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Cinnabon Cinnamon Sticks (Copycat)
Make Cinnabon cinnamon sticks copycat with flaky puff pastry and cream cheese icing in 30 minutes. Get the easy recipe with tips for perfect twists!
The magic of this Cinnabon cinnamon sticks copycat comes down to frozen puff pastry. Those buttery layers bake up light and crispy, just like the mall version, without you having to make dough from scratch. As the sticks bake, the cinnamon sugar caramelizes on the surface, and twisting each piece gives the sugar more area to cling to, so every bite gets that sweet, spiced coating.
Why You’ll Love These Cinnabon Cinnamon Sticks
- Uses frozen puff pastry, so you skip the dough-making and get flaky layers in minutes.
- The cream cheese icing comes together in one bowl and tastes just like the Cinnabon version.
- Twisting the dough creates extra crispy edges and more cinnamon sugar in every bite.
Key Ingredients for Authentic Cinnabon Cinnamon Sticks
- Frozen puff pastry: Look for all-butter puff pastry for the best flavor and flakiness. You can substitute with phyllo dough, but the texture will be different.
- Cream cheese: Use full-fat cream cheese for a rich, tangy icing. Neufchâtel works as a lighter option.
- Cinnamon: Use ground cinnamon; Ceylon cinnamon is milder, while cassia is more pungent. Adjust to taste.
Kitchen Tools for Cinnabon Cinnamon Sticks
- Pizza cutter for clean cuts through puff pastry
- Electric mixer for smooth cream cheese icing
- Parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy
Tips for Making the Best Cinnabon Cinnamon Sticks
- Make sure the puff pastry is fully thawed but still cold. If it gets too warm, it becomes sticky and hard to twist.
- Use a pizza cutter for clean cuts without squishing the dough.
- Twist each piece 2 to 3 times, no more, or the dough may tear.
- Bake until the sticks are toasted and golden, about 15 minutes, but check at 12 minutes if your oven runs hot.
Expert Tips for Perfect Cinnabon Cinnamon Sticks
- Soften the cream cheese and margarine to room temperature before beating, so the icing turns out smooth.
- Add the powdered sugar gradually to avoid a cloud of sugar dust.
- For a thicker icing, chill it for 10 minutes before serving.
Cinnabon Cinnamon Sticks Variations to Try
- Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the cinnamon sugar for extra warmth.
- Use brown sugar instead of white for a deeper molasses flavor.
- Make a chocolate version by adding a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the sugar mixture.
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free puff pastry if available.
What to Serve with Cinnabon Cinnamon Sticks
Toppings and Dips
- Extra cream cheese icing for dipping
- Powdered sugar for a light dusting
- Melted chocolate for a richer dip
Perfect Pairings
- A cup of hot coffee or cocoa
- Fresh berries for a bright contrast
How to Store Leftover Cinnabon Cinnamon Sticks
Store any leftover sticks in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They'll lose some crispness, but you can reheat them in a toaster oven to bring back the crunch. The icing should be refrigerated if you have extra, and it will keep for about a week.
Can You Freeze Cinnabon Cinnamon Sticks?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked twisted sticks. Place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When you're ready to bake, add a few minutes to the baking time. Baked sticks also freeze well; let them cool completely, then freeze in a single layer. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes.
Best Ways to Reheat Cinnabon Cinnamon Sticks
To reheat baked sticks, place them on a baking sheet in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes, or until warm and crisp. Avoid the microwave, which makes them soggy.
Source recipe: Cinnabon Cinnamon Sticks (Copycat) (SnapChef ID f603c3a0-0925-4cb5-aee8-e8b07405d162). Nutrition is estimated per serving.
Recipe
Cinnabon Cinnamon Sticks (Copycat)
Ingredients
Instructions
- Allow the puff pastry dough to defrost according to the package directions.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Place the sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl and stir to combine.
- Unfold one sheet of puff pastry dough onto a clean counter with the long side facing you.
- Spray the dough with nonstick spray and sprinkle 2 tablespoons of cinnamon sugar onto the dough.
- Using a pizza cutter, cut the dough in half horizontally. Then cut the dough vertically into 10 pieces.
- Twist each piece of dough 2 to 3 times and place them onto the parchment-covered cookie sheet. Sprinkle with an additional 1 tablespoon of cinnamon sugar.
- Repeat the process with the second sheet of pastry dough.
- Bake for approximately 15 minutes or until the dough appears toasted.
- To prepare the icing, use an electric mixer to beat the softened cream cheese and margarine together. Slowly add the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract and beat until smooth.
- Serve the Cinnabon Stix with a small bowl of icing on the side.
Notes
- Toppings and Dips Extra cream cheese icing for dipping Powdered sugar for a light dusting Melted chocolate for a richer dip Perfect Pairings A cup of hot coffee or cocoa Fresh berries for a bright contrast
- Store any leftover sticks in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They'll lose some crispness, but you can reheat them in a toaster oven to bring back the crunch. The icing should be refrigerated if you have extra, and it will keep for about a week.
Nutrition per serving, estimated
| Calories | 607 kcal | 30% DV |
|---|---|---|
| Protein | 4 g | 8% DV |
| Fat | 37 g | 47% DV |
| Carbs | 66 g | 24% DV |
| Sugar | 46 g | — |
| Sodium | 341 mg | 0% DV |
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Values are estimates.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
Can I use crescent roll dough instead of puff pastry?
Crescent roll dough will give a softer, less flaky texture. Puff pastry is key for that light, crispy layers. If you're in a pinch, you can use crescent rolls, but the result will be more like a breadstick.
How do I keep the cinnamon sticks from un-twisting?
Make sure the dough is cold but not frozen. If it gets too warm, the twists will relax. Also, twist each piece firmly but gently, and place them on the baking sheet with the twisted ends tucked under slightly.
Can I make the cream cheese icing ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the icing up to 3 days ahead. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Let it come to room temperature and give it a quick stir before serving.
Can I bake these in an air fryer?
Yes, you can air fry the twisted sticks at 350°F for about 8-10 minutes, but keep an eye on them since air fryers vary. They may brown faster than in the oven.
