If you have a sweet tooth and a soft spot for nostalgic comfort food, the Pizza Hut Cinnamon Sticks Recipe is the perfect treat to whip up in no time. These golden-baked, fluffy sticks coated in a cinnamon sugar magic and drizzled with creamy icing instantly take you back to those joyful moments enjoying a warm dessert at your favorite pizza place. They are easy to make, wonderfully fragrant, and a true crowd-pleaser, whether for a cozy night in or a fun party snack. Ready to recreate that iconic taste right in your kitchen? Let’s dive into this delightful recipe!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Pizza Hut Cinnamon Sticks Recipe is that it comes together with a handful of simple, everyday ingredients. Each component plays a vital role, from the warm yeast that gives the dough its airiness to the cinnamon sugar that creates that irresistible sweet-spicy crunch, making every bite pure happiness.
- Active dry yeast (1 package or 2 1/4 teaspoons): This is the secret to achieving the light, fluffy texture that makes these sticks so special.
- Warm water (1 cup, about 110°F/43°C): Perfect temperature to activate the yeast for a nice rise.
- Sugar (2 teaspoons): Feeds the yeast and adds subtle sweetness to the dough.
- All-purpose flour (3 cups): Forms the sturdy yet tender dough base that you’ll love biting into.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Balances flavors and enhances the dough’s overall taste.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Adds moisture and a hint of richness to the dough’s texture.
- Garlic powder (1/4 teaspoon, optional): For a slight savory edge, if you want a twist on the classic sweet profile.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Combines with cinnamon to form the signature crunchy sweet coating.
- Ground cinnamon (1 tablespoon): The star spice that gives these sticks that warm, fragrant aroma and flavor.
- Powdered sugar (1/4 cup): The key to a smooth, sweet glaze that crowns the sticks perfectly.
- Milk (1 tablespoon): Helps make the glaze creamy and luscious.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a lovely depth of flavor to the finishing icing drizzle.
How to Make Pizza Hut Cinnamon Sticks Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Yeast
Start by preheating your oven to a cozy 375°F (190°C). In a small bowl, stir together the sugar and yeast with warm water, then let it rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the yeast to bloom and become bubbly, which is essential for the dough to rise beautifully.
Step 2: Mix and Knead the Dough
In a large bowl, combine your flour and salt. Pour in the frothy yeast mixture along with olive oil and stir until it forms a rough dough. It’s time to get hands-on—knead this dough for 5 to 7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. This process builds the gluten structure that results in a tender, airy bite.
Step 3: Let the Dough Rise
Cover your dough with a damp cloth and stash it somewhere warm for 30 to 60 minutes. When it doubles in size, you know it’s ready. This rise is what gives your cinnamon sticks that irresistible fluffy texture that melts in your mouth.
Step 4: Shape the Sticks
Roll out your risen dough on a floured surface into a rectangle about half an inch thick. Then cut it into strips — around 12 to 16, depending on how chunky or slim you want your sticks. They’ll bake beautifully no matter the size!
Step 5: Bake Until Golden
Place your dough strips on a lightly greased baking sheet and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. Watch for a gorgeous golden brown color; that’s your sign they are perfectly baked and ready for their flavorful finish.
Step 6: Add the Signature Cinnamon Sugar
While your sticks bake, stir cinnamon and granulated sugar together in a bowl. As soon as they come out of the oven, brush them with melted butter and sprinkle the cinnamon sugar generously on top. This step locks in sweetness and delivers that classic, addictive crunch.
Step 7: Drizzle with Icing
Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth to create a creamy drizzle. Pour this over the warm cinnamon sticks for the finishing touch that makes these irresistible and truly like the Pizza Hut original.
Step 8: Serve Warm and Enjoy
Serve these freshly made cinnamon sticks warm for maximum gooey-ness and warmth. Get ready for the smiles and repeat requests!
