Crack Sticks Recipe

Irresistible Crack Sticks Recipe: Snack Magic in Every Bite

Crispy, golden-brown crack sticks have become the ultimate snack sensation that sparks joy at every gathering.

These addictive little bites pack an unexpected punch of flavor that keeps everyone coming back for more.

The crack sticks recipe combines simple ingredients with an irresistible crunch that turns ordinary appetizers into extraordinary moments.

Each bite delivers a perfect blend of seasoning and texture that dances across your taste buds.

Lovers of savory treats will find themselves utterly captivated by this crowd-pleasing recipe.

Prepare to be the star of your next potluck or game day celebration with these mouthwatering delights that vanish faster than you can say “more, please!” Let’s unlock the secret to creating these irresistible snacks that everyone will be talking about.

Why People Can’t Get Enough Of Crack Sticks

  • Minimal ingredients and simple steps make this recipe a breeze for cooks of all skill levels, even beginners can whip up these delightful treats with confidence.
  • The combination of creamy filling, buttery exterior, and sweet cinnamon-sugar coating creates an irresistible snack that appeals to both kids and adults, perfect for gatherings or casual get-togethers.
  • These crack sticks work magic as a quick dessert, afternoon snack, or breakfast companion, offering flexibility for multiple occasions and satisfying various cravings with their delectable flavor profile.
  • With just a few bowls, a baking sheet, and minimal dishes, this recipe ensures a stress-free cooking experience and quick kitchen cleanup, making it an ideal choice for busy home cooks.

Ingredients You’ll Need For Crack Sticks

Main Ingredients:

Bread:
  • White Bread: Soft sandwich bread that serves as the base for these delightful sweet rolls.
Filling:
  • Cream Cheese: Creamy and rich ingredient that provides a smooth, tangy base for the filling.
  • Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese filling and adds a delicate texture.
Coating Ingredients:
  • Butter: Melted butter helps create a golden, crispy exterior and adds rich flavor.
Cinnamon-Sugar Mixture:
  • Granulated Sugar, Ground Cinnamon: Creates a sweet and warm coating that gives these rolls their signature flavor and crunch.
Additional Ingredients:
  • Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier during baking.

How To Prepare Crack Sticks With Ease

Step 1: Prepare Bread Base

Remove crusts from bread slices.

Use a rolling pin to flatten each slice into a thin, uniform rectangle.

Ensure the bread is smooth and ready for filling.

Step 2: Create Creamy Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine:
  • Cream cheese
  • Powdered sugar

Beat the ingredients until the mixture becomes smooth, fluffy, and completely blended.

The texture should be light and spreadable.

Step 3: Set Up Coating Stations

Prepare three separate bowls:
  • Melted butter
  • Cinnamon-sugar mixture
  • Cream cheese filling

Arrange the stations in an orderly line for easy assembly.

Step 4: Assemble Delicious Rolls

Spread a thin layer of cream cheese filling onto each flattened bread slice.

Roll the bread tightly, ensuring a compact form.

Dip each rolled stick into melted butter, then generously coat with cinnamon-sugar mixture.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place rolled sticks seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for approximately 20 minutes.

Look for a golden-brown exterior and crispy texture.

The rolls will release a warm, inviting aroma that fills the entire kitchen.

Pro Tips To Make Crack Sticks Even Better

  • Remove crusts carefully to ensure uniform rolling and a neat, professional look.
  • Beat ingredients until ultra-smooth to prevent lumpy filling and guarantee silky texture.
  • Organize three separate bowls beforehand to streamline the coating process and minimize kitchen chaos.
  • Bake precisely at 350°F to achieve perfect golden-brown color without burning the delicate rolls.
  • Let Crack Sticks cool slightly before serving to prevent burning and allow filling to set for maximum flavor enjoyment.

How To Store And Warm Up Crack Sticks Later

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and maintain crispiness.
  • Wrap individual crack sticks tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Keep frozen for up to 2 months. Freeze before adding cinnamon-sugar coating for best results.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F, spread crack sticks on a baking sheet, and warm for 5-7 minutes. Restore original crunchiness and bring back that fresh-baked taste.
  • Quick option for immediate enjoyment. Heat for 15-20 seconds, but expect slightly softer texture compared to oven reheating.

What Goes Well With Crack Sticks

  • Pair Sweet Cinnamon Syrup: Drizzle warm maple or cinnamon-infused syrup over the crack sticks for an extra layer of decadent sweetness that enhances the dessert's rich flavor profile.
  • Complement Hot Spiced Chai: Brew a fragrant chai tea with warming spices like cardamom and ginger to balance the sweet, buttery texture of the crack sticks and create a cozy taste experience.
  • Match Creamy Vanilla Latte: Prepare a smooth vanilla latte with steamed milk and a shot of espresso to provide a rich, creamy counterpoint that highlights the dessert's delicate cinnamon notes.
  • Enhance Caramel Whipped Cream: Top the crack sticks with homemade caramel-infused whipped cream to add a luxurious, velvety finish that elevates the overall dessert indulgence.

