If you’ve ever finished off a pizza and immediately started dreaming about those cinnamon sticks from Pizza Hut—the ones that are soft, sweet, and smothered in cinnamon sugar with a little pot of icing on the side—you’re not alone. Those iconic dessert sticks are a childhood memory, a sweet reward after cheesy slices, and the unsung hero of the takeout box. But what if you could make them at home… and make them even better?
That’s what this Pizza Hut Cinnamon Sticks recipe is all about: fluffy, tender homemade dough baked into golden strips, brushed with melted butter, and coated in the perfect blend of cinnamon and sugar. Then comes the dipping sauce—a smooth vanilla icing that’s sweet, creamy, and ridiculously easy to whip up. You can make them from scratch or use shortcut dough, but either way, these are warm, soft, sweet, and everything you remember (plus a little extra).
Whether you’re looking for a nostalgic treat, a crowd-pleasing party dessert, or just want a little cinnamon-sugar love in your life, these homemade cinnamon sticks hit all the right notes. No delivery fee required.
Why You’ll Love These Pizza Hut Cinnamon Sticks
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Soft, chewy dough that stays tender on the inside with just the right golden crust.
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Coated in sweet cinnamon sugar, just like the original.
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Comes with a homemade vanilla icing that’s actually creamy and dippable.
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Way better than the store-bought or frozen versions—and made with real ingredients.
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Halal-friendly, made without lard or gelatin, and completely alcohol-free.
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Can be made with homemade dough or pre-made pizza dough to save time.
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Perfect for dessert, brunch, or snack time, and fun for kids to help make.
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Customizable—add chocolate chips, drizzle caramel, or swap in other spices.
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Bakes fast and makes a big batch, ideal for sharing.
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Makes your kitchen smell like a cinnamon sugar wonderland.
Preparation Time and Yield
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Prep Time: 15 minutes (30 with homemade dough)
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Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
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Total Time: 30–45 minutes
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Yield: 12 sticks (serves 4–6)
Nutritional Information (Per Stick with Icing)
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Calories: 160
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Carbohydrates: 26g
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Protein: 3g
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Fat: 5g
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Fiber: 1g
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Sugar: 9g
Ingredients for Pizza Hut Cinnamon Sticks
For the Dough (Homemade Option):
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2 1/4 tsp instant yeast (1 packet)
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1 cup warm water
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2 tablespoons granulated sugar
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2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon salt
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2 tablespoons olive oil
OR use 1 lb pre-made pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:
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1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
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1/3 cup granulated sugar
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1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
For the Vanilla Icing Dip:
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1 cup powdered sugar
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2 tablespoons milk (or more to thin)
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1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
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Pinch of salt
Step-by-Step Instructions for Pizza Hut Cinnamon Sticks
Step 1: Make or prepare the dough
If using homemade dough, dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy. Stir in flour, salt, and olive oil until a soft dough forms. Knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth. Cover and let rise for 1 hour until doubled.
If using store-bought dough, bring to room temperature and move to step 2.
Step 2: Roll out the dough
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll dough into a rectangle about 9×13 inches on a lightly floured surface. Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet or pizza stone.
Step 3: Bake the base
Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the dough is puffed and lightly golden. It should be set but still soft.
Step 4: Brush with butter and cinnamon sugar
Remove from the oven and immediately brush with melted butter. In a small bowl, mix the cinnamon and sugar together, then generously sprinkle it over the hot buttered dough.
Step 5: Slice into sticks
Use a pizza cutter or sharp knife to slice the dough into 1-inch wide strips. You can slice vertically or into shorter pieces for dipping.
Step 6: Make the icing
In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and a pinch of salt until smooth and pourable. Add more milk if needed to thin.
Step 7: Serve warm
Serve the cinnamon sticks warm with the icing on the side—or go wild and drizzle it over the top. Best enjoyed fresh out of the oven.
Ingredient Background
The secret behind the addictive magic of Pizza Hut Cinnamon Sticks lies in a handful of pantry staples that, when combined just right, deliver buttery, cinnamon-rich bliss.
Let’s start with the dough. Whether you’re making it from scratch or using store-bought, the base is what gives these sticks their soft, chewy interior and golden, slightly crisp edges. Pizza dough works perfectly because it’s made to puff up just enough while still having a firm bite. A homemade version lets you control the texture, but pre-made dough keeps things fast and fuss-free.
