Who can resist those warm, sugary, utterly addictive cinnamon sticks from Pizza Hut? For many, they’re the perfect sweet ending to a pizza night, a delicious treat that’s impossible to stop at just one. The good news? You don’t have to wait for a delivery or dine-in experience to enjoy them. With this Copycat Pizza Hut Cinnamon Sticks recipe, you can whip up that same nostalgic flavor right in your own kitchen!
This recipe is designed to bring you all the warmth and sugary goodness you remember, complete with that irresistible sweet glaze. It’s surprisingly simple to make, relying on a few pantry staples, and the result is a delightful dessert that will have everyone asking for more. Get ready to satisfy that sweet tooth in the most delicious way possible!
Why I Love This Recipe
I’m a huge fan of recreating beloved restaurant favorites at home, and these Pizza Hut-style cinnamon sticks are no exception. What I absolutely love about this recipe is how perfectly it captures that nostalgic flavor and texture. They’re soft and chewy on the inside, wonderfully crisp on the outside, and coated in just the right amount of cinnamon sugar, with that sweet, drizzly icing to top it all off. It’s a fantastic recipe for a fun family dessert night, and since they’re so easy to make, they’re perfect for when that sweet craving hits. Plus, the smell of them baking? Pure heaven!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these sweet, irresistible cinnamon sticks:
- 1 (13.8 ounce) can refrigerated pizza dough (such as Pillsbury Classic Crust)
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk (any kind)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Swaps and Notes
- Pizza Dough: Using refrigerated pizza dough is the ultimate shortcut here, making this recipe incredibly quick and easy. You can find it in the refrigerated section of most grocery stores. If you’re feeling ambitious, you could use homemade pizza dough, but the beauty of this recipe is its simplicity.
- Butter: Unsalted butter is preferred, as it allows you to control the saltiness. Margarine could work in a pinch, but butter offers superior flavor.
- Cinnamon Sugar: Adjust the ratio of sugar to cinnamon to your preference. Some like it sweeter, some like it more cinnamony!
- Glaze Milk: Any type of milk (dairy or non-dairy) works for the glaze. Start with 2 tablespoons and add more a teaspoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency. For a richer glaze, you could use heavy cream.
- Add-ins (Optional): A tiny pinch of salt in the glaze can help balance the sweetness. You could also add a tiny dash of almond extract to the glaze for a different flavor profile.
Steps for the Recipe
Ready to get baking? Let’s make some sweet magic!
- Prep and Preheat: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Prepare the Dough: Unroll the refrigerated pizza dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Using a pizza cutter or knife, cut the dough into 1-inch wide strips. You should get about 10-12 strips.
- Butter the Sticks: Arrange the dough strips in a single layer on the baking sheet. Brush the tops of the dough strips generously with the melted butter.
- Cinnamon Sugar Coating: In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this cinnamon sugar mixture generously and evenly over the buttered dough strips. Make sure every surface is covered!
- Bake: Bake for 8-12 minutes, or until the cinnamon sticks are golden brown around the edges and lightly puffed. Keep a close eye on them, as oven temperatures can vary and they can brown quickly.
- Make the Glaze: While the cinnamon sticks are baking, prepare the glaze. In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. If the glaze is too thick, add more milk, a teaspoon at a time, until it’s a drizzly consistency. If it’s too thin, add a little more powdered sugar.
- Glaze and Serve: Once the cinnamon sticks are out of the oven, let them cool on the baking sheet for just a minute or two. While they are still warm, drizzle the prepared glaze generously over all the cinnamon sticks. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips for Success
- Don’t Overbake: Cinnamon sticks can go from perfectly golden to too crispy very quickly. Keep a close watch on them, especially after the 8-minute mark.
- Even Coating: Ensure you brush the butter evenly and sprinkle the cinnamon sugar liberally for maximum flavor and crunch.
- Warm Glaze: Glazing the cinnamon sticks while they are still warm allows the glaze to melt slightly and adhere beautifully.
- Parchment Paper is Your Friend: It prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze, especially with melted butter and sticky sugar.
- Cut Evenly: Try to cut the strips to roughly the same size so they bake evenly.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
These Copycat Pizza Hut Cinnamon Sticks are a fantastic dessert on their own, but they’re even better paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. They’re the perfect sweet ending to any meal, especially a casual pizza night! While a rich, savory meal like Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders with Marinara Garlic Butter might be your main course, these cinnamon sticks are the sweet star of the show.
Storage and Leftover Tips
These cinnamon sticks are truly best enjoyed fresh and warm from the oven. If you do have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1-2 days. The glaze may soften slightly, but they will still be delicious. You can briefly warm them in a toaster oven or microwave for a few seconds to refresh them.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you enjoyed creating this quick and delightful copycat recipe, you’ll surely love these other fantastic recipes by Jason Griffith:
- For another comforting and easy main dish, consider whipping up This Instant Pot Lasagna Is My Favorite Way to Make Comfort Food Fast.
- If you’re a fan of classic Italian flavors, don’t miss our Classic Spaghetti Recipe with Homemade Sauce.
- Looking for another great one-pan dinner idea? This Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole Is My Favorite One-Pan Dinner That’s Always a Hit is a fantastic choice.
- And for a truly indulgent sweet treat, you absolutely have to try These Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownie Bombs Are My Favorite Sweet Obsession.
Final Thoughts
This Copycat Pizza Hut Cinnamon Sticks recipe is more than just a dessert; it’s a little slice of sweet nostalgia, brought to life in your own kitchen with minimal effort. It’s perfect for satisfying those cravings, impressing friends and family, or just enjoying a little treat after a long day. Give it a try, and prepare to be delighted!
I’d love to hear how your homemade cinnamon sticks turn out! Feel free to leave a comment below with your thoughts or any fun variations you tried. And don’t forget to follow Chef Maniac on social media for more amazing recipes and culinary inspiration!
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