If you have a sweet tooth that can’t be tamed and a love for warm, comforting treats, then you are absolutely going to adore this Pizza Hut Cinnamon Sticks Recipe. These soft, buttery sticks with just the right touch of cinnamon sugar and a luscious vanilla glaze on top bring back those nostalgic Pizza Hut moments right into your kitchen. They’re irresistibly fluffy, perfectly sweet, and unbelievably easy to whip up, making them a fantastic treat to share with family and friends or to enjoy all by yourself on a cozy afternoon.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple yet essential ingredients for this Pizza Hut Cinnamon Sticks Recipe is half the fun. Each item plays a key role — from the soft pizza crust dough forming the perfect base to the aromatic cinnamon and buttery sugars that give these sticks their signature flavor and inviting golden color.
- Pizza crust dough (2 tubes, 13.8 ounces each): This is your soft and pillowy foundation that bakes into a delicate breadstick texture.
- Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons, melted): Adds richness and helps the cinnamon sugar stick evenly while creating a tender crust.
- White granulated sugar (¼ cup): Provides a sweet, sparkling base flavor for the cinnamon topping.
- Ground cinnamon (2 teaspoons): Infuses warm, fragrant spice that makes these sticks so irresistible.
- Light brown sugar (¼ cup, packed): Contributes a deep molasses sweetness that caramelizes beautifully during baking.
- Powdered sugar (1 ½ cups): The main ingredient in the luscious glaze that finishes these sticks perfectly.
- Clear vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds a sweet, creamy note that elevates the glaze to dreamy deliciousness.
- Milk (2–3 tablespoons): Used to thin the glaze to the perfect drizzling consistency.
How to Make Pizza Hut Cinnamon Sticks Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Dough
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Take the two tubes of pizza crust dough and squish them together gently to form one unified ball, then let it come to room temperature. This allows the dough to stretch easily and bake evenly into those soft, tender sticks.
Step 2: Butter the Baking Dish and Add Cinnamon Sugar Base
Generously brush 4 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter onto the bottom and halfway up the sides of a 9×13-inch baking dish. This buttery layer will create a golden, flavorful crust and help the cinnamon sugar mixture stick perfectly. Next, mix together the white granulated sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle about 2 teaspoons of that mixture over the butter. Follow it up by sprinkling 1 tablespoon of the light brown sugar evenly on top, giving your base an irresistible sweet caramel undertone.
Step 3: Spread and Cut the Dough
Roll and stretch your dough ball into a shape that can fit snugly into your baking dish, pressing it gently to fill every corner. Once laid down, use a pizza cutter to make a long cut down the center of the dough lengthwise, then slice crosswise to create 16 sticks total (8 on top, 8 on bottom). If the sticks pull apart too much, just pinch them back together—this will help them bake beautifully while keeping their soft texture intact.
Step 4: Butter and Sprinkle Toppings
Time to brush the remaining melted butter over the top of the dough sticks. This step locks in buttery flavor and aids in caramelization. Then evenly sprinkle the leftover cinnamon-sugar mixture across the sticks, followed by the remaining light brown sugar. These layers promise that perfect sweet-spiced crunch on the outside while the inside stays fluffy and its flavor deepens as it bakes.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place your baking dish on the middle rack and bake for 15 to 17 minutes. You want the dough to cook through but remain soft and tender, so check by peeling back a corner with a fork to ensure it’s no longer raw. If necessary, leave it for a couple more minutes, but watch closely so it doesn’t dry out.
Step 6: Make the Vanilla Glaze
While the sticks cool slightly, whisk together powdered sugar, clear vanilla extract, and milk, adding the milk tablespoon by tablespoon until you reach a smooth glaze perfect for drizzling. This sweet glaze takes these sticks from yummy to utterly unforgettable.
Step 7: Glaze and Serve
Drizzle some glaze on the warm sticks for a shiny, decadent finish, reserving the remaining glaze for dipping. And just like that, your homemade Pizza Hut Cinnamon Sticks Recipe is ready to be devoured!
How to Serve Pizza Hut Cinnamon Sticks Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of flair, sprinkle a light dusting of powdered sugar or a pinch of cinnamon over the glazed sticks before serving. Fresh mint leaves or a few thin slices of fresh fruit on the side can add a refreshing contrast. If you want to go indulgent, a small bowl of melted chocolate or caramel sauce makes a fantastic dipping option alongside the vanilla glaze.
Side Dishes
These cinnamon sticks shine on their own but also pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee, a rich latte, or even a creamy hot chocolate. For a brunch spread, try serving them next to creamy yogurt or fresh fruit salad so your breakfast guests enjoy a balance of sweet and fresh flavors. They’re also a fantastic dessert treat after a cozy dinner at home.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these cinnamon sticks in a rustic wooden basket lined with parchment paper for a homey feel, or arrange them fan-style on a colorful platter to wow your guests. You can even skew them individually on sticks for easy-to-eat cinnamon stick “lollipops” at parties or gatherings. The contrast of textures and that glossy glaze makes presentation effortless yet impressive.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (and you might!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They’re best enjoyed fresh but keeping them sealed helps preserve the soft texture and flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked cinnamon sticks assembled in the baking dish by wrapping securely with plastic wrap and foil. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed. If freezing baked sticks, wrap them tightly in foil and place in a freezer-safe bag for up to one month.
