If you’ve ever ordered a pizza and found yourself swept away by the allure of the side dish—those sweet, pillowy Cinnamon Sticks from Pizza Hut—you’re not alone. These delightful treats are the perfect ending to any pizza night.
Pair them with some hot marinara or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and you have a combo that will elevate any meal. Don’t let the simplicity of this recipe fool you; creating authentic Pizza Hut Cinnamon Sticks at home involves a blend of skill, precision, and love for good food.
Growing up, my family had a tradition: pizza night. As much as we savored the cheesy, saucy goodness of our favorite pies, the anticipated treat was always those warm, cinnamon-sugar sticks from Pizza Hut.
There’s something undeniably comforting about the combination of warm butter, cinnamon, and sugar—they’re like little hugs for your taste buds. The gooey cream cheese icing on the side turned the experience into a celebration.
As a registered dietitian and fervent food enthusiast, I’ve often thought about what makes these Cinnamon Sticks so delectable. So, I decided to embark on a culinary journey to recreate that beloved taste in my kitchen. The end result? A recipe that captures the magic of those restaurant favorites but allows me to control the ingredients. Let’s dive into the sweet world of cinnamon sticks!
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What is the Pizza Hut Cinnamon Sticks?
The Pizza Hut Cinnamon Sticks recipe revolves around a soft dough that is brushed with a brown butter mixture, coated in cinnamon sugar, and then baked to a golden perfection. It’s a slightly sweet, slightly savory treat that can easily become an irresistible snack. And here’s the best part: you don’t need to trek to a restaurant to indulge. With just a few ingredients, you can enjoy them fresh out of the oven.
What is the Flavor Profile of This Dish?
Describing the flavor profile of these cinnamon sticks is like painting a picture with food. The first bite is a burst of warmth from the freshly baked dough. Then comes the nutty richness of the browned butter followed by a sweet cinnamon blanket. The finishing touch? The cream cheese icing that balances the sweetness with a tangy twist. Each mouthful feels indulgent but approachable, making them a treat that feels special yet comforting at the same time.
What Makes This Recipe Different From Other Pizza Hut Cinnamon Sticks Recipes?
One of the main things that sets this recipe apart is the use of salted browned butter. This adds a layer of deep, complex flavor that you simply can’t achieve with regular melted butter. Additionally, this recipe emphasizes quality ingredients, like fresh nutmeg and top-grade cinnamon, ensuring that each bite is a step above typical versions. Plus, the dough is made from scratch, letting you experience the joy of baking right in your own kitchen!
Ingredients You’ll Need
To whip up your own batch of Pizza Hut Cinnamon Sticks, you’ll need the following:
For the Cinnamon Sticks:
Salted Browned Butter and Cinnamon Sugar:
- 1/2 cup (112g) sea salt-infused butter
- 1/2 teaspoon (>1g) freshly grated nutmeg
- 1 1/2 tablespoons (5g) ground cinnamon
- 3/4 cup (167g) granulated cane sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon (2g) vanilla extract
Cream Cheese Icing:
- 1 ½ teaspoons (9g) vanilla bean paste (or 1/2 vanilla bean)
- 8 ounces (227g) full-fat cream cheese, softened
- whole milk for achieving desired consistency
- 2 3/4 cups (373g) confectioners’ sugar
- a small pinch of sea salt
- 1/2 cup (112g) softened salted butter
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) lemon juice
Dough:
- 16g fine sea salt
- 1/4 cup (62g) clarified butter for brushing
- 800g 00 flour
- 512g water heated to 95°F
- 8g instant yeast
- 1 tablespoon (15g) honey
Step by Step Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by warming the water until it reaches about 95°F. This temperature is ideal for activating the yeast without killing it.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, honey, and instant yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy—a sign that the yeast is alive and well.
Next, add the flour and salt. Mix until a shaggy dough forms. You can use your hands or a wooden spoon for this. Avoid overmixing; the goal is to just combine everything.
