If you’ve ever finished a pizza night craving something sweet, chances are you’ve fallen in love with Copycat Pizza Hut Cinnamon Bread Sticks. These soft, fluffy breadsticks coated in buttery cinnamon sugar and topped with sweet icing are a nostalgic favorite across the United States, Canada, and even parts of the United Kingdom.
The good news? You don’t have to order takeout to enjoy them. With simple pantry ingredients and an easy step-by-step process, you can recreate these warm, bakery-style treats right in your own kitchen. In this detailed guide, you’ll learn exactly how to make homemade Copycat Pizza Hut Cinnamon Bread Sticks, plus helpful tips, variations, and storage advice.
Why You’ll Love Copycat Pizza Hut Cinnamon Bread Sticks
1. Soft and Fluffy Texture
These breadsticks are pillowy on the inside with a slightly crisp edge.
2. Sweet Cinnamon Sugar Coating
A generous layer of butter and cinnamon sugar gives that classic dessert flavor.
3. Perfect for Any Occasion
They’re ideal for:
Family pizza nights
Holiday gatherings
Birthday parties
Potlucks
Weekend baking projects
Ingredients for Copycat Pizza Hut Cinnamon Bread Sticks
For the Dough:
2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
1 cup warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
2½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:
½ cup melted butter
½ cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
For the Icing Drizzle:
1 cup powdered sugar
2–3 tablespoons milk
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a bowl, combine warm water and sugar. Sprinkle yeast on top and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
Step 2: Make the Dough
Add flour, salt, and olive oil. Mix until a soft dough forms. Knead for about 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Step 3: First Rise
Place dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Step 4: Shape the Breadsticks
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll the dough into a rectangle about ½ inch thick. Place on a greased baking sheet and score into breadstick portions using a knife or pizza cutter (do not cut all the way through).
Step 5: Bake
Bake for 15–18 minutes until lightly golden.
Step 6: Add Cinnamon Sugar
Brush generously with melted butter immediately after baking. Mix cinnamon and sugar together, then sprinkle evenly over the top.
Step 7: Drizzle with Icing
Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over warm breadsticks.
Allow to cool slightly before slicing fully along score lines.
Tips for Perfect Copycat Pizza Hut Cinnamon Bread Sticks
Use Warm (Not Hot) Water
Water that’s too hot can kill the yeast. Aim for about 110°F (43°C).
Don’t Overbake
You want them soft and tender, not dry.
Brush Butter While Hot
This helps the cinnamon sugar adhere perfectly.
Double the Icing
If you love extra sweetness, increase the icing drizzle.
Flavor Variations
One of the best things about homemade Copycat Pizza Hut Cinnamon Bread Sticks is how easy they are to customize.
Cream Cheese Frosting Version
Replace the icing with cream cheese frosting for a richer dessert.
Brown Sugar Twist
Substitute half the granulated sugar with brown sugar for deeper flavor.
Apple Pie Style
Add a light sprinkle of apple pie spice to the cinnamon sugar mixture.
Nutty Crunch
Top with chopped pecans or walnuts for texture.
Serving Suggestions
These cinnamon breadsticks are delicious on their own but pair wonderfully with:
Vanilla ice cream
Caramel dipping sauce
Hot chocolate
Coffee or tea
They’re especially comforting during colder months in Canada and the UK, and they make a nostalgic treat for American-style pizza nights.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
Refrigeration
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheating
Warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5–7 minutes or microwave briefly (10–15 seconds).
Freezing
Freeze baked (without icing) for up to 2 months. Add fresh icing after reheating.
Nutritional Considerations
Copycat Pizza Hut Cinnamon Bread Sticks are a dessert treat, so moderation is key. For a lighter version:
Reduce butter slightly
Use low-fat milk in icing
Make thinner breadsticks
Serve smaller portions
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use store-bought pizza dough?
Yes. It saves time and still delivers excellent results.
Can I make them dairy-free?
Substitute plant-based butter and non-dairy milk.
Why didn’t my dough rise?
Your yeast may have expired, or the water temperature was incorrect.
Why These Breadsticks Are So Popular
There’s something nostalgic about warm cinnamon breadsticks after a savory pizza meal. The balance of sweet icing, soft dough, and buttery cinnamon coating makes Copycat Pizza Hut Cinnamon Bread Sticks a comfort food favorite across North America and beyond.
They’re simple enough for beginners yet impressive enough to serve at gatherings. Homemade versions often taste even better than the original because you can adjust sweetness and texture to your liking.
Conclusion
Copycat Pizza Hut Cinnamon Bread Sticks bring bakery-style sweetness straight to your kitchen. Soft, fluffy dough topped with buttery cinnamon sugar and a sweet glaze makes this dessert irresistible.
With easy ingredients and straightforward steps, you can recreate this iconic treat anytime. Whether you’re hosting a pizza night, baking for a holiday, or simply craving something sweet, these cinnamon breadsticks are guaranteed to impress.
Once you try making Copycat Pizza Hut Cinnamon Bread Sticks at home, they may just become a permanent addition to your dessert rotation.