Cinnamon sticks recipe: How to make the best 5-ingredient treat

There’s something magical about the aroma of cinnamon that instantly transforms my little yellow farmhouse kitchen into a haven of comfort and warmth. This cinnamon sticks recipe has become my family’s favorite weekend treat, bringing together the simplest ingredients to create something truly special. When the weather turns crisp or we need a pick-me-up after a long week, these buttery, sugary delights are my go-to solution – they’re ridiculously simple but taste like you spent hours in the kitchen!

I discovered this recipe during one of those chaotic Saturday mornings when Lila was begging to bake something sweet, Caleb was trying to “help” by dumping flour everywhere, and I realized I had barely any ingredients in the pantry. Sound familiar? We’ve all been there! What started as a kitchen emergency has become one of our most requested treats, proving once again that sometimes the simplest recipes bring the most joy. If you’re looking for other quick treats, my recipe for heavenly hash brownies or cornflake candy recipe are similarly satisfying options!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll fall head over heels for this cinnamon sticks recipe for so many reasons:

• It requires just 5 simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry
• The prep time is minimal (perfect for impatient little bakers or busy moms)
• The heavenly cinnamon-sugar aroma will make your whole house smell amazing
• They’re versatile – perfect for breakfast, after-school snacks, or dessert
• They deliver that bakery-quality taste without any complicated techniques
• They’re budget-friendly but taste incredibly indulgent

I’ve made these cinnamon sticks for playdates, teacher appreciation gifts, and even as a quick dessert when unexpected guests arrive. Every single time, people ask for the recipe, amazed that something so delicious could be so simple!

Ingredients

For this easy cinnamon sticks recipe, you’ll need:

• 1 package (17.3 oz) frozen puff pastry, thawed (2 sheets)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• Optional: 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (to mix with the melted butter)

Substitution Tips

• Butter Alternative: Dairy-free butter works perfectly for a vegan version
• Sugar Options: Brown sugar can replace some or all of the granulated sugar for a deeper molasses flavor
• Puff Pastry: If you’re feeling ambitious, homemade puff pastry works too, but the store-bought kind is my weekday sanity-saver
• Cinnamon Alternative: Pumpkin pie spice makes a delicious seasonal variation

Timing

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Thaw Time: 40 minutes (for the puff pastry)
• Bake Time: 20-25 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes (including thawing)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Thaw the Puff Pastry

Remove the puff pastry from the freezer and allow it to thaw at room temperature for approximately 40 minutes, or until it’s pliable but still cool to the touch. This is the perfect time to get little helpers involved measuring ingredients or setting the table. When I’m in a rush (which, let’s be honest, is most days), I place it on a baking sheet near the preheating oven to speed things up a bit.

Step 2: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Trust me on the parchment paper – it saves so much cleanup time later with the melted sugar!

Step 3: Mix the Cinnamon Sugar

In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon, mixing well until evenly incorporated. This is a job my daughter Lila loves to do – watching the cinnamon create beautiful swirls through the white sugar. If you like, set aside about 2 tablespoons of this mixture for sprinkling on top after baking.

Step 4: Prepare the Puff Pastry

Unfold each sheet of puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. If there are any cracks, gently press them back together with your fingers. Using a pastry brush, generously brush the top of each pastry sheet with melted butter. If you’re using vanilla extract, mix it with the butter before brushing.

Step 5: Apply Cinnamon Sugar

Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the buttered surface of the puff pastry sheets, leaving a small border around the edges. Press the sugar mixture lightly into the dough with your palms or a flat spatula to help it adhere better.

Step 6: Cut Into Sticks

Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut each puff pastry sheet into strips approximately 1 inch wide. For longer sticks, cut along the shorter side of the rectangle; for shorter sticks, cut along the longer side. The puff pastry I use typically yields about 9 sticks per sheet when cutting along the shorter side.

Step 7: Transfer and Twist

Carefully transfer the strips to your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart. For a fancier presentation, twist each strip 2-3 times before placing it on the baking sheet. This creates beautiful spirals of cinnamon sugar that looks impressive but is so simple!

Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake in your preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the sticks are puffed and golden brown. Rotate the baking sheets halfway through for even browning. Watch them carefully during the last few minutes – the sugar can go from perfectly caramelized to burnt quite quickly!

Step 9: Cool Slightly and Enjoy

Allow the cinnamon sticks to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. They’re best enjoyed warm, when the pastry is still crisp on the outside and tender on the inside. If you reserved some cinnamon sugar, you can sprinkle it over the warm sticks for an extra sweet touch.

Cooking Tips

After making this cinnamon sticks recipe countless times (seriously, I could probably make them blindfolded at this point), I’ve discovered a few tricks that make all the difference:

• Keep your puff pastry cool but workable. If it gets too warm, the butter in the dough melts prematurely, and you’ll lose those beautiful flaky layers.
• Don’t skimp on the butter! It helps the cinnamon sugar adhere and creates that gorgeous caramelized exterior.
• Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone mat. The sugar will melt and can stick terribly to unlined pans.
• For extra decadence, drizzle cooled sticks with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.
• If your kitchen is warm, refrigerate the prepared sticks for 15 minutes before baking to help them hold their shape better.
• For perfect twists, hold each end of the strip and twist in opposite directions.