Reheating
To bring back that freshly baked warmth, reheat your cinnamon sticks in a 350°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving as it can make them chewy or dense. A quick oven reheat refreshes the glaze and soft texture beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pizza dough for this recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought pizza dough works perfectly and makes this Pizza Hut Cinnamon Sticks Recipe quick and accessible without any fuss.
Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?
You can substitute the unsalted butter with plant-based butter or margarine and use any non-dairy milk (almond, oat, soy) for the glaze to make it dairy-free.
Can these cinnamon sticks be made gluten-free?
Yes, by swapping the pizza dough for a gluten-free dough alternative, you can enjoy these sticks without gluten. Just make sure your dough is suitable for baking in this way.
What is the best way to get the glaze consistency just right?
Start adding milk one tablespoon at a time to the powdered sugar and vanilla mix. Stir thoroughly after each addition until your glaze reaches a smooth, pourable consistency that’s not too thick or runny.
How do I prevent the cinnamon sticks from drying out?
Don’t overbake them — check early at 15 minutes. Also, brush the dough with plenty of butter before baking and store leftovers in an airtight container to maintain moisture.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about recreating a beloved Pizza Hut favorite right at home with simple ingredients and a little love. This Pizza Hut Cinnamon Sticks Recipe will wrap you in warm cinnamon sweetness with every bite, perfect for sharing or savoring solo. Give it a try and watch it quickly become your go-to comfort treat whenever that cinnamon craving strikes!
Print
Pizza Hut Cinnamon Sticks Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 17 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 16 cinnamon sticks
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in the warm, sweet goodness of Pizza Hut Cinnamon Sticks, a homemade version of the classic favorite. Soft pizza dough is coated in a luscious cinnamon sugar and butter mixture, baked to golden perfection, and finished with a creamy vanilla glaze for dipping. Perfect as a dessert or a sweet snack for any time of day.
Ingredients
For the Cinnamon Sticks:
- 2 (13.8 ounce) pizza crust dough tubes
- 4 Tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup white granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup packed light brown sugar (divided use)
For the Glaze:
- 1 ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon clear vanilla extract
- 2–3 Tablespoons milk (add a little to start then add more to thin if necessary)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dough: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Remove the pizza crust dough from the tubes and squish the two pieces together to form one large dough ball. Allow the dough to come to room temperature for easier stretching.
- Butter the Baking Dish: Brush 4 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter on the bottom and halfway up the sides of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Reserve some melted butter for later use.
- Mix Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, combine ¼ cup white granulated sugar and 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon. Sprinkle approximately 2 teaspoons of this cinnamon sugar mixture over the buttered surface evenly.
- Add Brown Sugar Layer: Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of the light brown sugar evenly over the cinnamon sugar layer at the bottom of the dish.
- Stretch Dough: Roll and stretch the dough ball so it covers the bottom of the baking dish. Place it in the dish and gently press and stretch with your fingers until it reaches all sides and corners.
- Cut Dough into Breadsticks: Using a pizza cutter, make one long cut down the center of the pan lengthwise, then cut between the short sides to create 16 pieces total (8 on top, 8 on bottom). If pieces pull apart, press them back together with your fingers.
- Butter and Sugar Topping: Brush the remaining melted butter evenly over the top of the dough pieces. Then sprinkle the remaining cinnamon sugar and the rest of the light brown sugar evenly across the top.
- Bake: Place the baking dish on the middle rack in the preheated oven and bake for 15-17 minutes, or until the dough is cooked through and golden. Use a fork to gently lift a piece to check that it is no longer raw; add more baking time if necessary.
- Prepare Glaze: While the sticks cool slightly, prepare the glaze by mixing 1 ½ cups powdered sugar with 1 teaspoon clear vanilla extract in a small bowl. Gradually add 2-3 tablespoons of milk, one tablespoon at a time, stirring well until you reach a smooth, drizzle-able consistency.
- Serve: Drizzle some glaze over the warm cinnamon sticks and reserve the rest for dipping. Enjoy immediately for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Ensure the pizza dough is at room temperature before stretching to prevent tearing.
- Adjust the amount of milk in the glaze to get your preferred thickness: thinner glaze for drizzling, thicker for dipping.
- Baking times may vary slightly depending on your oven; watch for golden brown edges and fully cooked dough.
- For an extra indulgent touch, serve with warm caramel sauce or cream cheese frosting as alternatives to the vanilla glaze.
- Store any leftover cinnamon sticks in an airtight container and reheat gently to retain softness.