Step 2: Knead the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Knead it for about 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. When you poke it, it should spring back slightly. If it sticks to your hands, sprinkle a bit more flour as necessary.
Step 3: First Rise
Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Step 4: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Mixture
While the dough is rising, you can prepare your flavoring. In a separate bowl, mix together the granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and freshly grated nutmeg. This aromatic blend will coat the dough once it’s baked.
Step 5: Brown the Butter
In a small saucepan, melt the salted butter over medium-low heat. Allow it to cook, swirling occasionally, until it turns golden brown and smells nutty. Be careful not to burn it! Once browned, remove it from the heat and set it aside to cool.
Step 6: Shape the Sticks
Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Turn it out onto a floured surface and roll it into a rectangle, about 1/4-inch thick. Brush the cooled browned butter lightly over the top of the dough.
Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture generously over the buttered surface. Then, using a pizza cutter or a sharp knife, cut the dough into strips—about 1 inch wide. This will give you the size of cinnamon sticks you desire.
Step 7: Final Rise
Place the cut strips on a lined baking sheet. Cover them with a kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes. This step is crucial for ensuring that they come out fluffy.
Step 8: Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the risen cinnamon sticks for about 12–15 minutes, or until they are golden on top. Keep an eye on them—ovens can vary!
Step 9: Prepare the Cream Cheese Icing
While the sticks are baking, make the icing. In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Slowly mix in the confectioners’ sugar and vanilla bean paste. If it’s too thick, add a splash of whole milk to reach your desired consistency.
Step 10: Serve and Enjoy!
Once your cinnamon sticks are baked and cooled slightly, drizzle or dip them into the cream cheese icing. Enjoy while warm for the best experience!
Tips on Making Pizza Hut Cinnamon Sticks
- Use High-Quality Ingredients: The flavor will shine through if you use fresh spices and high-quality butter.
- Don’t Rush the Rise: Proper rising time is crucial for a light and fluffy texture.
- Experiment with Flavors: Add a pinch of cardamom for a unique twist on the classic flavor.
- Be Mindful When Browning Butter: Watch closely to prevent burning. It should smell nutty but not burnt!
- Make Extra Icing: Trust me; you’ll want some for dipping!
Nutrition Information
pizza hut cinnamon sticks recipe nutrition facts
How Can I Store This Pizza Hut Cinnamon Sticks?
Once baked, you can store your cinnamon sticks in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They can also be refrigerated for a longer shelf life but are best enjoyed fresh. If you need to reheat them, pop them in a microwave for about 10-15 seconds.
Ingredient Substitutes
If you find yourself short on what you need, try these options:
- Flour: All-purpose flour can be used instead of special 00 flour. Just keep in mind the texture may vary slightly.
- Butter: Coconut oil can replace butter if you’re looking for a dairy-free option.
- Cream Cheese: Greek yogurt works in a pinch for icing, though it won’t be as rich.
- Sugar: Brown sugar can add an interesting depth of flavor instead of white granulated sugar.
Pizza Hut Cinnamon Sticks Recipe
Equipment
- mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon
Ingredients
Salted Browned Butter and Cinnamon Sugar:
- 1/2 cup 112g sea salt-infused butter
- 1/2 teaspoon >1g freshly grated nutmeg
- 1 1/2 tablespoons 5g ground cinnamon
- 3/4 cup 167g granulated cane sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon 2g vanilla extract
Cream Cheese Icing:
- 1 ½ teaspoons 9g vanilla bean paste (or 1/2 vanilla bean)
- 8 ounces 227g full-fat cream cheese, softened
- whole milk for achieving desired consistency
- 2 3/4 cups 373g confectioners’ sugar
- a small pinch of sea salt
- 1/2 cup 112g softened salted butter
- 1 tablespoon 15ml lemon juice
Dough:
- 16 g fine sea salt
- 1/4 cup 62g clarified butter for brushing
- 800 g 00 flour
- 512 g water heated to 95°F
- 8 g instant yeast
- 1 tablespoon 15g honey
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- Start by warming the water until it reaches about 95°F. This temperature is ideal for activating the yeast without killing it.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, honey, and instant yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy—a sign that the yeast is alive and well.
