Sweet Crunchy Cinnamon Sticks

This crack sticks recipe transforms simple ingredients into an irresistibly crispy, sweet treat that disappears within minutes at any gathering. The contrast between the crunchy cinnamon sugar coating and creamy filling creates an addictive snack that lives up to its name.

I first made these crack sticks for a last minute playdate and watched in amazement as both parents and children devoured the entire batch. Since then they've become my signature contribution to potlucks and school functions because they're guaranteed to disappear.

Ingredients

• White bread slices creates the perfect canvas for this recipe. Choose a soft sandwich bread that will roll easily without tearing
• Cream cheese provides the rich creamy filling that makes these sticks so addictive. Full fat works best for optimal creaminess
• Powdered sugar blends perfectly with the cream cheese creating a smooth sweet filling similar to cheesecake filling
• Granulated sugar combines with cinnamon for the crispy exterior coating that caramelizes during baking
• Ground cinnamon adds that classic warm spice flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweet creamy interior
• Butter helps the cinnamon sugar adhere while creating that golden crispy exterior during baking

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Your Ingredients

Begin by softening your cream cheese to room temperature for easy mixing. Meanwhile set up your assembly station with three separate bowls one for your cream cheese mixture one for melted butter and one for cinnamon sugar. This organization makes the rolling process much more efficient.

Make The Filling

Beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar together until completely smooth and slightly fluffy. Take your time here to ensure there are no lumps in your filling as they would create an uneven texture in the final product.

Prepare The Bread

Remove all crusts from your bread slices. Use a rolling pin to gently flatten each slice making them easier to roll without breaking. The thinner bread also creates a better ratio of filling to bread in the final sticks.

Assemble The Rolls

Spread approximately one tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture evenly over each flattened bread slice leaving a tiny border at the edges. Roll each slice tightly starting from one end creating a compact cylinder. Press the seam slightly to seal.

Create The Coating

Dip each roll first in the melted butter ensuring complete coverage then roll in the cinnamon sugar mixture until thoroughly coated on all sides. The butter acts as both a flavor enhancer and the glue that helps the sweet coating adhere.

Bake To Perfection

Arrange the prepared rolls on a parchment lined baking sheet leaving slight space between each. Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for exactly 20 minutes until golden brown and crispy on the outside while remaining soft inside.

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My children have officially nicknamed these our weekend special treat and my youngest has developed an adorable ritual of leaving the very last bite for me to taste. Something about the combination of warm cinnamon and creamy filling just creates those special family moments around the kitchen table.

Storage Solutions

These crack sticks are best enjoyed fresh from the oven when the contrast between the crispy exterior and creamy interior is at its peak. If you must store leftovers place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes to restore some crispiness. Refrigeration is not recommended as it makes the bread soggy and changes the texture significantly.

Delicious Variations

The basic recipe serves as a perfect template for countless variations. Try adding miniature chocolate chips to the cream cheese filling for a chocolate lovers version. Pumpkin spice fans can replace regular cinnamon with pumpkin pie spice in the sugar coating. For a fruity twist mix a tablespoon of strawberry jam into the cream cheese filling or sprinkle the inside with finely diced apples tossed with a bit of cinnamon before rolling.

Serving Suggestions

While delicious on their own these crack sticks reach new heights when served with complementary dipping options. Offer a side of warm caramel sauce chocolate ganache or fruit preserves. For a stunning dessert platter arrange them alongside fresh berries and a dollop of whipped cream. They pair beautifully with coffee tea or cold milk making them versatile for breakfast brunch or dessert.

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Frequently Asked Questions About the Recipe

→ Can I use different types of bread for this recipe?

Yes! While white bread works best due to its softness and mild flavor, you can experiment with wheat bread, brioche, or even thinly rolled sandwich bread. Just ensure whatever bread you choose can be easily flattened and rolled without tearing.

→ How can I make these ahead of time?

You can prepare these up to the rolling stage and refrigerate them (covered tightly) for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, complete the butter and cinnamon-sugar coating steps and bake as directed. They're best served warm from the oven.

→ Can I freeze these cinnamon cream cheese sticks?

Yes, you can freeze them either before or after baking. For unbaked sticks, freeze them on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 3-5 minutes to the cooking time. For baked sticks, cool completely before freezing and reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes.

→ What can I add to the cream cheese filling for variations?

Get creative with your filling by adding mini chocolate chips, finely chopped nuts, orange or lemon zest, a touch of vanilla extract, a sprinkle of nutmeg, or even a thin spread of fruit preserves before adding the cream cheese mixture.

→ Why are my sticks not getting crispy?

For maximum crispiness, make sure your oven is fully preheated, the butter coating is thin but complete, and the sticks aren't overcrowded on the baking sheet. If they're still not crispy enough, you can place them under the broiler for 1-2 minutes (watching carefully) for extra crunch.

→ Can I make these with less sugar?

Yes, you can reduce the powdered sugar in the filling and/or the sugar in the coating mixture. Consider using just 1/2 cup powdered sugar in the filling and reducing the coating sugar to 2/3 cup. The cinnamon can remain the same for flavor.