Craving the warm, gooey, cinnamon-sugar goodness of your favorite bakery or pizza joint’s sweet treats? If you’re a fan of Pizza Hut’s Cinnamon Sticks or Domino’s CinnaStix, get ready to discover an incredibly quick and easy homemade version that rivals the originals. Our recipe starts with a simple shortcut – prepared pizza dough – transforming it into tender, aromatic cinnamon sticks, fresh from your oven in under 20 minutes. Served warm with a luscious vanilla frosting for dipping or drizzling, these delightful sticks are perfect for satisfying any sweet craving, whether it’s for a dessert, a special breakfast, or an effortless snack.

These delicious copycat Cinna Stix are more than just a simple dessert; they’re a versatile treat that can brighten any occasion. Imagine them as a sweet addition to your holiday breakfast or brunch spread, a comforting after-dinner delight, or a last-minute snack when unexpected cravings strike. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and speed, making it an ideal choice for busy families or anyone looking for a quick culinary win.

Essential Ingredients for Your Shortcut Cinnamon Sticks

The secret to the speed and simplicity of this recipe lies in starting with quality, prepared pizza dough. This clever shortcut not only saves you significant time and effort in the kitchen, bypassing the need for flour-dusted counters and a stand mixer, but it also ensures your cinnamon sticks come out consistently tender, sweet, and bursting with fresh-baked flavor and a delightful texture that’s hard to beat.

Here’s a breakdown of the few, but mighty, ingredients you’ll need:

• Refrigerated Pizza Crust Dough: This is our superstar shortcut! Opt for a standard tube of refrigerated pizza dough (typically 13.8 ounces) for convenience. It provides the perfect chewy base without the hassle of making dough from scratch.
• Cinnamon: The heart of any cinnamon stick! Use good quality ground cinnamon for the best aromatic flavor.
• Sugar: Granulated sugar combines with cinnamon to create that classic sweet and spicy topping.
• Melted Butter (divided): Butter is crucial for both flavor and adhesion. One portion will be brushed onto the dough to help the cinnamon-sugar stick, while the other smaller portion contributes to the richness of the vanilla frosting.
• Powdered Sugar: The base for our smooth, sweet vanilla frosting. Its fine texture ensures a lump-free glaze.
• Vanilla Extract: Essential for imparting that beloved sweet, aromatic flavor to the frosting, elevating it beyond just sugar.
• Milk: Used in the frosting to adjust consistency, allowing you to create anything from a thick paste for dipping to a thinner glaze for drizzling.

For precise measurements, refer to the full recipe card below.

Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Own Cinnamon Sticks

Creating these delightful cinnamon sticks is incredibly straightforward. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have warm, sugary treats ready to enjoy in no time.

Step 1: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Mixture. In a small bowl, thoroughly combine your cinnamon and granulated sugar. Give it a good whisk to ensure the spices are evenly distributed. This fragrant mix is what gives the sticks their signature flavor. Set it aside for now.

Step 2: Roll Out the Pizza Dough. Gently unroll the prepared pizza dough onto a greased cookie sheet or a seasoned baking stone. If using a cookie sheet, parchment paper is an excellent option for easy cleanup. Aim for an even thickness across the entire surface to ensure uniform baking.

Step 3: Butter and Sugar Application. Melt the designated portion of butter until it’s smooth and liquid. Using a pastry brush, evenly coat the entire surface of the pizza dough with the melted butter. This layer not only adds rich flavor but also acts as the perfect adhesive for your cinnamon sugar. Once buttered, generously sprinkle the prepared cinnamon sugar mixture over the dough, ensuring every inch is covered for maximum flavor.

Step 4: Slice the Dough. Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, carefully slice the dough into uniform 1×6 inch strips. The key here is consistency, as it helps them bake evenly. Once sliced, gently separate each strip slightly on the baking sheet. This ensures air circulates around them, leading to crispy edges and allowing them to cook thoroughly without sticking together.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once hot, place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Keep a close eye on them; you’re looking for a beautiful golden-brown color and a puffy texture. The exact baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so trust your eyes and nose!

Step 6: Prepare the Vanilla Frosting. While your cinnamon sticks are baking, prepare the dreamy vanilla frosting. In a small bowl, combine the powdered sugar, the remaining melted butter, and vanilla extract. Gradually stir in milk, a teaspoon at a time, until you achieve a thick, smooth paste. The consistency is key – you want it thick enough to cling to the sticks but still pourable. Add more milk if you prefer a thinner glaze, or a touch more powdered sugar if it’s too thin.

