Irresistible Homemade Crack Sticks Recipe: Snack Magic

Crispy, golden crack sticks have become my latest obsession in the snack world.

Crunchy textures always make my taste buds dance with excitement.

Short and addictive, these treats promise a flavor explosion that keeps you coming back for more.

Minimal ingredients combine to create something seriously irresistible.

Salt and simplicity work magic in this crowd-pleasing recipe.

Curious minds and hungry friends will absolutely love these unexpected delights.

One bite, and you’ll understand why everyone can’t stop talking about crack sticks.

Crack Sticks: Addictive Cheesy Snacks

• Quick Kitchen Magic: Effortless Dessert Delight
• Beginner-Friendly Baking: Requires minimal cooking skills, perfect for novice bakers wanting to create impressive treats without complex techniques.
• Super Speedy Preparation: Takes only 30 minutes from start to finish, making it an ideal last-minute dessert for unexpected guests or sudden sweet cravings.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Treat: Combines classic flavors of cream cheese, cinnamon, and butter that appeal to both kids and adults, guaranteeing smiles around the dinner table.
• Versatile Party Snack: Works brilliantly as a dessert, brunch item, or potluck contribution, easily scaled up for larger gatherings without complicated adjustments.

What’s in Crack Sticks

• Cream Cheese: Smooth, rich base for the filling that adds creamy texture and tangy flavor. Full-fat version recommended for best results.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese mixture and helps create a silky smooth consistency.

• Bread Slices: Soft white bread works best, with crusts removed for a delicate texture. Day-old bread can be ideal for easier rolling.
• Butter: Provides a rich, golden coating that helps create a crispy exterior. Unsalted butter preferred for better flavor control.
• Sugar, Cinnamon: Classic sweet and warm coating that gives a delightful crunchy exterior with a comforting spice profile. Ground cinnamon from fresh sources delivers the best flavor.

• Parchment Paper: Ensures easy baking and prevents sticking. Non-stick and heat-resistant for clean baking results.

Rolling Instructions for Crack Sticks

Step 1: Whip Creamy Base

Create a luxurious cream cheese mixture by blending cream cheese and powdered sugar until ultra-smooth and velvety.

Ensure no lumps remain for a perfect texture.

Step 2: Prepare Cinnamon Coating

Mix granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a shallow dish.

The combination will create a sweet and spicy exterior for your rolls.

Step 3: Prepare Bread Canvas

Gently flatten each bread slice using a rolling pin.

Press evenly to create a thin, uniform surface that will hold the filling perfectly.

Step 4: Spread Creamy Filling

Distribute the cream cheese mixture generously across each bread slice.

Spread smoothly from edge to edge, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 5: Roll Into Logs

Carefully roll each slice into tight, compact logs.

Press gently to seal the edges and maintain the cylindrical shape.

Step 6: Butter Bath

Dip each rolled log completely into melted butter.

Ensure total coverage for a rich, golden exterior.

Step 7: Cinnamon Sugar Embrace

Roll the butter-coated logs in the prepared cinnamon sugar mixture.

Rotate and press to create a complete, even coating.

Step 8: Prepare Baking Station

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 9: Arrange and Bake

Place the coated rolls in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.

Bake for 20 minutes until they transform into golden, crispy delights.

Step 10: Serve and Savor

Remove from oven and let cool slightly.

Serve warm and enjoy the irresistible combination of creamy, sweet, and crispy textures.

Crack Stick Tips For Rolling Success

• Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for smooth, lump-free mixing that spreads easily on bread.
• Use a gentle rolling pin technique to create thin, even bread slices without tearing the bread.
• Fully submerge rolls in melted butter for a rich, crispy exterior that caramelizes beautifully during baking.
• Mix cinnamon and sugar thoroughly to guarantee an even, sweet-spicy coating on every inch of the roll.
• Prepare rolls in advance and refrigerate before baking, perfect for quick entertaining or breakfast prep.

Crack Sticks That Keep Their Crunch Later

• Store leftover Crack Sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover with plastic wrap or seal tightly to prevent drying out.
• Warm refrigerated Crack Sticks in a preheated 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes. This method restores their crispy exterior and warm, gooey center.
• Place Crack Sticks in a toaster oven at 325°F for 3-5 minutes. Watch carefully to prevent burning and maintain their delightful crunch.
• Skip microwaving, as it will make the rolls soggy and lose their signature crispy texture.