Next, the stars of the show: cinnamon and sugar. Cinnamon is one of the oldest and most beloved spices, known for its warm, sweet aroma and subtle heat. When paired with granulated sugar and brushed over melted butter, it becomes a golden, caramelizing topping that creates a crackly, sweet shell on top of the dough.
And then there’s the vanilla icing—that silky dipping sauce that completes every bite. It’s made with just three simple ingredients: powdered sugar for sweetness and texture, milk for creaminess, and vanilla extract for that warm, bakery-style flavor. A tiny pinch of salt cuts the sweetness and rounds out the whole thing.
Each ingredient might seem simple, but when they come together fresh out of the oven, the result is a comfort-food dessert that’s hard to stop eating.
Technique Tips for Pizza Hut Cinnamon Sticks
Making cinnamon sticks at home is surprisingly easy, but a few pro tips will take them from good to exactly-like-you-remember (or even better).
Start with your dough temperature. If you’re using homemade dough, let it rise fully and relax for a few minutes before rolling it out. If you’re using store-bought dough, allow it to come to room temperature first—cold dough will resist rolling and may tear.
When rolling out the dough, aim for even thickness—about 1/2 inch. Too thin and the sticks will get crispy and cracker-like. Too thick and they may not cook through evenly. A medium thickness gives you that tender, bready center with a slightly chewy edge.
The magic happens right after baking: the moment your dough comes out of the oven, brush it with melted butter and hit it with cinnamon sugar while it’s still warm. This helps the sugar melt slightly into the butter and creates that signature cinnamon-sugar crust.
Lastly, don’t skip cutting the sticks while the dough is hot. A pizza cutter works great for clean, even slices, and warm dough is much easier to cut through than cooled dough.
Alternative Presentation Ideas
Sure, you could serve these in a pan and call it a day—but where’s the fun in that? Let’s turn these into show-stopping treats.
For a dessert platter, arrange cinnamon sticks in a fan or spiral on a large wooden board. Serve with multiple dipping sauces—vanilla icing, chocolate ganache, and caramel drizzle—for a build-your-own dessert experience. Add strawberries or marshmallows on the side for color and texture.
Hosting a brunch or breakfast bar? Cut the dough into smaller pieces before baking and serve them as cinnamon bites. Pile them into a basket, top with powdered sugar, and offer glaze in mini ramekins for dipping.
Want to go full dessert mode? Stack the baked cinnamon sticks into a dessert tower, drizzle with icing and melted chocolate, and sprinkle with crushed nuts or graham crackers. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream and watch everyone dig in like it’s a cinnamon roll sundae dream.
Freezing and Storing Pizza Hut Cinnamon Sticks
One of the best things about these cinnamon sticks? They’re totally make-ahead friendly, so you can bake a batch now and enjoy the magic later.
To store (short term):
Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in a toaster oven or air fryer for a few minutes to revive the texture. Avoid microwaving unless you like them extra soft.
To freeze (unbaked):
Roll out your dough, brush with butter, and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar. Slice into sticks, freeze on a tray, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag. Bake from frozen at 375°F, adding a few extra minutes.
To freeze (baked):
Cool completely, then freeze in a single layer. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes. You can also freeze the icing separately in a small container—just let it come to room temp before serving.
Make-ahead icing tip:
Icing can be made up to 1 week in advance and stored in the fridge. Rewarm gently or stir in a tiny bit of warm milk to loosen it back up before serving.
Healthier Twist Ideas
Let’s be real: these are meant to be a treat—but you can lighten them up a bit without losing all the fun.
Use whole wheat pastry flour or a 50/50 mix with all-purpose for a fiber boost. It adds a slightly nutty flavor that pairs nicely with cinnamon. You can also opt for a thinner dough if you prefer a crispier, lighter stick.
For the topping, swap coconut sugar for granulated sugar, or cut the total sugar by 1/3—it’ll still give you the sweetness and crust you crave, just a bit more subtly. A sprinkle of cinnamon alone over melted butter is surprisingly satisfying on its own.
Looking to skip refined sugar entirely? Use a maple glaze instead of powdered sugar icing: mix pure maple syrup with a little almond milk and cinnamon. It gives you that sticky sweetness with a natural, earthy twist.