Expert Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Sticks Every Time

Achieving bakery-quality cinnamon sticks at home is easier than you think, especially with a few handy tips:

• Working with Pizza Dough: Keep your refrigerated pizza dough chilled until you are absolutely ready to use it. Cold dough is significantly easier to handle and roll out evenly. As it warms, it can become sticky and more challenging to work with. If it does get too warm, pop it back in the fridge for a few minutes.
• Ensuring Even Slicing: For perfectly uniform cinnamon sticks, which leads to even baking, use a ruler as a guide when cutting the dough. A sharp pizza cutter works wonders for clean, straight lines.
• The Magic of Parchment Paper: For the easiest cleanup imaginable, always line your baking sheet with parchment paper. It prevents sticking, ensures the bottoms of your sticks brown beautifully, and you can simply discard it after baking. No scrubbing required!
• Don’t Overbake: Keep a close watch on your cinnamon sticks in the final minutes of baking. They can go from perfectly golden to overly crisp very quickly. You want them tender and slightly chewy, not hard.
• Serving with Icing: How you serve your icing can change the experience.
  • For Dipping: Serve the cinnamon sticks fresh from the oven with the frosting in a small bowl on the side. This is ideal for a hands-on dessert, allowing everyone to control their level of sweetness.
  • For Drizzling/Glazing: If you prefer a more elegant presentation or want the icing to set, drizzle it over the warm cinnamon sticks before serving. The warmth of the sticks will slightly melt the frosting, creating a lovely glaze. If you let the sticks cool completely with the icing on them, it will set into a firmer glaze-like finish. For breakfast or brunch, drizzling often simplifies serving.

Exciting Flavor Variations to Try

While the classic vanilla frosting is undoubtedly delicious, don’t hesitate to get creative and customize your cinnamon sticks with these exciting flavor variations:

• Cream Cheese Frosting: For a richer, tangier frosting reminiscent of a cinnamon roll, add 1-2 ounces of softened cream cheese to your powdered sugar mixture before blending in the butter and milk. This creates a wonderfully decadent topping that balances the sweetness beautifully.
• Zesty Orange Glaze: Infuse a bright, citrusy note into your frosting. Before adding the milk, stir in a teaspoon of fresh orange zest and/or a tablespoon of orange juice. The orange brightens the flavor profile and adds a refreshing twist. Lemon or lime zest can also be used for a similar effect.
• Chocolate Drizzle: After glazing with vanilla frosting, melt a handful of chocolate chips (milk, dark, or white) and drizzle artfully over the warm cinnamon sticks for an extra layer of indulgence.
• Maple Pecan: Substitute a portion of the milk in the frosting with maple syrup for a rich, autumnal flavor. Sprinkle toasted chopped pecans over the top either before or after glazing for added crunch and nutty goodness.
• Spiced Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg, cardamom, or a touch of allspice to your cinnamon-sugar mixture for an even more complex and warm spice blend.

Why You’ll Adore This Recipe

There are countless reasons why these homemade cinnamon sticks will become a staple in your kitchen:

• Effortlessly Easy: Thanks to the pre-made pizza dough, this recipe requires minimal effort and time, making it perfect for novice bakers and busy schedules alike.
• Lightning Fast: From start to finish, you can have these delicious treats on your table in under 20 minutes. No long proofing times or complicated steps.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The combination of warm cinnamon, sweet sugar, and creamy vanilla frosting is universally loved. They’re a guaranteed hit with kids and adults!
• Versatile for Any Occasion: Serve them as a quick dessert, a delightful breakfast pastry, or a satisfying afternoon snack. They fit right in at holiday brunches, casual gatherings, or a quiet night in.
• Customizable Fun: Easily adapt the recipe with various frostings and toppings to suit different tastes and dietary preferences.
• Budget-Friendly: Using simple, affordable ingredients, you can make a generous batch of these treats for a fraction of the cost of store-bought versions.
• Nostalgic Comfort: Recreate the nostalgic taste of your favorite pizza parlor’s cinnamon sticks right in your own home, bringing a comforting warmth to any moment.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cinnamon Sticks

Here are some common questions you might have when making these delicious homemade cinnamon sticks:

What kind of pizza dough should I use?

The recipe specifically calls for refrigerated pizza crust dough, typically found in the dairy or refrigerated dough section of your grocery store. Brands like Pillsbury or store-brand versions work perfectly. You can also use fresh pizza dough from a local pizzeria or your own homemade dough if you prefer, just ensure it’s unbaked and ready to roll out.

Can I make these cinnamon sticks ahead of time?

Yes, you can! The baked cinnamon sticks can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’re planning to make them ahead, it’s best to store the vanilla frosting separately and add it just before serving to maintain the best texture. You can also prepare the cinnamon-sugar dough strips on the baking sheet and refrigerate them for a few hours before baking.

Can I freeze these cinnamon sticks?

Absolutely! Once baked and cooled completely, place the cinnamon sticks in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and reheat in the oven (wrapped in foil) for best results.

What if my frosting is too thin or too thick?

Adjusting frosting consistency is easy! If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired thickness. If it’s too thick, add more milk, a half teaspoon at a time, until it’s smooth and pourable or dippable.

Can I use other spices?

While cinnamon is classic, you can certainly experiment! Try adding a pinch of nutmeg, cardamom, or even a tiny bit of ground ginger to your cinnamon-sugar mixture for a more complex spice profile. A touch of espresso powder can also enhance the chocolate variations.

Easy Homemade Cinnamon Sticks with Pizza Dough

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