with cinnamon sugar, and finished with a luscious vanilla glaze dripping over each bite. It’s comfort food elevated with simple ingredients and a touch of magic that’ll have you reaching for seconds (and thirds) before you know it. Trust me, this recipe delivers the perfect balance of gooey sweetness and lightly crisp edges that make Pizza Hut’s famous cinnamon sticks so irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the perfect cinnamon sticks starts with a handful of straightforward ingredients, each one crucial to creating that iconic texture and sweet, buttery flavor. From the yeast that gives the dough its airy lift, to the cinnamon sugar that delivers the classic taste, every component plays a vital role.
- Active dry yeast: This gives the dough its fluffy, soft rise essential for the delicate texture.
- Warm water (about 110°F/43°C): Activates the yeast perfectly—too hot will kill it, too cool won’t wake it up.
- Sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds subtle sweetness to the dough base.
- All-purpose flour: The structural backbone for the dough, providing chewiness and softness.
- Salt: Balances flavors and enhances the bread’s natural taste.
- Olive oil: Keeps the dough moist and tender while adding a touch of richness.
- Garlic powder (optional): Adds a hint of savory depth if you want to experiment beyond sweet.
- Granulated sugar: Paired with cinnamon to create that signature sugary crust.
- Ground cinnamon: The star spice delivering warmth, fragrance, and irresistible sweetness.
- Powdered sugar: Used in the glaze to achieve a smooth, creamy finish.
- Milk: Combines with powdered sugar to create the perfect drizzle consistency.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a warm and aromatic note to the glaze, making the sticks truly unforgettable.
How to Make Pizza Hut Cinnamon Sticks Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Yeast Mixture
Start by warming your water to about 110°F, the perfect temperature to gently awaken the yeast without harming it. Stir in the sugar and yeast, then let the magic happen—a bubbly, foamy surface means your yeast is active and ready to go. This step is crucial for the fluffy, airy dough that makes this recipe shine.
Step 2: Mix and Knead the Dough
Combine flour and salt in a large bowl, then pour in the yeast mixture along with olive oil. Stir until a dough begins to form, then knead vigorously for 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Kneading develops the gluten structure, ensuring your cinnamon sticks are soft yet sturdy enough to hold their shape.
Step 3: Let the Dough Rise
Cover your dough with a damp cloth to keep it from drying out, and place it in a warm spot for about 30 to 60 minutes. Patience here pays off—the dough should double in size, becoming wonderfully light and airy, laying the foundation for that fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth feel.
Step 4: Roll, Cut, and Bake
Once risen, roll your dough out on a floured surface into a rectangle about half an inch thick. Slice it into 12-16 strips, depending on your preferred thickness. Place these strips onto a greased baking sheet, then bake in a preheated 375°F oven for 10-12 minutes until golden brown. Soon you’ll have that iconic crust forming, crisp on the outside and tender within.
Step 5: Add the Signature Cinnamon Sugar
While your dough bakes, mix granulated sugar with cinnamon for that unmistakable sweet and spicy coating. As soon as the sticks come out, brush each one with melted butter to help the cinnamon sugar stick and seal in moisture. Then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar all over—all that warm, sugary goodness is what makes this Pizza Hut Cinnamon Sticks Recipe a crowd favorite.
Step 6: Drizzle the Vanilla Glaze
Finish by whisking together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and glossy. Drizzle this over your warm cinnamon sticks for an extra touch of sweetness and that melt-in-your-mouth glaze everyone loves at Pizza Hut.
How to Serve Pizza Hut Cinnamon Sticks Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra pop, sprinkle a light dusting of powdered sugar before serving or add a tiny pinch of nutmeg to the cinnamon sugar for a cozy twist. Fresh mint leaves can also add a surprising, refreshing contrast that brightens up the flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
Cinnamon sticks are perfect on their own, but pairing them with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream turns this treat into a show-stopping dessert. A warm cup of hot chocolate or a creamy latte complements the cinnamon’s warmth spectacularly.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your cinnamon sticks in a rustic basket lined with a cozy linen napkin, accompanied by small ramekins of extra glaze, melted chocolate, or caramel sauces for dipping. This encourages sharing and adds an interactive, fun vibe to your gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers (though that’s not very likely), store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and tasty for about 1-2 days, ready for you to enjoy without losing their magic.