A Little Sweet Memory

There’s something about the smell of cinnamon that instantly transports me back to Sunday mornings at my grandmother’s house. She would make cinnamon toast for us kids – nothing fancy, just bread with butter and cinnamon sugar – but somehow, it tasted like the most special treat in the world.

When I first made these cinnamon sticks for my own children, I watched as Lila closed her eyes and inhaled deeply, just like I used to do at my grandmother’s table. “Mommy, it smells like happiness,” she said. And isn’t that what we’re really doing when we bake for our families? We’re creating memories wrapped in the comfort of familiar scents and flavors.

Nutritional Information

While these cinnamon sticks are definitely a treat, they do offer some surprising benefits:

• Cinnamon has been shown to help regulate blood sugar and has anti-inflammatory properties
• One serving provides a quick energy boost, perfect for busy mornings
• When made with all-butter puff pastry, you get some beneficial fatty acids

Per serving (2 sticks):

• Calories: Approximately 220
• Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 26g
• Protein: 2g
• Sugar: 14g

Remember, treats like these are meant to be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet!

Healthier Alternatives

Looking to lighten up this cinnamon sticks recipe? Here are some modifications I’ve tried:

• Reduce the sugar by up to half for a less sweet version that still satisfies
• Try a whole wheat puff pastry for added fiber (though it won’t be quite as flaky)
• Use a sugar alternative like monk fruit sweetener for a lower-glycemic option
• Add finely chopped nuts for protein and healthy fats
• Sprinkle with chia or flax seeds before baking for an omega-3 boost

Remember that sometimes enjoying the real thing in moderation is better than constantly substituting with “diet” versions. As I always tell my kids, “We eat healthy foods most of the time so we can enjoy treats like these sometimes.”

Serving Suggestions

These versatile cinnamon sticks shine in so many settings:

• Serve alongside coffee or hot chocolate for a cozy afternoon treat
• Pack in lunchboxes for a special surprise (my kids’ friends are always begging to trade!)
• Create a breakfast board with fresh fruit, yogurt, and these cinnamon sticks
• Pair with vanilla ice cream for an easy but impressive dessert
• Serve alongside a cheese board for a sweet counterpoint to savory cheeses
• Bundle a few sticks together with twine for an adorable hostess gift

My personal favorite? A warm cinnamon stick and a cup of coffee enjoyed in the peaceful quiet before the kids wake up!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even a simple recipe can go wrong if you hit a few snags. Here’s how to avoid the most common pitfalls with this cinnamon sticks recipe:

• Overworking the puff pastry: The more you handle it, the less it will puff. Be gentle!
• Underthawing the pastry: If your pastry is still frozen in parts, it will crack when you unfold it.
• Overapplying butter: While butter is important, too much will make your sticks greasy rather than flaky.
• Crowding the baking sheet: Give those sticks space! They need room to puff and expand.
• Walking away during baking: The difference between caramelized and burnt can be just a minute or two.
• Trying to move them too soon: Let them set for 5 minutes after baking or they’ll be too soft to transfer.

Storing & Reheating Tips

In the rare event that you have leftovers (this almost never happens in our house!), here’s how to keep them at their best:

• Store completely cooled cinnamon sticks in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• For longer storage, place in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• To freeze, place in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months.
• To reheat, place in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes until warm and crisp. Avoid the microwave, which will make them soggy.

Pro tip: These actually make fantastic French toast! If they’ve gone a bit stale, dip in egg mixture and cook as you would regular French toast for an amazing breakfast transformation.

FAQs

Can I make the cinnamon sticks recipe in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the sticks up to the point of baking, then refrigerate them (covered) for up to 24 hours. Add 2-3 minutes to the baking time when cooking from refrigerated.

Why didn’t my puff pastry puff up properly?
The most common reasons are overhandling the dough or having your oven temperature too low. Make sure your oven is fully preheated before baking, and try to handle the pastry as little as possible.

Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use a gluten-free puff pastry (they’re available in many grocery stores now) and double-check that your cinnamon is from a gluten-free facility.

Final Thoughts

This cinnamon sticks recipe reminds me that sometimes the most memorable kitchen moments come from the simplest ingredients. In our busy lives, it’s these small traditions – the sight of cinnamon-dusted fingers, the aroma filling our home, the smiles around the table – that create the tapestry of family life.

Whether you’re an experienced baker or someone who usually avoids the kitchen, I promise these cinnamon sticks will bring a little magic to your day. They’ve become our family’s way of making ordinary moments feel special, and I hope they’ll do the same for yours.

I’d love to hear if you try this recipe! Drop me a comment below or tag me in your kitchen creations. And if you’re looking for more simple, family-friendly treats, be sure to check out my butter toffee pretzels recipe – another crowd-pleaser that comes together in minutes!

Happy baking from my kitchen to yours,

Olivia

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