How to Serve Pizza Hut Cinnamon Sticks Recipe
Garnishes
While the cinnamon sugar and icing do all the heavy lifting, adding a light dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of chopped nuts can elevate the presentation and provide a subtle texture contrast that your guests will love.
Side Dishes
Cinnamon sticks make a fabulous treat on their own, but pairing them with vanilla ice cream or a cup of hot cocoa turns them into a full dessert experience that’s perfect for cozy evenings or special celebrations.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging cinnamon sticks in a rustic basket lined with parchment paper for a charming, casual look or stack them on a tiered serving tray if you’re serving at a party. You can also serve them alongside small bowls of dipping sauces like cream cheese frosting, caramel, or chocolate for a fun twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover cinnamon sticks in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To keep them from becoming soggy, place parchment paper between layers if stacking.
Freezing
You can freeze baked cinnamon sticks by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them inside a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to one month, ready to thaw when a cinnamon craving hits.
Reheating
Heat frozen or stored cinnamon sticks in a warm oven for about 5-7 minutes or pop them in a toaster oven until they’re warm and toasty again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the coating soggy instead of crisp.
FAQs
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes! Instant yeast can be used, just mix it directly with the flour without needing to dissolve it in water first. It might even speed up the rising time a bit.
Is there a gluten-free way to make these cinnamon sticks?
Absolutely. Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking, and add a bit of xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t contain it to help with texture and elasticity.
What if I don’t have vanilla extract for the glaze?
No worries! You can omit the vanilla or substitute it with almond extract or a splash of maple syrup for an equally lovely flavor twist.
Can I make the dough in a stand mixer?
Definitely! Use the dough hook attachment to mix and knead the dough, which makes the process quicker and less hands-on.
How thick should I roll out the dough?
About a half-inch thick is perfect to get the classic soft but slightly chewy texture in your cinnamon sticks. Thinner dough will bake faster and be crunchier, so adjust based on your preference.
Final Thoughts
Making the Pizza Hut Cinnamon Sticks Recipe at home is a joyful experience that fills your kitchen with cozy warmth and sweet aromas. Whether you’re sharing them with family or indulging on your own, these cinnamon sticks bring a little taste of that beloved pizza place right to your table. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and treat yourself to these delicious, comforting goodies—you won’t regret a single bite!
Print
Pizza Hut Cinnamon Sticks Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 57 minutes
- Yield: 12-16 cinnamon sticks
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Enjoy a delightful copycat version of Pizza Hut’s famous Cinnamon Sticks, featuring soft, fluffy dough strips baked to golden perfection, coated with cinnamon sugar, and finished with a sweet vanilla glaze. Perfect as a warm, comforting dessert or snack.
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 Coating
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Icing
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Additional
- Butter for brushing (around 2 tablespoons melted)
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 it 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 until a dough forms. Knead by hand for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Let Dough Rise: Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for 30-60 minutes, or until it doubles in size.
- Prepare Dough for Baking: Roll the risen dough out on a floured surface into a rectangle about 1/2 inch thick.
- Cut Strips: Slice the dough into 12-16 strips depending on your desired thickness for each cinnamon stick.
- Bake: Place the strips on a greased baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Mix Cinnamon Sugar: While baking, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon in a bowl to create the coating mixture.
- Brush and Coat: Once baked, remove the sticks from the oven and immediately brush them with melted butter. Then, sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the top.
- Prepare Icing: Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth to make the glaze.
- Glaze and Serve: Drizzle the icing over the warm cinnamon sticks just before serving for a sweet finish. Enjoy them warm!
Notes
- For softer cinnamon sticks, do not overbake; remove as soon as edges turn golden brown.
- Optionally add garlic powder to dough for a savory twist before baking.
- You can substitute olive oil with melted butter in the dough for richer flavor.
- Use warm water (not hot) to activate yeast to avoid killing it.
- Store leftover cinnamon sticks in an airtight container and reheat gently to retain softness.
