Pizza Hut Cinnamon Sticks

Earlier this month, I was helping my niece prep snacks for her school bake sale. We were brainstorming easy, crowd-pleasing treats, and she quietly asked, “Can we make those cinnamon things from the pizza place?” I knew exactly what she meant.

That soft, golden bread with a crackly sugar topping and drippy vanilla icing—hard to forget. We didn’t have much time, so we grabbed two tubes of pizza dough, crossed our fingers, and got to work. She brushed the butter like a pro, and I let her mix the cinnamon sugar (and spill a little, because that’s part of the fun).

As the oven did its thing, the whole kitchen filled with this warm, spiced aroma that felt like the holidays had arrived early. When we finally pulled them apart, steaming and sweet, it was clear these weren’t just bake sale treats—they were a memory in the making. That tray didn’t even make it to the school. We shared them with the neighbors instead, still warm in paper towels.

Short Description

Soft, buttery cinnamon sticks inspired by Pizza Hut—baked to golden perfection and topped with a rich vanilla glaze. Perfect for sharing, dipping, or indulging all on your own.

Key Ingredients

• 2 (13.8 oz) pizza crust dough tubes
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• ¼ cup white granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ¼ cup packed light brown sugar (divided)
• 1½ cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon clear vanilla extract
• 2–3 tablespoons milk (start with less, add more to thin glaze as needed)

Tools Needed

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Pastry brush
• Pizza cutter or sharp knife
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups & spoons
• Whisk or spoon for mixing glaze

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Remove the pizza dough from the tubes and press them together into a single ball. Let it rest at room temperature while you prep the pan.

Step 2: Preheat and Butter the Dish
Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Brush melted butter across the bottom and halfway up the sides of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Save a little butter for later.

Step 3: Layer in Flavor
Sprinkle 2 teaspoons of cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the buttered dish. Then add 1 tablespoon of brown sugar over that.

Step 4: Roll and Stretch the Dough
Roll out the dough and stretch it gently to fit the dish. Use your fingers to press it into the corners and sides.

Step 5: Slice Before Baking
Use a pizza cutter to make one long cut down the center lengthwise, then slice across to form 16 sticks. If they shift, just press them back into place.

Step 6: Add the Final Toppings
Brush remaining melted butter over the dough. Sprinkle with the remaining cinnamon-sugar mix and the rest of the brown sugar.

Step 7: Bake Until Golden
Place the dish on the middle oven rack and bake for 15–17 minutes. The dough should be puffed and golden. If needed, test with a fork to check the center is cooked through.

Step 8: Cool Slightly and Make the Glaze
While it cools, whisk powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk (start with 2 tablespoons) in a bowl. Add more milk if needed to reach drizzling consistency.

Step 9: Drizzle and Serve
Drizzle some glaze over the sticks while they’re still slightly warm. Save the rest for dipping!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

– Super simple with store-bought crust

– Crowd-pleasing dessert or snack

– Ready in under 30 minutes

– Customizable glaze and sweetness

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

1. Dough not reaching edges:
Be gentle but firm when pressing the dough into the pan. If it’s too cold, let it warm slightly before stretching.

2. Underbaking the center:
Always test with a fork before removing. If it’s still doughy, bake for an extra 2–3 minutes.

3. Glaze too thin or too thick:
Start with 2 tbsp milk and add a few drops at a time. If it’s runny, add a little more powdered sugar to thicken it.

4. Burning the edges:
If your oven runs hot, check it at the 12-minute mark. Loosely cover with foil if browning too quickly.

5. Overcrowding toppings:
Stick to the measured sugars for balanced sweetness. Too much topping can make it soggy.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

– Serve warm with a generous side of vanilla glaze for dipping.

– Perfect for brunch tables, dessert trays, or weekend movie nights.

– Pair with hot coffee, chai tea, or a cold glass of milk.

– Slice into bite-sized pieces for party platters or buffet spreads.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer: Freeze in layers with parchment paper for up to 2 months.

To Reheat (Oven): Warm at 300°F for 5–7 minutes until soft.

To Reheat (Microwave): Heat in 15-second bursts. Cover with a damp paper towel for softness.

Reheat glaze: Whisk in a few drops of milk and microwave in short bursts.

FAQs

1. Can I use homemade pizza dough instead?
Yes! Just make sure it’s a soft, rollable dough that can stretch across a 9×13-inch dish.

2. What if I don’t have clear vanilla extract?
Regular vanilla works just fine—it’ll tint the glaze slightly but tastes just as good.

3. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, bake the sticks ahead, but glaze them right before serving for the best texture.

4. Can I add toppings like chopped nuts or chocolate chips?
Absolutely. Add finely chopped pecans or mini chocolate chips after the glaze for a fun twist.

5. How can I make it less sweet?
Reduce the amount of sugar in the cinnamon topping and glaze. You can also skip the glaze entirely and serve with fruit.

Tips & Tricks

– Let the dough sit out to soften—cold dough is hard to stretch.

– Use a pizza cutter for cleaner cuts and even pieces.

– Mix the glaze just before drizzling so it’s fresh and smooth.

– Use parchment paper under the dough for easy cleanup.

– Add a pinch of salt to the cinnamon sugar for extra depth.

Recipe Variations

1. Apple Cinnamon Sticks

Add thin apple slices over the dough before baking.

Sprinkle a pinch of nutmeg along with the cinnamon.

Serve with caramel sauce instead of glaze.

2. Chocolate Drizzle Sticks

Add mini chocolate chips on top before baking.

Replace vanilla glaze with a simple chocolate ganache (melt ½ cup chocolate with 2 tbsp cream).

3. Vegan Version

Use dairy-free pizza dough.

Swap butter for melted coconut oil or vegan margarine.

Make glaze with almond milk and plant-based powdered sugar.

4. Orange Spice Sticks

Add 1 tsp orange zest to the cinnamon-sugar mix.

Use orange juice instead of milk for the glaze.

Final Thoughts

What started as a quick baking project turned into one of the sweetest afternoons I’ve had in a while. These cinnamon sticks are more than a copycat recipe—they’re a chance to create something familiar, something that instantly comforts. They’re unfussy, kid-friendly, and the kind of dessert that brings everyone into the kitchen.

Next time I’m planning brunch or setting up a holiday snack table, they’ll be on the list—no second guesses. I’m already thinking about trying a gingerbread twist or adding orange zest to the icing for a wintery kick.

But no matter how you customize them, the heart of the recipe stays the same: soft dough, warm spice, and just enough sweetness to make people linger a little longer after the last bite.