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Cinnasnacks Recipe

Sonic Cinnasnacks Recipe

Sonic Cinnasnacks are sweet, warm pastries inspired by the popular breakfast treat served at Sonic Drive-In. They feature a soft, tender pastry wrapped around a rich cinnamon-sugar filling and are traditionally enjoyed with a sweet cream cheese-style icing. Their combination of buttery pastry, warm cinnamon, and creamy sweetness makes them a popular choice for breakfast or an indulgent snack.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 6 Pieces
Course: Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 260
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pastry Dough
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour.
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast.
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar.
  • ½ teaspoon salt.
  • ¾ cup warm milk about 105–110°F (40–43°C).
  • 1 large egg.
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter melted.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
For the Cinnamon Filling
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter softened.
  • ½ cup packed light brown sugar.
  • 1 ½ tablespoons ground cinnamon.
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour.
  • 1 tablespoon heavy cream or milk.
For the Cream Cheese Icing
  • 4 ounces cream cheese softened.
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter softened.
  • ¾ cup powdered sugar.
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract.
  • 1 –2 tablespoons milk as needed.
  • Pinch of salt.

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Wooden spoon or rubber spatula
  • Stand mixer with dough hook, optional
  • Rolling Pin
  • Pastry brush
  • Sharp knife or pizza cutter
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Wire cooling rack
  • Small bowl for the icing
  • Pastry bag or piping bag, optional

Method
 

Step 1: Activate the Yeast
  1. Add the warm milk, yeast, and a teaspoon of the sugar to a small bowl. Stir gently and let the mixture sit for about 5–10 minutes. It should become slightly foamy, which indicates that the yeast is active.
Step 2: Make the Dough
  1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, remaining sugar, and salt. Add the yeast mixture, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Stir until a soft dough forms.
    Knead the dough by hand for about 6–8 minutes, or use a stand mixer with a dough hook for approximately 4–5 minutes. The dough should become smooth and elastic and should feel slightly tacky without being excessively sticky.
Step 3: Let the Dough Rise
  1. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover it with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 60–90 minutes, or until it has roughly doubled in size.
Step 4: Prepare the Cinnamon Filling
  1. While the dough rises, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, flour, and heavy cream in a small bowl. Mix until you have a thick, spreadable cinnamon mixture.
Step 5: Roll Out the Dough
  1. Transfer the risen dough to a lightly floured work surface. Gently punch it down and roll it into a large rectangle, approximately ¼-inch thick.
    Try to keep the dough evenly thick so the Cinnasnacks cook at the same rate.
Step 6: Add the Cinnamon Filling
  1. Spread the cinnamon mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Avoid adding an excessively thick layer because too much filling can leak during baking.
Step 7: Cut and Shape the Cinnasnacks
  1. Fold the dough over the filling or cut it into small rectangles and seal the edges firmly. Press the edges with your fingers or the tines of a fork to prevent the cinnamon filling from escaping.
    Arrange the filled pastries on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving a little space between each piece.
Step 8: Give Them a Short Second Rise
  1. Cover the shaped Cinnasnacks loosely with a clean towel and let them rest for approximately 20–30 minutes. This short rise helps create a softer, lighter pastry.
    Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 9: Bake Until Golden
  1. Bake the Cinnasnacks for approximately 12–16 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and lightly golden around the edges. Avoid overbaking because the pastry can become dry. Remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
Step 10: Make the Cream Cheese Icing
  1. Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Mix until creamy. Add milk, a little at a time, until the icing reaches your preferred dipping or drizzling consistency.
Step 11: Serve Warm
  1. Serve the homemade Cinnasnacks warm with the cream cheese icing on the side or drizzled over the top. For the best texture and flavor, enjoy them shortly after baking while the cinnamon filling is still soft and fragrant.

Notes

It can be tempting to add extra cinnamon filling, but too much can cause the seams to open during baking. Use a moderate, even layer and leave a small border around the edges.