Delectable Creamy Cinnamon Sticks

If you’ve got a sweet tooth and want something crispy that'll be gone in a flash at your next family gathering, these timeless crack sticks are the way to go. They’re a go-to for parties or just a fun surprise for the kids. You can whip them up in half an hour, and they never let you down.

The first time I made these crack sticks was on a whim during a late-night baking session after my sister asked for something reminiscent of our childhood. We gobbled up an entire batch at the kitchen table, and now they’re our go-to treat for any celebration.

Ingredients

• Butter: Melted for consistent coverage that helps the cinnamon sugar stick. Use good quality unsalted butter for the best taste.
• Cream cheese: Make sure it’s at room temperature for easy spreading. Full-fat gives the richest flavor.
• Granulated sugar: Key for that classic cinnamon sugar crunch. Fresh sugar caramelizes beautifully in the oven.
• Cinnamon: Go for ground cinnamon with a rich aroma. This adds warmth to every bite.
• Powdered sugar: Creates a super creamy filling and mixes easily with cream cheese. Look for fine sifted to avoid clumps.
• White bread: A soft sandwich loaf is ideal for fluffiness. Trim the crusts for even texture.

Instructions

Make the Creamy Filling:

In a medium bowl, beat together the cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Use a sturdy spatula or a hand mixer. Keep mixing until the filling is glossy and lump-free. This will give a cloudlike texture to the centers of each stick.

Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar:

In another bowl, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon well. Make sure there are no streaks remaining. This will give every stick even flavor and a beautiful color on the outside.

Melt the Butter:

In a smaller bowl, melt the butter until it’s liquid but not sizzling. You want it warm enough to coat the bread but not so hot that it cooks them when you dip.

Prep the Bread:

Stack your bread slices and cut off all the crusts neatly. Use a rolling pin to flatten each slice until it’s very thin and pliable. This way, your sticks will bake up crisp rather than doughy.

Spread and Roll:

Using an offset spatula, spread a generous amount of cream cheese filling over each flattened slice. Make sure to reach the edges. Tightly roll them up to form little logs, pressing the seam gently to keep them closed.

Coat with Butter and Sugar:

One at a time, roll each stick quickly in the warm melted butter, ensuring all sides are covered. After that, toss or roll them in the cinnamon sugar mix so that they’re fully coated.

Bake Them:

Place each coated stick seam side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Leave a bit of space between each for even baking. Cook in an oven preheated to 350 degrees until they’re golden brown. This’ll take about twenty minutes. They should be crisp and fragrant, with a little bubbling around the edges.

I adore the aroma of cinnamon and butter filling the house while these are baking. It brings back memories of holidays spent making sweets with my grandmother. She always emphasized rolling the bread as thin as possible for maximum crunch.

Storage Tips

Let the crack sticks cool completely before putting them in an airtight container. They can stay at room temp for up to two days. If you want them to last longer, refrigerate them for up to five days, then reheat in the oven for a few minutes to get that crispiness back. You can also freeze them for a month. Just let them thaw on the counter and toast briefly to revive their crispy outside.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap in whole wheat sandwich bread for a nuttier taste and extra fiber. For a twist, try flavored cream cheese like strawberry or honey pecan instead of plain. If you want a dairy-free option, use plant-based cream cheese and vegan butter, and double-check your bread for any milk ingredients.

Serving Suggestions

Cut each stick into bite-sized rounds for easy eating. They’re a sweet addition to breakfast with some fresh berries, or drizzle with honey for a little something extra. My favorite way to present them is on a big platter, stacked high with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar for that extra sparkle.

Cultural and Historical Context

These crack sticks are a nostalgic snack, with similar rolled bread treats appearing in community cookbooks since the 1970s. They’ve grown popular in American potluck culture because they’re budget-friendly, easy to transport, and perfect for sharing.

Seasonal Adaptations

For fall gatherings, try using apple pie spice or pumpkin pie spice instead of regular cinnamon. In spring, swap in a tangy lemon cream cheese filling and toss the sugar with a hint of cardamom. During the winter holidays, drizzle melted white chocolate on each roll and sprinkle with crushed peppermint for flair.

Success Stories

I’ve taken these to birthdays and end-of-the-year celebrations, and kids always ask for the recipe. Even my pickiest nephew gave them two thumbs up after his first taste!

Freezer Meal Conversion

To freeze, prepare the crack sticks up to the butter and sugar coating, but don’t bake them. Wrap them tight in plastic or put them in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just bake straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. This way, you can have fresh hot crack sticks any time.

You’ll want to make these crack sticks your signature treat after one bite. Share them with friends and watch how quickly they disappear!

Common Recipe Questions

→ How do you keep the bread from unrolling?

After you spread and roll, just press the edges lightly to seal them. The cream cheese helps keep everything in place while baking.

→ Can you use other types of bread?

Sure thing, but soft white bread works best for rolling. Whole wheat or brioche is fine too, just make sure they can flatten and roll easily.

→ Do these need to be served warm?

They're tasty warm or at room temperature. For a super crispy bite, eat them right after they come out of the oven.

→ Is it possible to prepare ahead of time?

Yes, you can get them ready and keep them in the fridge before baking. Bake fresh for the best texture and crunch.

→ How do you store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days. You can crisp them up in the oven for a few minutes before serving, if you want.