Cinnamon BreadSticks

My kids are always hungry, especially after school. I think that after working all day long they deserve a treat now and then, too. Often, though, I am too busy with my little ones to have a snack ready for the older kids when they get home.

As my younger two were napping today, I decided to take a break and try to catch up on some of the blogs I follow. After reading this post, I was encouraged to shorten my break and take some time to make a nice snack for those older school children of mine. It really didn't take that much time.



Cinnamon Bread Sticks
originally bread stick recipe found at Our Best Bites
1 1/2 c warm water (105-120F)
1 tbsp sugar
1 tbsp yeast
1/2 tsp salt
4+ c flour
4 tbsp butter, softened
2 tbsp sugar
2 tsp cinnamon
glaze (recipe follows)

Dissolve sugar into warm water; add yeast and stir. Let proof for 5-10 minutes until a nice layer of foam forms on top of water. Whisk together 2 cups of flour and the half teaspoon of salt. Add yeast mixture. Stir to combine well. Add another cup of flour; either by hand or with dough hook of mixer stand, knead. Add another cup of flour and till well incorporated. With floured surface and hands, continue to knead dough till smooth. Place in oiled bowl and cover with plastic wrap; allow to rise for one hour.

Preheat oven to 425F and grease two cookies sheets.

Press dough down and roll out to a rectangle about 9" x 16". Spread softened butter over dough. Sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar. Cut across dough making twelve strips. Cut along length of dough making two batches. Pick up one strip and press it onto another (using a small floured spatula makes this a bit easier). Pick up sandwiched dough and twist the ends in opposite directions then place on a greased cookie sheet. Bake in preheated oven for 15-17 minutes. Serve with glaze.



Glaze
1/4 c butter
2 c powder sugar
1 tbsp vanilla
2 tbsp half-n-half

Melt butter in sauce pan. Add sugar, vanilla and half-n-half. Whisk till smooth. More half-n-half could be added to get a thinner glaze. Use to dip or drizzle on bread sticks.