What the heck is this?
Crack Sticks are outrageously addictive dessert roll-ups made from sandwich bread, sweetened cream cheese, and a generous dusting of cinnamon sugar—all baked in butter until golden, gooey, and crisp on the outside. They’re a nostalgic throwback that feels like a cross between cinnamon toast and cheesecake-stuffed French toast, with dangerously snackable results. Serve them warm, and don’t expect leftovers.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
They’re insanely easy—just flatten, roll, dip, and bake
Perfect for brunch, dessert, or a sneaky midnight snack
No fancy ingredients—just pantry staples
Freezer-friendly for make-ahead treats
Tastes like a mashup of cinnamon rolls, cheesecake, and churros
The Good Stuff You’ll Need
1 loaf white sandwich bread, crusts removed
8 oz cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
3/4 cup butter, melted
Let’s Do This
Step 1: Mix the Filling
In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth and fluffy.
Step 2: Prep the Bread
Using a rolling pin, flatten each slice of bread (after removing crusts). Spread a heaping tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture on each slice, then roll it up tightly like a cigar.
Step 3: Dip and Roll
In a small bowl, mix granulated sugar and cinnamon. Dip each filled bread roll in the melted butter, then roll it in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden
Place the sticks seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20–22 minutes until crispy, golden, and bubbling around the edges.
Step 5: Cool Slightly and Serve
Let them cool for 5 minutes so they hold together, then serve warm—ideally with napkins, because things will get deliciously messy.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of maple syrup
Pair with coffee, hot chocolate, or milk
Cut them in half and serve on a brunch board with fruit and yogurt
Switch It Up
Add mini chocolate chips to the filling
Swap cinnamon sugar for pumpkin spice in the fall
Use whole wheat or brioche bread for a flavor twist
Make-Ahead Tips
Assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours ahead
Freeze unbaked sticks, then bake straight from frozen (add 5–7 extra minutes)
Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in a toaster oven
Questions People Actually Ask
Q: Can I use crescent roll dough instead of bread?
A: You can! Just roll them up the same way—no need to flatten the dough. Baking time may vary slightly.
Q: Can I make these dairy-free?
A: Try using a plant-based cream cheese and vegan butter. The results won’t be quite as rich but still tasty.
Q: Can I air fry these?
A: Yes, air fry at 350°F for about 8–10 minutes. Just don’t overcrowd the basket—they need space to crisp up.
Crack Sticks: Buttery, Cinnamon-Cream Cheese Dessert Rolls You Can’t Stop Eating
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 sticks 1x
Description
Crack Sticks are outrageously addictive dessert roll-ups made from sandwich bread, sweetened cream cheese, and a generous dusting of cinnamon sugar—all baked in butter until golden, gooey, and crisp on the outside. They’re a nostalgic throwback that feels like a cross between cinnamon toast and cheesecake-stuffed French toast, with dangerously snackable results. Serve them warm, and don’t expect leftovers.
Ingredients
1 loaf white sandwich bread, crusts removed
8 oz cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
3/4 cup butter, melted
Instructions
Step 1: Mix the Filling
In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth and fluffy.
Step 2: Prep the Bread
Using a rolling pin, flatten each slice of bread (after removing crusts). Spread a heaping tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture on each slice, then roll it up tightly like a cigar.
Step 3: Dip and Roll
In a small bowl, mix granulated sugar and cinnamon. Dip each filled bread roll in the melted butter, then roll it in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden
Place the sticks seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20–22 minutes until crispy, golden, and bubbling around the edges.
Step 5: Cool Slightly and Serve
Let them cool for 5 minutes so they hold together, then serve warm—ideally with napkins, because things will get deliciously messy.
Notes
Serve with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of maple syrup
Pair with coffee, hot chocolate, or milk
Cut them in half and serve on a brunch board with fruit and yogurt
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: ~230 kcal per serving
- Carbohydrates: ~26g per serving
- Protein: ~3g per serving