- Next, add the flour and salt. Mix until a shaggy dough forms. You can use your hands or a wooden spoon for this. Avoid overmixing; the goal is to just combine everything.
Step 2: Knead the Dough
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Knead it for about 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. When you poke it, it should spring back slightly. If it sticks to your hands, sprinkle a bit more flour as necessary.
Step 3: First Rise
- Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Step 4: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Mixture
- While the dough is rising, you can prepare your flavoring. In a separate bowl, mix together the granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and freshly grated nutmeg. This aromatic blend will coat the dough once it’s baked.
Step 5: Brown the Butter
- In a small saucepan, melt the salted butter over medium-low heat. Allow it to cook, swirling occasionally, until it turns golden brown and smells nutty. Be careful not to burn it! Once browned, remove it from the heat and set it aside to cool.
Step 6: Shape the Sticks
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Turn it out onto a floured surface and roll it into a rectangle, about 1/4-inch thick. Brush the cooled browned butter lightly over the top of the dough.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture generously over the buttered surface. Then, using a pizza cutter or a sharp knife, cut the dough into strips—about 1 inch wide. This will give you the size of cinnamon sticks you desire.
Step 7: Final Rise
- Place the cut strips on a lined baking sheet. Cover them with a kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes. This step is crucial for ensuring that they come out fluffy.
Step 8: Bake
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the risen cinnamon sticks for about 12–15 minutes, or until they are golden on top. Keep an eye on them—ovens can vary!
Step 9: Prepare the Cream Cheese Icing
- While the sticks are baking, make the icing. In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Slowly mix in the confectioners’ sugar and vanilla bean paste. If it’s too thick, add a splash of whole milk to reach your desired consistency.
Step 10: Serve and Enjoy!
- Once your cinnamon sticks are baked and cooled slightly, drizzle or dip them into the cream cheese icing. Enjoy while warm for the best experience!
Notes
- Use High-Quality Ingredients: The flavor will shine through if you use fresh spices and high-quality butter.
- Don’t Rush the Rise: Proper rising time is crucial for a light and fluffy texture.
- Experiment with Flavors: Add a pinch of cardamom for a unique twist on the classic flavor.
- Be Mindful When Browning Butter: Watch closely to prevent burning. It should smell nutty but not burnt!
- Make Extra Icing: Trust me; you’ll want some for dipping!
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make the dough in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the dough ahead of time. After kneading, place the dough in the refrigerator overnight. Just remember to let it come to room temperature before rolling it out.
2. How do I know when the cinnamon sticks are done?
The sticks should be golden brown on top and should spring back when lightly pressed. If they look pale, they likely need more time in the oven.
3. Can I freeze cinnamon sticks?
Absolutely! After baking, let them cool completely. Place them in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat them in the oven when you’re ready to enjoy!
4. What can I serve with these cinnamon sticks?
They are delicious on their own but pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of coffee. For a savory twist, serve alongside marinara sauce for dipping!
5. Is there a gluten-free version of this recipe?
You can easily swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free flour blend. Just keep in mind that the texture might be slightly different.
Conclusion
In conclusion, making Pizza Hut Cinnamon Sticks at home is not only achievable but downright fun! Armed with the right ingredients and a bit of patience, you can enjoy these sweet delights anytime you crave them. They’re perfect for parties, family gatherings, or a simple night in with a movie. So, roll up those sleeves and get baking. Your taste buds will thank you!
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Hi! I'm Mary Lee. I love helping people eat yummy and healthy food. I live in Oregon. Cooking is my happy place. Let's make tasty dishes together!
