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If you’ve ever craved that perfect mix of soft, warm dough swirled with cinnamon and sugar, then you are in for a treat with this Pizza Hut Cinnamon Sticks Recipe. These cinnamon sticks have the ideal balance of fluffy texture and sweet, comforting flavor that feels just like a hug from your favorite pizza joint. Whether you’re making them for a cozy night in or as a delightful surprise for friends and family, this recipe captures everything that makes those iconic cinnamon sticks truly unforgettable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready to make these irresistible cinnamon sticks is a breeze because the ingredients are straightforward and essential. Each one plays a crucial role — from the yeast that brings your dough to life, to the cinnamon and sugars that give the sticks their signature sweetness and warmth.
- Active dry yeast: Helps the dough rise beautifully for that perfect fluffy texture.
- Warm water (about 110°F/43°C): Activates the yeast without killing it, ensuring a great rise.
- Sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds a gentle hint of sweetness to the dough.
- All-purpose flour: The base of your dough, providing structure and chew.
- Salt: Enhances flavor and balances out the sweetness in the dough.
- Olive oil: Keeps the dough moist and adds richness to every bite.
- Garlic powder (optional): A savory twist option that adds subtle depth if you love a hint of garlic.
- Granulated sugar: Combined with cinnamon for the classic topping that’s addictive and sweet.
- Ground cinnamon: The star spice that gives these sticks their signature warm, fragrant flavor.
- Powdered sugar: Used in the glaze to add the perfect finish with just the right amount of sweetness.
- Milk: Makes the icing silky smooth and easier to drizzle.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a lovely depth and rounds out the glaze’s flavor profile.
How to Make Pizza Hut Cinnamon Sticks Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Activate the Yeast
Start by mixing the sugar and yeast into warm water, then let it sit until it becomes frothy and lively. This step is key because it means your yeast is active and ready to give your dough that dreamy rise.
Step 2: Mix and Knead the Dough
Combine your flour and salt in a big bowl, then add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir everything until it forms a dough, then knead on a floured surface until it’s smooth and elastic—about 5 to 7 minutes. This kneading develops the gluten for that chewy, soft texture we love.
Step 3: Let the Dough Rise
Cover the dough with a damp cloth and set it somewhere warm to rise. Patience here is rewarded, as letting the dough double in size (usually 30-60 minutes) means those cinnamon sticks will be wonderfully light and airy.
Step 4: Shape the Cinnamon Sticks
Once your dough has puffed up, roll it out on a floured surface into a half-inch-thick rectangle. Cut the dough into 12 to 16 strips depending on your preferred thickness. This is where the cinnamon sticks start taking their classic shape.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Brown Perfection
Lay the strips on a greased baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10 to 12 minutes. By the time they come out, you’ll see that perfect golden color that signals they’re ready for that delicious finish.
Step 6: Add the Signature Cinnamon Sugar Coating
While the sticks bake, mix your cinnamon and granulated sugar in a bowl. As soon as the cinnamon sticks are out of the oven, brush them with melted butter and generously sprinkle with the cinnamon sugar. The warmth helps the sugar stick and melt slightly, locking in all the cozy flavors.
Step 7: Drizzle the Sweet Vanilla Icing
Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth, then drizzle this heavenly glaze over your warm cinnamon sticks. This final touch adds the perfect creamy sweetness that makes these sticks downright addictive.
How to Serve Pizza Hut Cinnamon Sticks Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra pop, try sprinkling a little extra cinnamon on top or dusting with a bit of powdered sugar right before serving. Fresh mint or a small bowl of warm chocolate sauce makes a wonderful dip, elevating the experience to something special.
Side Dishes
These cinnamon sticks shine as a dessert or snack alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a warm cup of coffee or spiced chai. Their sweet and buttery notes complement creamy or mildly spiced beverages perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack your cinnamon sticks in a rustic basket lined with a colorful napkin for a cozy vibe. Or serve them on a platter with small bowls of dipping sauces like caramel, chocolate, or cream cheese frosting for a fun party platter everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your cinnamon sticks, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and tasty for up to two days, perfect for a quick sweet fix the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze baked cinnamon sticks wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer bag. They keep well for up to one month and thaw quickly, making them a convenient treat on standby for when the craving hits.
Reheating
To warm up your leftovers, pop the cinnamon sticks in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes. This refreshes their softness and brings back that fresh-baked aroma we all adore.
FAQs
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes! If you’re using instant yeast, you can mix it directly with the flour instead of dissolving it in water first. Just reduce the warm water slightly, and you can skip the waiting for foaming.
Is it okay to add garlic powder to the cinnamon sticks?
Garlic powder is optional and adds a subtle savory twist if you want to balance the sweetness. It’s a neat trick but feel free to skip it if you prefer your cinnamon sticks classic and sweet.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can prepare the dough and let it rise in the fridge overnight. Just bring it back to room temperature before rolling out and baking for best results.
What if I don’t have vanilla extract for the glaze?
If you’re out of vanilla, the glaze will still be delicious without it. You can also try a small pinch of cinnamon or a splash of almond extract for a different but tasty flavor twist.
How thick should I cut the cinnamon sticks?
Cutting about 1 to 1.5 inch-wide strips works perfectly to balance a fluffy interior with a slightly crispy edge. But feel free to adjust based on your favorite stick size!
Final Thoughts
Making these Pizza Hut Cinnamon Sticks Recipe at home is such a joyful experience – from the simple ingredients to the mouthwatering aroma that fills your kitchen. Once you try baking them yourself, you’ll have a delicious homemade favorite to share at any gathering or to enjoy as a sweet daily treat. Give this recipe a go, and prepare to fall in love with cinnamon sticks all over again!
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Pizza Hut Cinnamon Sticks Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 57 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy the warm, sweet comfort of homemade Pizza Hut Cinnamon Sticks with this easy-to-follow recipe. Soft, fluffy dough strips baked to golden perfection, coated in a cinnamon sugar blend, and finished with a sweet vanilla glaze—perfect for a delicious 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)
Topping Ingredients
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing)
Glaze Ingredients
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
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, stirring until a dough forms. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until it is 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 has doubled in size, allowing the yeast to work its magic.
- Shape Dough: Once risen, roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle about 1/2 inch thick.
- Cut Strips: Cut the rolled-out dough into strips, about 12 to 16 pieces depending on your preferred thickness.
- Bake Dough: Place the dough strips on a greased baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until they turn golden brown.
- Mix Cinnamon Sugar: While baking, mix ground cinnamon and granulated sugar together in a bowl to create the classic cinnamon sugar topping.
- Brush Butter and Sprinkle: Remove the baked sticks from the oven, immediately brush them with melted butter, and evenly sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the top.
- Prepare Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle this glaze over the cinnamon sticks before serving.
- Serve Warm: Serve the cinnamon sticks warm to fully enjoy their soft texture and delicious flavors.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use melted butter for brushing instead of olive oil after baking.
- The garlic powder is optional; omit it if you prefer a purely sweet cinnamon stick.
- Allow the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free spot for best results.
- Adjust the thickness and length of dough strips to your liking.
- These cinnamon sticks are best enjoyed fresh and warm but can be stored in an airtight container for 1-2 days.
