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This crunchy, sweet delight turns basic white bread into an addictive dessert that disappears in seconds. The mix of smooth filling, buttery outside, and sugar-cinnamon coating makes a wonderful blend of textures and tastes that captivates everyone from kids to grown-ups.
I whipped these addictive sticks up during a surprise playdate when my sweets cupboard was empty. They got their name because they're impossible to stop eating. Now my kid wants them at every sleepover, and all her buddies ask me how to make them.
Ingredients
- White bread: Your starting point for this treat. Go for a soft type that's easy to roll without breaking
- Cream cheese: Regular fat delivers the tastiest filling that won't lose shape while cooking
- Powdered sugar: Mixes perfectly with cream cheese for smooth sweetness without any grit
- Granulated sugar: Makes that crunchy outside when mixed with cinnamon and butter
- Cinnamon: The key spice that makes these sticks so special. Always go for fresh
- Butter: Pick unsalted to manage sweetness levels. It helps the sugar stick and creates that irresistible crunch
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Set Up Your Space:
- Create three separate areas before you start. Mix your cream cheese and powdered sugar in the first bowl until it's totally smooth without any bumps. This gives you a velvety filling. In the second bowl, stir together your granulated sugar and cinnamon until fully combined. For your third bowl, melt your butter completely but don't let it brown.
- Get The Bread Ready:
- Cut off all crusts from bread slices with a sharp knife. Carefully flatten each slice using your rolling pin. Push firmly but carefully in every direction until bread is thin but still intact. Thinner slices roll better and create the ideal texture.
- Roll Them Up:
- Spread about a tablespoon of your cream cheese mix on each flattened bread slice, covering it well but leaving a small edge bare at one end to help seal. From the other end, roll up the bread snugly but gently into a tight tube. Press the edge down slightly to close it.
- Add The Coating:
- One by one, dip each roll in your melted butter, making sure it's completely covered. Then immediately roll it in your cinnamon sugar mix, coating all sides evenly. The butter makes the sugar stick and helps create that famous crunch when baked.
- Bake Them Right:
- Place rolls on a parchment covered baking sheet with the seam facing down, spaced about an inch apart to let them expand. Bake at 350°F for just 20 minutes. They should come out golden brown with a crispy outside and melted inside.
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My top way to enjoy these treats is right when they're warm from the oven with a dollop of vanilla ice cream nearby. The mix of hot, crunchy outside and cool, smooth ice cream creates an amazing dessert moment that takes me back to eating churros at county fairs.
Storage Solutions
These addictive sticks taste best straight from the oven, but you can keep any extras in a sealed container at room temp for up to two days. To bring back their crunch, warm them in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes before eating. If you want to save them longer, freeze uncooked rolls after they're coated in cinnamon sugar. When you're ready to eat them, put the frozen rolls on a baking sheet and cook them for 5 minutes more than the original time.
Clever Variations
The standard recipe lets you try tons of different versions. Mix tiny chocolate chips or finely chopped nuts into the cream cheese for extra texture. Switch cinnamon for pumpkin pie spice in autumn for a seasonal flavor. For a savory twist, skip the sugars and use herbed cream cheese with a parmesan coating instead of the sweet mix. These changes keep things fresh even after you've made them countless times.
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Perfect Pairings
Offer these sweet goodies with hot chocolate for a special afternoon snack kids won't forget. At brunch, put them next to fresh fruit to balance out the sweetness. For parties, try serving them with simple dips like melted chocolate, caramel, or fruit sauce to make them look fancy. These versatile treats fit in anywhere from casual get-togethers to fancy dessert spreads.
Common Questions
- → Can I use whole wheat bread instead of white bread?
Sure, whole wheat bread works too, but it might change how your crack sticks taste and feel a bit.
- → How can I make these less sweet?
Cut back on the sugar in your cinnamon mix or leave out the powdered sugar from the filling if you want them less sweet.
- → Is there a substitute for cream cheese?
You can try mascarpone or ricotta instead, but remember they'll make your crack sticks taste a little different.
- → Can I prepare these in advance?
You can put everything together and keep them in the fridge for a few hours before cooking. Just bake them right before eating for the best results.
- → Can I fry instead of baking?
You can drop them in hot oil until they turn golden brown if you want them extra crunchy.