Are you craving that warm, sweet, and cinnamon-y goodness you remember from Pizza Hut? Forget the drive-thru; today, we're making it at home! This recipe recreates the iconic Pizza Hut cinnamon sticks, offering a delicious and surprisingly easy treat perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. Get ready to bake up a batch of these irresistible homemade cinnamon sticks, a simple and delightful dessert that’s sure to be a family favorite. It’s a quick dinner idea that is surprisingly healthy.
Ingredients:
- 1 package (13.8 oz) refrigerated pizza dough
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (for added crunch and flavor)
Instructions:
Get Started:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet. This ensures even baking and prevents sticking.
Prepare the Dough:
- On a lightly floured surface, gently roll out the pizza dough into a large rectangle, about 1/8 inch thick. Aim for even thickness for consistent baking.
Create the Cinnamon Magic:
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In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, cinnamon, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until well blended and smooth. If using nuts, add them now.
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Spread the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the rolled-out dough. Make sure to cover every inch for maximum flavor.
Cut and Bake:
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Tightly roll the dough into a log, starting from the longest side. Using a sharp knife, cut the log into 1-inch thick slices. Place the slices, cut-side up, onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a small space between each.
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Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cinnamon sticks are golden brown and slightly firm. Keep a close eye on them; ovens vary!
Sweeten the Deal (Optional):
- While still warm, you can drizzle the cinnamon sticks with a simple icing glaze. Mix powdered sugar with a little milk or lemon juice to achieve your desired consistency.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Sticks:
- Don't overcrowd the baking sheet: Give each cinnamon stick enough space to bake evenly.
- Adjust baking time: Ovens vary, so start checking for doneness around the 12-minute mark.
- Use quality ingredients: Better ingredients generally lead to better results.
- Get creative with toppings: Try adding a sprinkle of coarse sugar before baking for extra crunch.
Delicious Variations:
- Apple Cinnamon Sticks: Add 1/2 cup of chopped apples to the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Chocolate Cinnamon Sticks: Drizzle melted chocolate over the baked cinnamon sticks.
- Maple Cinnamon Sticks: Substitute maple syrup for some of the granulated sugar.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the size of your cinnamon sticks and the ingredients used. For a general estimate, a single cinnamon stick may contain around 150-200 calories, with carbohydrates being the primary macronutrient. For precise nutritional information, use a nutrition calculator based on your specific recipe and serving size.
This easy recipe provides a delicious and satisfying homemade alternative to store-bought cinnamon sticks. It's a perfect dessert for any occasion and a fun activity to do with the family. Enjoy!