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Pizza Hut Cinnamon Sticks (Copycat)
Make warm, sweet Pizza Hut Cinnamon Sticks at home with soft dough, buttery cinnamon sugar, and creamy vanilla frosting for dipping.
Pizza Hut cinnamon sticks are the dessert you didn't know you needed after a slice of pizza. This copycat version starts with simple pizza dough, brushed with melted butter and dusted with cinnamon sugar, then baked until golden. The result is a soft, pull-apart breadstick that's sweet and buttery, perfect for dipping into a rich cream cheese frosting. Think of them as Italian churros, but easier to make at home.
Why You’ll Love This Copycat Pizza Hut Cinnamon Sticks Recipe
- You only need a pound of pizza dough, so this comes together fast, especially if you use refrigerated dough from the store.
- The cream cheese frosting takes five minutes with a mixer and tastes just like the dipping sauce at the restaurant.
- Baking at 425°F gives the dough a crisp edge while keeping the center soft, so each stick has a nice contrast.
Key Ingredients for Authentic Pizza Hut Cinnamon Sticks
- Pizza dough: The base of the whole dish. You can use homemade or store-bought. If using refrigerated, let it warm up to room temperature first so it stretches without tearing. Look for a dough that's soft and pliable.
- Butter: Brushed on before and after baking, it adds richness and helps the cinnamon sugar stick. You can use margarine, but real butter gives a better flavor.
- Cream cheese: The base of the frosting. It gives the dip its tangy, creamy texture. Use full-fat cream cheese for the best consistency, and let it soften before mixing.
Kitchen Tools for Making Pizza Hut Cinnamon Sticks
- 9x13-inch baking dish: holds the dough and gives the sticks their shape.
- Pizza cutter: makes clean cuts through the dough without dragging.
- Pastry brush: for spreading melted butter evenly.
- Electric mixer: for whipping the cream cheese frosting until smooth.
Tips for Making the Best Pizza Hut Cinnamon Sticks
- Use a pizza cutter to score the dough before baking. This makes it easy to break apart after baking without tearing the sticks.
- Brush the melted butter generously, but don't soak the dough. You want a light coating so the cinnamon sugar adheres without making the dough soggy.
- Bake until the top is golden brown, about 16 to 18 minutes. Check at 16 minutes to avoid over-browning.
Expert Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Sugar Breadsticks
- For a more intense cinnamon flavor, toast the cinnamon in a dry skillet for a minute before mixing with sugar. This brings out its oils.
- If the frosting is too thin, add more powdered sugar a tablespoon at a time. If it's too thick, add milk a teaspoon at a time.
- To get clean cuts, use a sharp pizza cutter and press down firmly in one motion, rather than sawing back and forth.
Pizza Hut Cinnamon Sticks Variations to Try
- Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon sugar for a warmer spice profile.
- Swap the cream cheese frosting for a simple chocolate ganache or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
- Use whole wheat pizza dough for a slightly nutty flavor and a bit more fiber.
- For a fun twist, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the butter before adding the cinnamon sugar.
What to Serve with Pizza Hut Cinnamon Sticks
Toppings and garnishes
- Extra cinnamon sugar for dusting right before serving
- A drizzle of honey or caramel sauce
- A sprinkle of flaky sea salt to balance the sweetness
What to serve alongside
- Vanilla ice cream for a warm-and-cold contrast
- Cold milk or coffee for dipping
How to Store Leftover Pizza Hut Cinnamon Sticks
Keep leftover cinnamon sticks in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week. Let them come to room temperature before serving, or reheat them.
Can You Freeze Pizza Hut Cinnamon Sticks?
To freeze, place the baked and cooled cinnamon sticks in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or reheat directly from frozen.
Best Ways to Reheat Pizza Hut Cinnamon Sticks
The best way to reheat cinnamon sticks is in a 350°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes. This brings back the crisp edges and soft center. You can also use an air fryer at 350°F for 3 to 4 minutes. Avoid the microwave, which makes them soggy.
Source recipe: Pizza Hut Cinnamon Sticks (Copycat) (SnapChef ID 3aa9c166-0f98-4e46-aac1-48acfcf4af31). Nutrition is estimated per serving.
Recipe
Pizza Hut Cinnamon Sticks (Copycat)
Ingredients
Instructions
- If using refrigerated and/or store-bought pizza dough, remove it from the packaging, place it into an oiled bowl covered with a towel, and let it warm up to room temperature before using.
- Place the sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl and mix well. Set aside.
- Preheat the oven to 425°F.
- When the pizza dough has reached room temperature, roll it into a rectangular shape and place it in a 9×13-inch baking dish sprayed with nonstick spray. Gently stretch the dough to the edges of the pan.
- Use a pizza cutter to cut the dough in half and then make six horizontal slices.
- Brush the melted butter onto the dough and sprinkle with the cinnamon and sugar mixture.
- Bake for 16 to 18 minutes or until the top of the dough has browned. Remove from the oven and let cool. Brush with any leftover melted butter.
- While the cinnamon sticks are baking, make the cream cheese frosting: combine the cream cheese and butter in a small bowl and mix until smooth using an electric mixer. Add the powdered sugar and stir with a spoon until just incorporated. Then mix with a mixer until well combined. Add the vanilla extract and milk and mix to combine.
- Serve the cinnamon sticks with cream cheese frosting.
Notes
- Toppings and garnishes Extra cinnamon sugar for dusting right before serving A drizzle of honey or caramel sauce A sprinkle of flaky sea salt to balance the sweetness What to serve alongside Vanilla ice cream for a warm-and-cold contrast Cold milk or coffee for dipping
- Keep leftover cinnamon sticks in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week. Let them come to room temperature before serving, or reheat them.
Nutrition per serving, estimated
| Calories | 261 kcal | 13% DV |
|---|---|---|
| Protein | 3 g | 6% DV |
| Fat | 12 g | 15% DV |
| Carbs | 37 g | 13% DV |
| Fiber | 1 g | 4% DV |
| Sugar | 21 g | — |
| Sodium | 360 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 homemade pizza dough for this recipe?
Yes, any pizza dough works. Just make sure it's at room temperature and you roll it to fit the pan. Homemade dough may need a bit more flour if it's sticky.
How do I get the cinnamon sugar to stick to the dough?
Brush the dough with melted butter before adding the cinnamon sugar. The butter acts as a glue. Also, brush a little more butter on top after baking to help the sugar stay put.
Can I make the frosting ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the cream cheese frosting up to 2 days in advance. Store it in the fridge and let it soften before serving. Give it a quick stir to bring back its smooth texture.
What if I don't have a pizza cutter?
You can use a sharp knife or a bench scraper to cut the dough. Just make sure it's sharp so you don't drag the dough. A serrated knife can also work if you use a gentle sawing motion.