Crisp Bites For Crack Sticks

• Elevate Sweet Beverage Pairing: Creamy chai latte complements the cinnamon-sugar coating, adding warm spices that enhance the dessert's richness and create a comforting flavor experience.
• Refresh with Chilled Drink: Cold milk or vanilla almond milk provides a smooth, cooling contrast to the warm, crispy texture of the crack sticks, balancing their sweetness perfectly.
• Match with Dessert Wine: Light moscato or sweet dessert wine offers a delicate, fruity note that harmonizes with the buttery, sugary profile of the crack sticks, elevating the overall taste sensation.
• Boost with Flavor Companion: Hot espresso or strong coffee cuts through the sweetness, creating a delightful contrast and bringing out the deeper caramelized notes of the baked treat.

Crack Stick Flavor Variants

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace bread with gluten-free bread slices or use almond flour tortillas for a celiac-friendly alternative.
• Vegan Adaptation: Substitute cream cheese with cashew cream cheese, use plant-based butter, and swap regular sugar with coconut sugar for a dairy-free and animal product-free option.
• Low-Sugar Option: Use sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener in the cinnamon sugar coating, and reduce powdered sugar in cream cheese mixture for a diabetic-friendly treat.
• Protein-Packed Variation: Incorporate protein powder into cream cheese mixture and add chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts to the cinnamon sugar coating for extra nutrition.

FAQs

• Are Crack Sticks similar to traditional cinnamon rolls?

No, they’re a simpler, quick-to-make dessert that uses bread instead of pastry dough, with a cream cheese filling and cinnamon sugar coating.

• Can I use different types of bread for this recipe?

White bread works best, but you can experiment with wheat or brioche bread for slightly different textures and flavors.

• How do I prevent the rolls from unraveling during baking?

Ensure you roll the bread tightly and seal the edges by pressing them gently before dipping in butter and cinnamon sugar.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly to make together?

Absolutely! Kids can help flatten bread, spread cream cheese, and roll the sticks, making it a fun family cooking activity.

Crack Sticks Recipe

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4.7 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Irresistible “crack sticks” blend crispy pretzel goodness with sweet caramel and chocolate, creating an addictive snack that keeps friends coming back for more. Salty, crunchy, and impossibly delicious, these treats guarantee smiles with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 16 slices white bread (crusts removed)
• 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese (softened)
• 3/4 cup (170 grams) butter (melted)

Sweeteners:

• 1 cup (200 grams) sugar
• 3/4 cup (90 grams) powdered sugar

Spices:

• 2 teaspoons cinnamon

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Instructions

1. Whip cream cheese and powdered sugar in a mixing bowl until achieving a velvety, uniform consistency.
2. Craft a fragrant coating by combining granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a separate shallow dish.
3. Melt butter thoroughly in a microwave-safe container, allowing it to reach a smooth liquid state.
4. Carefully transform bread slices into thin, pliable sheets using gentle pressure from a rolling pin.
5. Generously distribute the luscious cream cheese blend across each flattened bread surface, creating an even layer.
6. Tightly roll each bread slice into compact cylindrical shapes, ensuring minimal air pockets.
7. Submerge each rolled creation completely in warm, golden melted butter, guaranteeing total coverage.
8. Transfer butter-coated rolls directly into the cinnamon sugar mixture, rotating to achieve a complete, glittering exterior.
9. Heat the oven to 350°F, positioning the rack in the center for optimal heat circulation.
10. Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
11. Arrange the coated rolls in a single layer, maintaining slight separation between each piece.
12. Bake for approximately 20 minutes, watching for a golden-brown transformation and crispy edges.
13. Remove from oven and allow a brief cooling period to enhance flavor and texture before serving.

Notes

• Toast bread slices lightly before flattening to enhance crispiness and prevent sogginess during baking.
• Use room temperature cream cheese for smoother, easier spreading and better incorporation with powdered sugar.
• Consider using whole wheat or gluten-free bread to accommodate different dietary preferences and create healthier variations.
• Experiment with additional spices like nutmeg or cardamom in the cinnamon sugar mixture for a more complex flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 298
• Sugar: 19 g
• Sodium: 162 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 31 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 46 mg