Cinnamon Sugar Bread Sticks are a comforting, crowd-pleasing treat that come together from just a few basic ingredients. This recipe starts with a tender, slightly chewy dough made from bread flour, instant yeast, warm water, a touch of sugar, olive oil, and a splash of sparkling water for extra lightness. After the dough rises, it’s shaped, brushed with melted butter, and showered with a generous cinnamon-and-brown-sugar topping. A final drizzle of vanilla-scented powdered sugar glaze gives each strip a sweet, glossy finish. They’re simple enough for a weeknight bake, lovely for brunch, and delightful as a dessert or snack.
Why You’ll Love Cinnamon Sugar Bread Sticks
- Cozy Vibes: Warm, buttery bites with cinnamon sugar deliver a comforting flavor everyone enjoys.
- Simple Process: Straightforward steps and common pantry ingredients make this an approachable bake.
- Seasonal Appeal: Cinnamon and brown sugar give these bread sticks that nostalgic fall flavor year-round.
- Quick to Bake: Minimal hands-on time with a short bake makes them perfect for a fast treat.
- Beautiful Finish: A powdered sugar glaze creates a glossy, picture-ready look.
Ingredients Needed To Make Cinnamon Sugar Bread Sticks
See the recipe card below for exact amounts and optional notes.
- Bread flour (or all-purpose as an alternative)
- Sugar
- Kosher salt
- Instant yeast
- Olive oil
- Warm water
- Sparkling water
- Butter (melted)
- Ground cinnamon
- Brown sugar (packed)
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Heavy cream (for glaze)
Substitutions + Alternatives
Can I use All-Purpose Flour?
Yes. Swap bread flour for the same amount of all-purpose flour if that’s what you have on hand. The texture will still be delicious; bread flour will simply give a chewier crumb.
Can I use regular dairy?
Absolutely. Use your preferred dairy products. If using a milk alternative, choose one with a thicker texture rather than very watery options like plain almond milk.
How To Make Cinnamon Sugar Bread Sticks
- Activate the yeast: Combine warm water, a bit of sugar, and instant yeast. Let sit until foamy (about 5 minutes).
- Mix the dough: Whisk together flour and salt, then add the activated yeast, olive oil, and sparkling water. Mix and knead until the dough is smooth and slightly sticky.
- Let it rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm, draft-free spot until doubled in size.
- Shape the dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently shape into a 12-inch oval, keeping it slightly thick.
- Add the topping: Brush the dough with melted butter, then sprinkle the cinnamon-and-brown-sugar mixture evenly over the top.
- Bake: Bake on a prepared sheet at 400°F (about 200°C) for 12–15 minutes, until edges are golden-brown and crisp.
- Prepare the glaze: Whisk powdered sugar, vanilla, and heavy cream until smooth; add a little more cream if needed to reach the desired consistency.
- Finish and serve: Drizzle glaze over the warm bread, then cut into strips with a pizza cutter or sharp knife. Serve warm.
Commonly Asked Questions
What if my dough doesn’t rise as expected?
Check that the water was warm (not hot) when activating the yeast and that the yeast is still active. If needed, give the dough more time in a slightly warmer spot.
How can I tell when the bread sticks are done?
They’re done when the edges are golden brown and the dough feels firm to the touch. Avoid overbaking to keep the centers tender.
Can I prepare these ahead of time?
Yes. You can make the dough or bake the sticks a day ahead. Store cooled sticks in an airtight container and reheat briefly in the oven to refresh crispness before glazing.
What’s the secret to a perfect cinnamon sugar topping?
Brush the dough evenly with melted butter so the sugar and cinnamon adhere and caramelize as it bakes. A generous sprinkle gives the best flavor and texture.
How do I get a smooth glaze every time?
Whisk powdered sugar, vanilla, and cream until completely smooth. Add tiny amounts of cream to thin it to the consistency you prefer.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Once cooled, store in an airtight container in the fridge for a couple of days. Reheat briefly in a low oven to restore crispness; the microwave works for a quick, softer result.
Oven Temperatures
Ovens vary. For consistent results, use an oven thermometer to confirm actual temperature so your bread sticks bake evenly without over- or under-baking.
Cinnamon Sugar Bread Sticks
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Stand mixer with dough hook (or knead by hand)
- Glass bowl for dough rising
- Plastic wrap
- Parchment paper
- Cookie sheet
- Pastry brush
- Small bowl for cinnamon sugar mix
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 3/4 cup warm water (about 110°F)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast (1 packet)
- 2 cups bread flour (or all-purpose)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 cup sparkling water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping
- 6 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2/3 cup packed brown sugar
For the Glaze
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon heavy cream (add more if needed)
Instructions
Prepare the Dough
- In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and instant yeast. Stir and let sit about 5 minutes until foamy.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together bread flour and kosher salt.
- Add sparkling water, the activated yeast mixture, and olive oil. Mix and knead until the dough is sticky and holds its shape (about 3 minutes on mixer setting 2 or a few minutes by hand).
Let the Dough Rise
- Lightly grease a glass bowl with olive oil, place the dough inside, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a draft-free area until doubled (up to 3 hours).
Shape the Dough
- Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Lightly flour a work surface and hand-shape the dough into a 12-inch oval, keeping it slightly thick.
Preheat and Bake
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Melt the butter and brush it evenly over the dough.
- Mix cinnamon and brown sugar in a small bowl and sprinkle generously over the buttered dough.
- Bake 12–15 minutes, until edges are golden brown.
Glaze the Bread Sticks
- Whisk powdered sugar, vanilla, and heavy cream until smooth; thin with extra cream if needed.
- Drizzle the glaze over warm bread sticks, cut into strips, and serve.
Notes
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 66 g
Protein: 5 g
Fat: 13 g
These bread sticks deliver crunchy, caramelized edges and soft, buttery centers—an easy and satisfying sweet bake to share. Enjoy and happy baking!
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