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What Are Sugar Snails?
Sugar Snails are soft, sweet, spiraled treats made from flattened sandwich bread, a creamy filling, and a crunchy cinnamon-sugar coating. Think—if cinnamon toast and a cream-cheese Danish had a baby, this would be it! They're irresistibly crisp on the outside, tender inside, and gorgeously golden.
These are the kind of snacks that disappear while they’re still warm on the tray. They’re fun, fast, nostalgic, and perfect for little hands to help roll.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple pantry ingredients — bread, sugar, cinnamon, cream cheese… nothing fancy needed.
- Kid-friendly and kid-approved — a great weekend baking project!
- Bakes in under 20 minutes — dessert, snack, or breakfast treat done fast.
- Tastes like a mini cinnamon pastry — but without any dough making, rolling, or proofing.
- Budget-friendly — one loaf of bread stretches far.
- Customizable — add fillings, toppings, or extra flavor twists.
Anything but boring!!
What Do Sugar Snails Taste Like?
Ohh… the aroma alone is enough to make everyone wander into the kitchen. They smell like cinnamon toast baking in a cozy cottage on a chilly morning—warm, sweet, buttery.
The exterior crisps up beautifully, almost like a crunchy churro or cinnamon-sugar pastry, while the inside stays soft with a creamy center thanks to the cream cheese swirl. Every bite is a perfect little spiral of crunchy, creamy, sweet, and warm. Pure comfort.
Benefits of This Recipe
- No mixer required
- Great for brunches, holidays, or snacking
- Easy to double for a crowd
- Freezer-friendly for make-ahead treats
- Uses pantry staples you likely have right now
Ingredients
- 1 loaf white sandwich bread, sliced
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 egg
- ¾ cup granulated sugar, divided
- 1½ teaspoons cinnamon
- ½ cup melted butter
Tools You’ll Need
- Rolling pin
- Small mixing bowl
- Medium mixing bowl
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Pastry brush
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Spoon or rubber spatula
Ingredient Additions & Substitutions
Try adding:
- A sprinkle of brown sugar to the filling
- Mini chocolate chips
- A swipe of Nutella or cookie butter
- Chopped nuts for crunch
- Maple extract or almond extract
Swap options:
- Whole wheat bread for a heartier flavor
- Low-fat cream cheese
- Coconut sugar instead of granulated sugar
- Gluten-free bread (if it rolls well)
These little spirals are forgiving and fun—feel free to play!
How to Make Sugar Snails (Step-by-Step)
1. Prep the Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly butter a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Prep the Bread
Trim the crusts off each slice, then flatten with a rolling pin until thin and even.
(If you’re baking with kids, this is their favorite part!)
3. Make the Creamy Filling
In a medium bowl, beat together:
- cream cheese
- egg
- ¼ cup sugar
Mix until silky and smooth.
4. Roll Into Spirals
Spread a thin layer of filling on each flattened slice, roll it up like a tiny cinnamon roll, then slice it in half or thirds. Place rolls seam-side down in your baking dish.
5. Add the Magic
Brush generously with melted butter.
In a separate bowl, mix:
- remaining sugar
- cinnamon
Sprinkle over every roll.
6. Bake
Bake 15–18 minutes, until the rolls are lightly golden and crisp at the edges.
Serve warm and watch them disappear!
What to Serve with Sugar Snails
- Hot cocoa
- Fresh fruit
- Brunch platters
- Vanilla ice cream (yes, they’re spectacular warm with ice cream!)
- A caramel dip or maple drizzle
- Coffee or chai latte
Tips for Perfect Sugar Snails
- Flatten bread well — the thinner it is, the tighter your spirals.
- Use room temp cream cheese — it spreads like a dream.
- Don’t skip the butter brush — it ensures golden crispiness.
- Bake on the middle rack for even browning.
- Serve warm—they’re at peak deliciousness right out of the oven.
Storage Instructions
- Room Temperature: 1–2 days in an airtight container
- Refrigerator: up to 4 days
- Freezer: up to 2 months
To reheat: warm in the oven at 300°F for 5–7 minutes.
General Information
- Yield: 10–12 servings
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Diet: Vegetarian
- Allergens: Eggs, gluten, wheat
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these ahead?
Yes! Assemble them fully and refrigerate, unbaked, for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready.
Can I use flavored cream cheese?
Absolutely—strawberry, honey pecan, or cinnamon cream cheese are fantastic.
Do they freeze well?
Yes. Freeze after baking, then reheat as needed.
Can I air fry them?
Yes—air fry at 350°F for 6–8 minutes until golden.
Conclusion
Sugar Snails are the kind of simple, nostalgic recipe that proves you don’t need fancy ingredients to make something downright magical. They’re warm, cozy, and irresistibly delicious—perfect for breakfast, snacking, or just because. And once you’ve made them once, I know they’ll become a staple in your family too.
Looking for more cinnamon-kissed treats? Try:
- Cinnamon Cream Cheese Cookies
- 5-Minute Microwave Caramels
- Christmas Cornflake Crackle
Share the Love ♥
If you make these Sugar Snails, I’d love to see your creations.
Drop a review, share your baking photos on Pinterest, or tag me so I can celebrate your kitchen magic!
Nutritional Information (Approx. Per Serving)
- Calories: ~210
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Sugar: 12g
- Protein: 4g
(Values vary by bread brand and serving size.)
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