Description
These homemade Pizza Hut Cinnamon Sticks are soft, fluffy, and perfectly sweet with a cinnamon sugar coating and a delicious vanilla glaze. Inspired by the classic restaurant treat, this recipe uses yeast dough that’s baked until golden brown and then brushed with melted butter and topped with cinnamon sugar, finished off with a smooth icing drizzle. A perfect snack or dessert to enjoy warm!
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Cinnamon Sugar Topping
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Vanilla Icing
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing)
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 the mixture 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, then stir to form a dough. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
- Let Dough Rise: Cover the dough with a damp cloth and leave it in a warm place for 30-60 minutes, or until it doubles in size.
- Shape Dough: Once risen, roll out the dough on a floured surface into a rectangle about 1/2 inch thick.
- Cut Strips: Cut the dough into strips, approximately 12-16 depending on your preferred thickness.
- Bake: Place the strips on a greased baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.
- Prepare Cinnamon Sugar: While baking, mix the ground cinnamon and granulated sugar in a bowl.
- Butter and Sugar Coating: Once baked, remove the cinnamon sticks from the oven and immediately brush them with melted butter. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the top.
- Make Icing: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle this icing over the cinnamon sticks before serving.
- Serve: Serve the cinnamon sticks warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can add garlic powder to the dough for a subtle savory hint if desired.
- The dough rising time can vary depending on the room temperature; warmer environments speed up the rising process.
- For extra sweetness, add more vanilla icing or cinnamon sugar to taste.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container; reheat briefly before serving to regain softness.
- Use melted butter immediately after baking for optimal absorption into the cinnamon sticks.