Freezing
Wrap cooled cinnamon sticks tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag for longer storage. When frozen, they maintain their flavor and texture for up to 2 months, making this an ideal option for meal prepping or last-minute desserts.
Reheating
To bring back that freshly baked warmth, pop the sticks in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes. Avoid the microwave to keep the texture just right—this way, you get that crisp outside with soft, gooey insides every time.
FAQs
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Absolutely! Instant yeast can be swapped in the same quantity, though you can mix it directly with the flour without needing to proof it first.
What if I don’t have olive oil? Can I use something else?
Yes, melted butter or vegetable oil will work fine in this recipe, though olive oil adds a subtle richness that complements the cinnamon.
How thick should I roll the dough for the cinnamon sticks?
About 1/2 inch thick gives you that perfect balance between soft and slightly crisp after baking—any thinner might get too crunchy, and thicker sticks take longer to bake through.
Can I make these gluten-free?
While traditional flour works best, you can experiment with gluten-free all-purpose blends designed for yeast baking. Just expect a slight difference in texture.
Is there a way to make them less sweet or more savory?
For a less sweet version, reduce the sugar in the cinnamon coating. You can also skip the glaze and add a sprinkle of garlic powder or grated Parmesan before baking to lean into a savory side.
Final Thoughts
The Pizza Hut Cinnamon Sticks Recipe is a delightful classic that brings a cozy, comforting touch to any day. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can recreate this nostalgic favorite in your own kitchen and share it with loved ones. Trust me, once you taste these soft, cinnamon-kissed sticks finished with that luscious glaze, you’ll wonder why you never tried making them yourself sooner!
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Pizza Hut Cinnamon Sticks Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: 12-16 cinnamon sticks
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These homemade Pizza Hut Cinnamon Sticks are soft, fluffy, and perfectly sweet with a cinnamon sugar coating and a delicious vanilla glaze. Inspired by the classic restaurant treat, this recipe uses yeast dough that’s baked until golden brown and then brushed with melted butter and topped with cinnamon sugar, finished off with a smooth icing drizzle. A perfect snack or dessert to enjoy warm!
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 1 package active dry yeast (or 2 1/4 teaspoons)
- 1 cup warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for a savory touch)
Cinnamon Sugar Topping
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Vanilla Icing
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the cinnamon sticks.
- Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve the sugar and yeast in warm water and let it sit for about 5 minutes, until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Make Dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and optional garlic powder. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil, then stir to form a dough. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
- Let Dough Rise: Cover the dough with a damp cloth and leave it in a warm place for 30-60 minutes, or until it doubles in size.
- Shape Dough: Once risen, roll out the dough on a floured surface into a rectangle about 1/2 inch thick.
- Cut Strips: Cut the dough into strips, approximately 12-16 depending on your preferred thickness.
- Bake: Place the strips on a greased baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.
- Prepare Cinnamon Sugar: While baking, mix the ground cinnamon and granulated sugar in a bowl.
- Butter and Sugar Coating: Once baked, remove the cinnamon sticks from the oven and immediately brush them with melted butter. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the top.
- Make Icing: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle this icing over the cinnamon sticks before serving.
- Serve: Serve the cinnamon sticks warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can add garlic powder to the dough for a subtle savory hint if desired.
- The dough rising time can vary depending on the room temperature; warmer environments speed up the rising process.
- For extra sweetness, add more vanilla icing or cinnamon sugar to taste.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container; reheat briefly before serving to regain softness.
- Use melted butter immediately after baking for optimal absorption into the cinnamon sticks.
