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Whenever it's chilly or we just want something sweet and quick, my crew asks for Crack Sticks. They're super crunchy on the outside with a creamy center that everybody loves. They’re what I grab for lazy weekends or when friends come by.
At my last game night, Crack Sticks vanished before I even got seconds! That combo of sweet cream cheese and cinnamon sugar is honestly pretty addicting.
Tasty Ingredients
- Butter: Go for real unsalted butter for richer flavor and to make that cinnamon sugar layer stick
- Cinnamon: Fresh ground gives a bigger punch if you want it super flavorful
- Granulated sugar: Gives you that shatteringly crisp sugar shell around the outside
- Powdered sugar: Mixes right into the cream cheese for a sweet zip
- Cream cheese: Let it sit out a bit so it's soft and spreadable for the dreamiest filling
- White bread: Use soft sandwich slices so they roll up nice and smooth
Simple How-To Steps
- Bake Them Up:
- Put all the coated rolls seam-down on a tray lined with parchment paper. Bake in a hot oven (350°F) for 20 minutes until crisp and super golden. Eat them warm for the best gooey bite.
- Dip and Roll:
- Next, dip your filled rolls into melted butter so every inch gets coated. Drop straight into the cinnamon sugar mix, rolling around to cover every side with sweetness.
- Fill and Shape:
- Now spread that smooth cream cheese mixture on every piece of flat bread. Go all the way to the edges for full flavor. Roll each slice up tightly into a log and squish the edge to keep it closed.
- Mix the Layers:
- In one bowl, whip the soft cream cheese with powdered sugar until totally smooth. In a separate bowl, stir together the cinnamon with granulated sugar for your coating. Melt butter into another bowl for dipping.
- Prep Your Bread First:
- Cut off all the crusts and then flatten each slice with a rolling pin (or your hand) until they're about a quarter inch thick. This makes them roll easily and helps them bake crispy.
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I'm obsessed with the creamy center. Every time I eat one, I remember making cinnamon-sugar toast with my mom on rainy days. The cinnamon smell in the kitchen really is everything.
Keeping Them Fresh
If there’s any left, stash them in a sealed container at room temperature—they’ll be fine for two days. For longer, freeze the already baked ones and heat up in the oven so they get crispy again.
Easy Swaps
You can change up the bread (try brioche, or even wheat). Any flavor of soft cream cheese, like honey or strawberry, works great. Go dairy-free with non-dairy cream cheese and margarine instead.
Fun Ways to Serve
Stack them on a plate with fresh fruit, or pour over a little chocolate syrup. They’re a win with milk for after school, or you can offer them with coffee if you’re having brunch.
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Where This Dish Comes From
Crack Sticks are a cheerful American dessert that basically mash up the flavors of cinnamon toast and cheesecake. Everyone loves them at parties, especially when it’s the holidays and people want something cozy and fast.
FAQs About the Recipe
- → Can I swap out white bread for something else?
Totally, try whole wheat or even brioche if you want. Softer, fresher slices give you the best crunch though.
- → What's the trick for the crunchiest sticks?
Flatten those bread slices, use melted butter, roll 'em in cinnamon sugar, and bake at 350°F till they look golden and crunchy. Dip steps make a difference!
- → Can I use something other than cream cheese inside?
Mascarpone or sweet ricotta will work just fine and keep things creamy and tasty.
- → Can I make these in advance?
You sure can. Put the sticks together ahead of time and keep them chilled. Pop them in the oven right before you want to share for max crunch.
- → How should I keep any leftovers fresh?
Let the sticks cool off, toss 'em in a tight-sealed container, and keep on your counter for up to two days. Pop them back in the oven if you want them crisp again.