Delicious Crack Sticks Idea

This sweet and crispy treat transforms ordinary white bread into an irresistible dessert that vanishes from plates within minutes. The combination of creamy filling, buttery exterior, and cinnamon sugar coating creates a delightful contrast of textures and flavors that both children and adults adore.

I first made these crack sticks for a last minute playdate when I had nothing sweet in the house. The name comes from how addictive they are. My daughter now requests them for every sleepover, and her friends always ask for the recipe.

Ingredients

• White bread: The foundation of this recipe. Choose a soft variety that rolls easily without tearing
• Cream cheese: Full fat works best for a rich filling that holds its shape while baking
• Powdered sugar: Blends smoothly with cream cheese and adds sweetness without grittiness
• Granulated sugar: Creates the crispy exterior when combined with cinnamon and butter
• Cinnamon: The aromatic spice that gives these sticks their signature flavor. Fresh is best
• Butter: Use unsalted to control the overall sweetness. The butter helps the sugar coating adhere and creates the crispy exterior

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Your Workstation:

Set up three distinct areas before beginning. In your first bowl, thoroughly beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar until completely smooth with no lumps remaining. This ensures a silky filling. In your second bowl, whisk together granulated sugar and cinnamon until evenly distributed. In your third bowl, melt the butter completely but avoid browning it.

Prepare The Bread:

Remove crusts from all bread slices using a sharp knife for clean edges. Take your time flattening each slice with a rolling pin. Roll firmly but gently in all directions until bread is thin but not torn. A thin slice rolls more easily and creates a better final texture.

Create The Rolls:

Spread approximately one tablespoon of cream cheese mixture on each flattened bread slice, covering the surface evenly but leaving a small margin at one edge to help seal the roll. Starting from the opposite edge, roll the bread tightly but gently to form a compact cylinder. Press the edge slightly to seal.

Coat The Rolls:

Working one at a time, lightly but thoroughly dip each roll in melted butter, ensuring complete coverage. Immediately roll in the cinnamon sugar mixture, coating all sides evenly. The butter helps the sugar stick and creates the signature crispy exterior during baking.

Bake To Perfection:

Arrange rolls on a parchment lined baking sheet, placing them seam side down and about an inch apart to allow for expansion. Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for exactly 20 minutes. The rolls should be golden brown with a crisp exterior and melty interior.

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My absolute favorite way to enjoy these is still warm from the oven with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. The contrast between the hot, crispy exterior and cold, creamy ice cream creates a magical dessert experience that reminds me of churros at the fair.

Storage Solutions

These crack sticks taste best fresh from the oven, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To restore crispness, place them in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes before serving. For longer storage, freeze unbaked rolls after coating them in sugar and cinnamon. When ready to enjoy, arrange frozen rolls on a baking sheet and add 5 minutes to the original baking time.

Clever Variations

The basic recipe provides endless opportunities for customization. Add mini chocolate chips or finely chopped nuts to the cream cheese mixture for texture. Replace cinnamon with pumpkin pie spice during fall months for a seasonal twist. For savory crack sticks, omit the sugars and use herb-flavored cream cheese with a parmesan coating instead of cinnamon sugar. These variations keep the recipe exciting even after you have made it dozens of times.

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Perfect Pairings

Serve these sweet treats with hot chocolate for an indulgent afternoon snack children will love. For brunch, arrange them alongside fresh fruit to balance the sweetness. At parties, consider offering a simple dipping sauce like chocolate ganache, caramel, or fruit coulis to elevate the presentation. The versatility of these crack sticks makes them appropriate for nearly any occasion from casual gatherings to formal dessert tables.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use whole wheat bread instead of white bread?

Yes, whole wheat bread can be used, but it may slightly alter the flavor and texture of the crack sticks.

→ How can I make these less sweet?

Reduce the amount of sugar in the cinnamon mixture or skip the powdered sugar in the filling for a less sweet taste.

→ Is there a substitute for cream cheese?

Mascarpone or ricotta can be used as alternatives, but they may provide a different flavor and texture.

→ Can I prepare these in advance?

Yes, you can assemble the rolls and refrigerate them for a few hours before baking. Bake them fresh for the best texture.

→ Can I fry instead of baking?

Yes, you can fry these rolls in hot oil until golden brown for extra crispiness.