Crack Sticks Recipe

Get ready for the most addictive sweet treat you’ll ever bake: Crack Sticks. Imagine creamy, tangy filling rolled inside pillowy bread, coated in buttery cinnamon sugar, then baked until crisp and golden. Whether you’re serving these with brunch or passing them around as a dessert snack, there’s a reason everyone raves about Crack Sticks—they’re impossible to eat just one!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Crack Sticks comes from a handful of everyday staples, each working a little flavor and texture wizardry. Don’t underestimate their simplicity—every single component plays its part in creating that crave-worthy bite.

• White bread: Soft, classic sandwich bread is the perfect base—make sure to remove the crusts for that tender bite.
• Cream cheese (softened): Lusciously smooth, this adds a velvety richness that’s utterly irresistible when baked.
• Powdered sugar: Provides just the right sort of sweetness, blending seamlessly into the creamy filling.
• Granulated sugar: Creates a crunchy, sparkly coating that caramelizes in the oven for that signature “crack” finish.
• Cinnamon: Warms everything up with cozy, comforting spice and makes these sticks smell as incredible as they taste.
• Butter (melted): Helps the cinnamon sugar stick and crisps up the bread to golden, buttery perfection.

How to Make Crack Sticks

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

Start by taking out your softened cream cheese and powdered sugar. Beat them together until the mixture is ultra-creamy and smooth, without any lumps. This luscious filling is the heart of every Crack Stick, so take a moment to ensure it’s truly well-blended. If you want an extra-luxurious texture, use an electric mixer, but a sturdy spatula will also do the job.

Step 2: Mix the Coating

Grab a separate bowl and stir together the granulated sugar and cinnamon. This mix forms that iconic sweet-spicy shell around each Crack Stick. Don’t skip the cinnamon—it’s what gives these treats their toasty, bakery-worthy aroma and flavor. Pour your melted butter into its own small bowl, which you’ll use when assembling the sticks.

Step 3: Prep the Bread

Lay out your slices of white bread and trim the crusts. With a rolling pin, gently roll each slice flat. This might seem a little unusual, but it’s how you’ll get those perfect, uniform Crack Sticks with an irresistibly tender bite. Rolling makes the bread sturdy enough to hold the filling but still soft after baking.

Step 4: Assemble the Crack Sticks

Spread a generous layer of the cream cheese mixture onto each rolled-out bread slice. Then, roll them up nice and tight, securing all that lovely filling inside. Next, dip each roll in the melted butter—be sure to coat the entire surface. Finally, roll them through your cinnamon sugar mixture, making sure every inch is sparkling and spicy.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place each coated roll seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Pop them into a preheated oven at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. As they bake, the kitchen will fill with the scent of melted butter and warm cinnamon. You’ll know your Crack Sticks are ready when they’re golden on the outside and just the slightest bit crispy at the edges.

How to Serve Crack Sticks

Garnishes

While these little treats are fantastic on their own, a dusting of powdered sugar just before serving makes them look extra special. You could also add a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce if you want to get fancy, or even a scatter of fresh berries for a pop of color and freshness.

Side Dishes

Crack Sticks are lovely alongside a cup of strong coffee or a tall glass of milk. If you’re making breakfast or brunch, try serving them with a fresh fruit salad or a tangy yogurt parfait. The sweet, creamy filling pairs wonderfully with anything bright and juicy.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, stack Crack Sticks pyramid-style on a platter, or arrange them in a basket lined with a pretty napkin for a cozy touch. Cut them into halves or even thirds for bite-sized treats, perfect for dessert platters or brunch buffets. A little toothpick makes them easy to grab and go, ideal for gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Crack Sticks in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. The outside will stay pleasantly crisp, while the inside remains creamy and delicious. If you have a lot left, consider refrigerating them to keep the filling fresh, but make sure to rewarm before serving.

Freezing

Want to save some for later? Go ahead and freeze Crack Sticks! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then tuck them into a freezer bag. When the craving hits, just pull out a few, and you’re only minutes away from a freshly baked treat.

Reheating

To bring back their magic, pop cooled or thawed Crack Sticks into a 300-degree oven for about 5–7 minutes, or until heated through and the exterior is crisp again. The microwave works in a pinch, but the oven helps them regain that fresh-from-the-oven texture you fell in love with.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of bread for Crack Sticks?

Absolutely! While classic white bread makes the most tender Crack Sticks, you can experiment with brioche or whole wheat for more flavor and a different texture. Just be sure to pick a soft, fresh loaf—it makes rolling and filling much easier.

Can I add other fillings besides cream cheese?

Definitely—Crack Sticks are a perfect canvas for flavor experiments! Try stirring a little Nutella, peanut butter, or fruit jam into the cream cheese for a twist. Even a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips inside is fair game.

Do I have to bake them, or can Crack Sticks be made ahead and served cold?

These treats are best enjoyed warm from the oven when the exterior is crisp and the filling is gooey. While you can eat Crack Sticks at room temperature, baking them right before serving always delivers that WOW factor.

Are Crack Sticks kid-friendly?

Kids absolutely love Crack Sticks! The sweet filling, cinnamon sugar, and fun finger-food format make these irresistible to kids of all ages. Just keep an eye out—these get gobbled up fast!

Can I make Crack Sticks gluten-free?

Yes! Simply use your favorite gluten-free sandwich bread. Because these are rolled and baked, the difference is hardly noticeable—everyone will still reach for seconds.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never experienced Crack Sticks, prepare for a new obsession. They’re sweet, creamy, crunchy, and just a little bit magical. Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to make a batch—you’ll want to share, but don’t be surprised if you keep a few extras just for yourself!

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