If you’re a fan of ooey-gooey, sugar-dusted treats with hints of warm cinnamon and buttery goodness, get ready—these Pizza Hut Cinnamon Sticks are about to become a staple in your kitchen! Soft, golden, and delightfully sweet, they capture that iconic flavor you love with a simplicity that makes them perfect for any baker. Whether you want a nostalgic dessert, a shareable snack, or a fun project with the family, these sticks are bound to become your go-to comfort treat. Recreate the irresistible joy of the original right at home, complete with a silky vanilla icing for dipping or drizzling. It’s nostalgia baked fresh!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s break down what makes Pizza Hut Cinnamon Sticks so crave-worthy! This recipe calls for just a handful of accessible ingredients, each playing an important role in flavor, texture, or that classic pizzeria aroma. Simple never tasted so good, and you might already have most of what you need.
- Refrigerated pizza dough: The foundation for that pillowy-soft, chewy texture—using store-bought dough makes these quick and foolproof!
- Unsalted butter: Melted and brushed over the dough, it adds richness that helps the cinnamon sugar stick perfectly.
- Granulated sugar: Essential for sweetness and a little sparkle atop every bite.
- Ground cinnamon: The fragrant spice that turns these breadsticks into something magical—warm, cozy, and inviting.
- Powdered sugar: Key ingredient for the simple icing that adds another layer of sweetness.
- Milk: Just enough to smooth out the icing and achieve drizzle-worthy perfection.
- Vanilla extract: Tiny but mighty—a dash infuses the icing with classic bakery flavor and aroma.
How to Make Pizza Hut Cinnamon Sticks
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start your Pizza Hut Cinnamon Sticks adventure by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for a stress-free cleanup and to prevent sticking—no one wants to wrestle with their dessert! Get your ingredients measured and ready for smooth assembly.
Step 2: Roll and Shape the Dough
Take your refrigerated pizza dough and gently roll it out into a rectangle, aiming for about 1/4-inch thickness. Don’t stress about achieving perfection; a rustic rectangle adds personality! Transfer your dough onto the prepared baking sheet before adding the toppings—this way, you’ll keep things neat and easy to manage.
Step 3: Butter and Sugar the Dough
Grab your melted unsalted butter and use a pastry brush (or the back of a spoon) to coat the entire surface of the dough generously. In a small bowl, combine granulated sugar and ground cinnamon, stirring until perfectly blended. Sprinkle this aromatic mixture evenly across the buttery dough—every edge deserves a little sweetness!
Step 4: Score the Sticks
Using a pizza cutter or a sharp knife, lightly score the dough into 1-inch wide strips. Be sure to press just enough to mark the lines without slicing all the way through; this helps the sticks separate easily after baking while keeping them intact as they cook.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pop your prepared pan into the oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes. Keep an eye out—the edges should turn a light, inviting golden brown. Your kitchen will start to smell like a bakery in no time! While the cinnamon sticks bake, you can prepare the beloved vanilla icing.
Step 6: Mix the Icing
In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until you have a smooth, pourable glaze. This icing is the perfect companion—creamy, sweet, and spiked with vanilla to echo the pizzeria experience.
Step 7: Finish, Slice, and Serve
Give the cinnamon sticks a few minutes to cool after baking, then cut fully along the scored lines. Arrange them on a serving platter and either drizzle them generously with icing or serve the glaze on the side for dunking. Enjoy them warm—there’s nothing quite like that first bite!
How to Serve Pizza Hut Cinnamon Sticks
Garnishes
A generous drizzle of the homemade vanilla icing is classic, but you can easily customize! Try dusting your Pizza Hut Cinnamon Sticks with a little extra powdered sugar for a snowy finish, or add a dash of cinnamon for an extra burst of spice. For special occasions, sprinkle finely chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch or swirl a touch of melted chocolate for an even more indulgent moment.
Side Dishes
Pair your cinnamon sticks with a cold glass of milk, your favorite coffee, or even a rich hot chocolate for a snack that feels like an event. For a party platter, serve them alongside fresh fruit, a bowl of whipped cream cheese, or an extra pot of icing for dunking. If you’re feeling adventurous, a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream can turn them into a truly decadent dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange Pizza Hut Cinnamon Sticks in a spiral on a large platter, or stand them upright in a glass for a playful, easy-to-grab centerpiece at gatherings. You can also cut the strips into bite-sized pieces and serve them with cocktail sticks for a fun dessert buffet. If you’re hosting brunch, consider stacking the sticks and serving family-style with a selection of dipping sauces for everyone to enjoy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftover Pizza Hut Cinnamon Sticks (unlikely, but possible!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep them from getting soggy, wait until they’re completely cool before packing them up, and store any leftover icing in a separate container in the fridge.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze these cinnamon sticks! Let them cool fully, then wrap them in foil or place in a zip-top freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to a month. When you’re ready for a sweet treat, thaw at room temperature or pop them straight into the oven for a quick refresh. Freeze the icing separately in a freezer-safe container and stir well once thawed.
Reheating
To enjoy Pizza Hut Cinnamon Sticks warm again, simply place them on a baking sheet and warm in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes until soft. If you’re in a hurry, a few quick blasts in the microwave (about 10 seconds per stick) does the trick—just watch that glaze doesn’t overheat!
FAQs
Can I make Pizza Hut Cinnamon Sticks ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and cinnamon sugar mixture in advance and assemble just before baking. Baked sticks are best enjoyed fresh, but you can reheat them easily as needed.
Can I use homemade pizza dough?
Definitely! If you have a favorite pizza dough recipe, it’ll taste fabulous here. Just roll it out to the same thickness and follow the instructions for assembly and baking.
Is there a way to make these vegan?
Yes—swap in your favorite plant-based butter and a non-dairy milk (such as almond or oat) for the icing. Check your pizza dough to ensure it’s free of dairy and eggs.
What if I don’t have powdered sugar for the icing?
You can make your own powdered sugar by blending granulated sugar until fine or serve the sticks plain—they’re still sweet and delicious without the icing, but the glaze does add that classic touch.
Can I add extra toppings?
Absolutely! Stir a little brown sugar into the cinnamon mixture, finish with a cream cheese glaze, or toss on mini chocolate chips before baking. Get creative and make these Pizza Hut Cinnamon Sticks your own!
Final Thoughts
You don’t have to wait for delivery night to enjoy those iconic Pizza Hut Cinnamon Sticks—this easy, joyful recipe brings pizzeria magic straight to your kitchen, anytime you crave it! Gather some dough, cinnamon, and a bit of kitchen enthusiasm, and treat yourself (and your loved ones) to a homemade favorite that’s every bit as fun as it is delicious. Give them a whirl and see just how quickly they disappear!
Print
Pizza Hut Cinnamon Sticks Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the sweet, cinnamon-spiced goodness of these homemade Pizza Hut-inspired Cinnamon Sticks. Perfect for a cozy dessert or a sweet treat any time of day.
Ingredients
Pizza Hut Cinnamon Sticks:
- 1 package refrigerated pizza dough (13.8 oz)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Icing:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the dough: Roll out the pizza dough into a rectangle, about 1/4-inch thick, and transfer it to the baking sheet.
- Add toppings: Brush melted butter over the dough, sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon, then score into strips.
- Bake: Bake for 15–18 minutes until golden.
- Make the icing: Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
- Serve: Cut the sticks, serve warm with icing on the side or drizzled on top.
Notes
- For extra indulgence, add brown sugar to the cinnamon mixture or use a cream cheese glaze instead of vanilla icing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stick
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
