Pizza Hut Cinnamon Sticks Copycat: Make Them Better at Home

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Pizza Hut Cinnamon Sticks with icing dip on a board

Homemade Pizza Hut Cinnamon Sticks: Warm, Sweet & Perfect for Winter

There’s something about winter that calls for warm, sweet, and comforting treats. Growing up, my nonna would always have something sweet ready after a hearty meal—usually a baked good, sprinkled generously with sugar and spice. While I treasure my Italian roots, I’ve always loved the classic American take on desserts, and Pizza Hut Cinnamon Sticks became one of my guilty pleasures when I moved to the States.

The combination of soft, fluffy dough coated in a buttery cinnamon-sugar blend is irresistibly nostalgic. Inspired by my grandmother’s knack for turning simple ingredients into soul-soothing dishes, I’ve recreated this American classic to bring the warmth of a Pizza Hut favorite right to your home—perfect for chilly evenings!

Why You’ll Love These Pizza Hut Cinnamon Sticks

  • Cozy winter vibes: Warm spices and a soft texture make them the ultimate winter dessert.
  • Easy to make: With basic pantry ingredients, you’ll have them ready in under an hour.
  • Copycat perfection: Tastes just like the real deal (maybe even better!).
  • Versatile treat: Enjoy as a dessert, afternoon snack, or party sweet.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

Cinnamon sticks fresh out of the oven on baking sheet

the dough:

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp instant dry yeast
  • ½ cup warm water (110°F)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

the cinnamon topping:

  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tbsp ground cinnamon

the dipping icing:

  • ¾ cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tbsp milk (more if needed)
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract

Kitchen Equipment Needed:

  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Rolling pin
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Pastry brush

Preparation Time:

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Rest Time: 30 minutes (for dough to rise)
  • Bake Time: 12-15 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

How to Make Pizza Hut Cinnamon Sticks

Prepare the Dough

  1. In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-7 minutes until frothy.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour and salt.
  3. Slowly add the yeast mixture and olive oil to the dry ingredients. Stir until a dough forms.
  4. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  5. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for 30 minutes in a warm place.

Shape & Preheat

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Roll out the risen dough on a floured surface to form a rectangle, about 9×12 inches.
  3. Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Add the Cinnamon Magic

  1. Brush the melted butter generously over the dough.
  2. In a small bowl, mix together sugar and cinnamon.
  3. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the buttered dough.

Bake to Perfection

  1. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown around the edges.
  2. Once baked, let the cinnamon sticks cool for 5 minutes before slicing into strips.

Make the Icing Dip

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  2. Adjust consistency by adding more milk if needed.

Serve & Enjoy!

Cinnamon stick dipped in icing with festive backdrop
  • Serve the warm cinnamon sticks with the creamy icing dip on the side. They’re best enjoyed fresh out of the oven with a hot drink in hand!

Tips for the Perfect Pizza Hut Cinnamon Sticks

  • For extra fluffiness: Let the dough rise a second time after shaping for 15 minutes.
  • Make it ahead: Prepare the dough the night before and refrigerate. Bring it to room temperature before baking.
  • Want a crunch?: Sprinkle a bit of coarse sugar over the top before baking.

Variations to Try

  • Stuffed Cinnamon Sticks: Add a cream cheese filling for an indulgent twist.
  • Nutty Delight: Top with crushed pecans or walnuts.
  • Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the sticks for a chocoholic’s dream!

Why This Recipe is Perfect for Winter

When the weather gets cold, there’s nothing better than something warm and sweet straight from the oven. The soft texture and rich cinnamon flavor make these cinnamon sticks a cozy winter treat, perfect to pair with hot cocoa, coffee, or chai tea.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: ~320
  • Carbohydrates: 48g
  • Fat: 12g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Sugars: 22g

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