Hello, party enthusiast! 🥳 Scrambling for that last-minute dessert that’s sure to impress? Don’t fret, because I’m introducing you to the ultimate easy fall snack: Cinnamon Sticks! As the leaves begin to change and the air gets that delightful crisp, these Cinnamon Sticks are the cozy treat your parties have been missing. Whether it’s an elegant Thanksgiving feast or a relaxed weekend hangout, this recipe is set to become your autumn favorite. And oh, wait until you hear about the velvety, luscious dip that pairs with it. Dive in!
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Here’s What You’ll Need:
For those tasty Cinnamon Sticks:
- Puff pastry squares (6 of ’em, cut into fancy strips)
- Unsalted butter (7 tbsp, all melted and warm)
- Granulated sugar (5 tbsp, for that sweet touch)
- Cinnamon (2 tbsp, because… duh!)
For that Cream Cheese Dip (that’s to die for!):
- Cream cheese (7 tbsp, nice and soft)
- Icing sugar (4 tbsp)
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp)
Let’s Whip These Up:
- First off, mix your sugar and cinnamon in a big ol’ bowl.
- Take those puff pastry squares and slice ’em into strips. Pro-tip: a pizza cutter works wonders here.
- Time to get twisty! Twist each strip three ways: top, middle, and, you guessed it, bottom.
- Lay all those twisted beauties on a tray. Give them some space – they like their personal room.
- Give each strip a nice buttery bath with that melted goodness.
- Roll them in your cinnamon-sugar blend. Two or three at a time does the trick.
- Pop them in the oven according to the puff pastry’s instructions. Once they’re all golden and lovely, take them out and let them cool down a bit.
- Now for the dip! Mix the cream cheese, icing sugar, and vanilla together until it’s all nice and smooth.
- Put those Cinnamon Sticks out with your dip and watch them vanish!
A Few Tips ‘n Tricks:
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The Pizza Cutter Magic: Seriously, ever wondered why pizza shops make it look so easy? It’s that handy cutter! Not only does it glide through puff pastry like a dream, but it also ensures you get those crisp, sharp edges. Perfect strips every time.
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Be the Party Hero: Drizzle with chocolate, maybe a dash of caramel, or get really fancy with some edible gold sprinkles. Remember, the more unique your twist, the more your guests will talk about it for weeks.
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Breathing Room is Essential: It’s like us; we all need space to shine. Don’t crowd the tray when baking. This ensures even cooking and those perfect golden edges.
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Dip It Good: Making the dip ahead of time can be a lifesaver, especially if you’re handling multiple dishes. It tastes even richer after the flavors meld for a few hours in the fridge. But here’s the kicker – make sure you let it sit out a bit before serving. Cold dip on warm sticks? Not the dream combo.
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Spice It Up: Feeling adventurous? Along with cinnamon, sprinkle a dash of nutmeg or even some cardamom in your sugar mix. It adds a new dimension of flavor that’s oh-so-autumnal!
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Pastry Storage: If you’ve got leftover pastry, wrap it tightly and store it. You never know when the next craving will hit or when an unexpected guest will pop by.
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Reuse and Repurpose: If you ever find yourself with leftover cinnamon sugar (though how could you?), store it! It’s gold for your morning toast or even to sprinkle on fresh fruit.
Deep Dive Q&A, ’cause we love a good chat:
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Q: Store-bought puff pastry: Is it really as good as homemade? A: Absolutely. In fact, many professional chefs swear by it. Saves time and guarantees consistent results.
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Q: Freshness is key! How do I ensure they stay that way? A: Store them in an airtight container. And if you’re expecting a humid day, maybe slip in one of those silica gel packs (the kind you find in snack packages) to keep things dry.
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Q: If I’m all about prep, can I make these ahead and just bake later? A: You’re a genius! Yes, you can freeze them all prepped up. Remember to add a touch more baking time from frozen.
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Q: I’ve heard of savory versions. Any ideas? A: Oh, you’re onto something! Think garlic, butter, and parmesan, or maybe a sprinkle of herbs. The base is versatile; go wild!
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Q: I’m nuts about nuts. How do I incorporate them? A: Crush ’em and mix them in with your cinnamon sugar, or sprinkle on top before baking. The added crunch is divine.
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Q: Vegan guests coming over. What’s the switch? A: Use vegan puff pastry (yes, it’s a thing) and replace the butter with a plant-based alternative. For the dip? Vegan cream cheese. They won’t know the difference.
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Q: Ever tried them with ice cream? A: Now you’re speaking my language! Warm cinnamon sticks, cold ice cream, maybe a drizzle of chocolate. Need I say more?
I have some more Fall recipes (ranging from easy to challenging) that you can make. Check it out: Fall desserts
To Wrap it Up:
Who said party snacks have to be complicated? These Cinnamon Sticks are the ultimate easy fall snack for parties. Try them out, play around, and let the good times (and compliments) roll! 🍂🎉
Cinnamon Sticks With Cream Cheese Dip
Ingredients
Cinnamon Sticks
- 6 pcs. puff pastry squares (cut into strips)
- 7 tbsp. 100 grams unsalted butter (melted)
- 3 tbsp. 50 grams milk
- 5 tbsp. 150 grams granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp. 17 grams cinnamon
Cream Cheese Dip
- 7 tbsp. 100 grams cream cheese (room temperature)
- 4 tbsp. 31 grams icing sugar
- 1 tsp. 3 grams vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 190'C / 374'F.
- Thaw puff pastry squares and cut them into strips about half inches wide.
- Twist the bottom, the middle, and the bottom of the puff pastry. Brush them with some melted butter, making sure that all the sides are brushed.
- In a separate bowl mix together sugar and cinnamon. Toss the puff pastry in the sugar and cinnamon mixture carefully, making sure that you don’t damage its shape.
- Bake for about 12-15 minutes 'till puffed and golden brown.
- Place on a cooling rack and let it cool completely.
- For the dip, just mix cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla in a bowl until fully combined.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
Did you make this recipe?
Please let me know how it turned out for you! Leave a comment below and tag @miss-confections on Instagram and hashtag it #missconfections.