Easy Ideas To Customize Crack Sticks

  • Gluten-Free Version: Replace regular bread with gluten-free bread slices, ensuring the same thin rolling technique. Use a certified gluten-free cream cheese and confirm all ingredients are gluten-free.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap cream cheese with coconut cream or dairy-free cream cheese substitute. Use dairy-free margarine instead of butter and ensure plant-based ingredients match original recipe proportions.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Substitute powdered sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia. Reduce cinnamon-sugar coating amount and use a sugar-free cinnamon alternative for those monitoring sugar intake.
  • Vegan Adaptation: Use plant-based cream cheese, coconut oil instead of butter, and replace powdered sugar with maple syrup or agave nectar. Select vegan-friendly bread for complete plant-based transformation.

FAQs

  • Are Crack Sticks similar to other dessert rolls?

Crack Sticks are unique because they combine the softness of bread with a sweet cream cheese filling and a crunchy cinnamon-sugar exterior, making them more like a hybrid between a pastry and a bread roll.

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

White bread works best due to its soft texture and ability to flatten easily. Whole wheat or sourdough might be too dense and could affect the final texture of the Crack Sticks.

  • How difficult is this recipe for beginners?

This recipe is beginner-friendly. The steps are straightforward, and the assembly is simple. Even those with minimal baking experience can successfully make Crack Sticks with some patience and careful following of instructions.

  • What makes the filling so creamy and delicious?

The combination of cream cheese and powdered sugar creates a smooth, sweet filling. Beating these ingredients together ensures a lump-free, rich mixture that perfectly complements the cinnamon-sugar coating.

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Crack Sticks Recipe

Crack Sticks Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 19 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 16 1x

Description

Crispy, cheesy crack sticks bring irresistible flavor straight from Southern kitchens to dinner tables nationwide. Buttery crackers layered with cheese and ranch seasoning create an addictive snack that keeps hands reaching for more.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 16 slices white bread
  • 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese
  • 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar

Coating Ingredients:

  • 3/4 cup (150 grams) powdered sugar
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon

Liquid Ingredient:

  • 3/4 cup (170 grams) melted butter

Instructions

  1. Trim bread crusts meticulously, creating uniform edges. Gently flatten each slice using a rolling pin until transformed into delicate, thin rectangles.
  2. Whip cream cheese and powdered sugar in a mixing bowl until achieving a silky, homogeneous consistency that’s luxuriously smooth.
  3. Organize three separate preparation stations: one containing melted butter, another with cinnamon-sugar mixture, and the third reserved for cream cheese filling.
  4. Apply a delicate layer of cream cheese filling across each flattened bread slice. Roll tightly into compact cylindrical shapes, ensuring minimal air pockets.
  5. Submerge each rolled stick completely in melted butter, allowing excess to drip away. Immediately transfer to cinnamon-sugar mixture, coating comprehensively for maximum flavor coverage.
  6. Arrange prepared sticks onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, positioning seam-side downward to prevent unraveling during baking.
  7. Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake for approximately 20 minutes, monitoring until achieving a golden-brown exterior with crispy edges. Remove when pastries exhibit a perfectly caramelized appearance and emit an enticing aroma.

Notes

  • Carefully trim bread crusts with a sharp knife for smooth, uniform rolls that bake evenly.
  • Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature to achieve a silky, lump-free filling that spreads effortlessly.
  • Use a pastry brush for an even, light butter application that helps cinnamon-sugar stick perfectly without oversaturating.
  • Swap regular bread with gluten-free white bread or low-carb tortillas for a diet-friendly alternative that maintains the recipe’s delicious essence.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 16
  • Calories: 200
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 180 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 23 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Clara Thompson

Clara Thompson

Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Developing accessible single-serving recipes, Food writing and content creation, Plant-based and allergen-friendly cooking, Culinary education and workshop facilitation

Education

​Oregon Culinary Institute (Portland, OR)
Diploma in Culinary Arts

Specialized in plant-based cooking and sustainable kitchen practices.​

Portland Community College
Certificate in Food Writing and Media

Focused on recipe writing, food photography, and digital content creation.​


Clara’s food journey began with a curiosity for color, texture, and ingredients pulled straight from the garden. Her background in plant-forward cooking and creative writing gives her a unique edge – she makes healthy, flavorful food feel inviting, not intimidating.
She specializes in meals that work for busy lives and different diets, all without sacrificing taste. Clara’s voice comes through in every recipe she writes – clear, kind, and encouraging.

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