Serving Suggestions for Events
Pizza Hut Cinnamon Sticks aren’t just for pizza night—they’re party-perfect, brunch-ready, and snack-time approved.
For a movie night or sleepover, pair cinnamon sticks with popcorn, fruit, and mini milkshakes. Kids (and adults) love dipping, and the fun-sized dessert vibes are perfect for snacking.
Planning a pizza party? Make a double batch and serve these as the dessert finale. Cut them smaller for bite-sized, pick-up-and-dip style, and offer icing in squeeze bottles or jars so everyone can drizzle their own.
Hosting a holiday or weekend brunch? Serve cinnamon sticks alongside fruit salad, scrambled eggs, and coffee or chai. Their cinnamon sugar flavor pairs perfectly with warm spices and cozy drinks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use pre-made pizza dough?
Absolutely. It’s a great shortcut and still tastes amazing. Let it come to room temperature before rolling.
2. Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes—use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend if making the dough from scratch, or grab a gluten-free pre-made pizza dough.
3. Can I use brown sugar instead of white sugar?
Totally. It’ll give you a deeper, caramel-like flavor and a softer texture on top.
4. What if I don’t have vanilla extract?
You can skip it, or substitute with a tiny drop of maple extract or almond extract for a different flavor twist.
5. Can I make the icing without milk?
Yes—use almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk. You just need a liquid to thin out the powdered sugar.
6. How do I keep the sticks from drying out?
Don’t overbake them, and store leftovers tightly wrapped. Reheat with a little foil tent to keep them soft.
7. Can I use puff pastry instead of pizza dough?
Sure! It’ll be flakier and more dessert-like, but delicious. Just bake until golden and crisp.
8. Can I add chocolate chips or nuts?
Yes! Add mini chocolate chips after the cinnamon sugar layer, or sprinkle chopped pecans for extra texture.
9. Do these work in an air fryer?
Yes! Cook at 350°F for 5–7 minutes, depending on thickness. Keep an eye on them—they cook fast!
10. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Just roll the dough in two separate batches and bake side by side on different trays.
Conclusion
Pizza Hut Cinnamon Sticks aren’t just a dessert—they’re a warm, fluffy bite of nostalgia. They bring together everything we love about comfort food: soft dough, melty butter, warm cinnamon, and sweet vanilla icing. But when you make them at home? You get all that goodness plus the satisfaction of baking something magical from scratch.
Whether you’re recreating a childhood favorite, treating your family to something special, or just answering a cinnamon sugar craving, these sticks deliver every time. They’re fast, fun, totally halal-friendly, and endlessly customizable.
So next time you’re craving something sweet after pizza—or anytime, really—skip the delivery and head straight to your kitchen. With one tray of these cinnamon sticks, you’re not just making dessert… you’re making memories.
Print
Pizza Hut Cinnamon Sticks
- Total Time: 30–45 minutes
- Yield: 12 sticks (serves 4–6) 1x
Ingredients
For the Dough (Homemade Option):
- 2 1/4 tsp instant yeast (1 packet)
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- OR use 1 lb pre-made pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
For the Vanilla Icing Dip:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk (or more to thin)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
Step 1: Make or prepare the dough
If using homemade dough, dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy. Stir in flour, salt, and olive oil until a soft dough forms. Knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth. Cover and let rise for 1 hour until doubled.
If using store-bought dough, bring to room temperature and move to step 2.
Step 2: Roll out the dough
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll dough into a rectangle about 9×13 inches on a lightly floured surface. Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet or pizza stone.
Step 3: Bake the base
Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the dough is puffed and lightly golden. It should be set but still soft.
Step 4: Brush with butter and cinnamon sugar
Remove from the oven and immediately brush with melted butter. In a small bowl, mix the cinnamon and sugar together, then generously sprinkle it over the hot buttered dough.
Step 5: Slice into sticks
Use a pizza cutter or sharp knife to slice the dough into 1-inch wide strips. You can slice vertically or into shorter pieces for dipping.
Step 6: Make the icing
In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and a pinch of salt until smooth and pourable. Add more milk if needed to thin.
Step 7: Serve warm
Serve the cinnamon sticks warm with the icing on the side—or go wild and drizzle it over the top. Best enjoyed fresh out of the oven.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (30 with homemade dough)
- Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 9g
- Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g