Buttery Cinnamon-Sugar Pizza

This cinnamon-sugar pizza transforms ordinary crescent roll dough into an irresistible dessert that brings back childhood memories of Saturday mornings with my family. The buttery, cinnamon-sugar coated crust paired with sweet glaze creates a treat that's somewhere between a cinnamon roll and pizza, making it perfect for brunch or dessert.

The first time I made this dessert pizza was for my daughter's sleepover party. What was meant to be a quick solution for hungry teenagers turned into our family's most requested weekend treat. The kids still ask for it whenever they have friends over.

Ingredients

• Refrigerated crescent roll dough provides the perfect buttery base without any effort. Look for name brands for more consistent results
• Unsalted butter creates that rich foundation for the cinnamon sugar to adhere to. Make sure it's fully melted but not too hot
• Granulated sugar gives the classic sweetness and slight crunch. Use pure cane sugar for best results
• Ground cinnamon brings the signature warming spice. Choose fresh cinnamon for the most aromatic experience
• Powdered sugar creates the smooth glaze. Sift it first to avoid lumps
• Milk thins the glaze to perfect drizzling consistency. Whole milk works best but any type will do
• Vanilla extract adds depth to the simple glaze. Pure vanilla makes a noticeable difference

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F ensuring it reaches full temperature before baking. Position the rack in the center of the oven for even heat distribution. This temperature creates the perfect balance of golden exterior while ensuring the dough cooks through completely.

Create the pizza base

Unroll the crescent dough triangles and arrange them on your pizza pan with the points facing toward the center. Work quickly as the dough becomes more difficult to handle as it warms up. Press the seams together firmly using your fingertips to create one solid pizza crust with no gaps or holes.

Apply the butter layer

Brush the entire surface generously with melted butter, making sure to reach all the edges. The butter not only adds richness but creates the adhesive surface for the cinnamon sugar to stick to. Be thorough but don't oversaturate.

Add the cinnamon sugar

Mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl until completely combined with no streaks. The ratio of sugar to cinnamon creates the perfect balance of sweetness and spice. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the entire buttered surface, covering it completely for consistent flavor in every bite.

Bake to perfection

Place the pizza in your preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. Watch carefully in the final minutes as the high sugar content can go from perfectly caramelized to burnt quickly. You want a golden brown color with slightly darker edges and a fully set center.

Prepare the glaze

While the pizza bakes, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl. Start with less milk and add more as needed until you reach a consistency that will drizzle nicely but not run off the pizza. The glaze should coat the back of a spoon but still flow freely.

Finish with glaze

Remove the hot pizza from the oven and immediately drizzle the glaze over the top in a zigzag pattern. The heat from the pizza will help the glaze to set slightly while still remaining sticky and delicious. Work quickly for the best results.

Serve warm

Allow the pizza to cool just slightly before cutting into wedges or squares. The texture is best when served warm when the dough is still tender and the cinnamon sugar layer remains slightly gooey.

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The cinnamon is truly the star of this recipe. I discovered that freshly ground cinnamon makes an incredible difference in the flavor profile. My grandmother taught me to always keep whole cinnamon sticks and grind them as needed for the most aromatic experience. Whenever I make this recipe, I think of her kitchen and how she would approve of this simple but delightful treat.

Make It Your Own

This dessert pizza welcomes creative variations. Try adding thinly sliced apples or pears before baking for a fruit-forward version. The fruit caramelizes beautifully with the cinnamon sugar, creating almost a tart-like experience. For special occasions, I scatter chocolate chips or chopped nuts over the butter layer before adding the cinnamon sugar.

Storage Tips

This dessert is best enjoyed fresh from the oven, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To refresh, warm individual slices in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or place the entire pizza in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes. The texture won't be exactly the same as fresh, but the flavor remains delicious.

Perfect Occasions

Brunch gatherings call for this cinnamon sugar pizza as the sweet complement to savory dishes. It makes a wonderful centerpiece for holiday morning breakfasts, especially Christmas and Thanksgiving when cinnamon is already in the air. For kids sleepovers, make it the morning surprise that gets everyone excited to start the day. I've even served smaller versions as unique birthday treats instead of traditional cake.

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Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make this cinnamon-sugar pizza ahead of time?

While it's best served warm, you can prepare it a few hours ahead. Reheat in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes before serving to restore the texture. For best results, wait to add the glaze until just before serving.

→ What can I use instead of crescent roll dough?

Pizza dough, puff pastry, or even cookie dough make excellent substitutes. Each will provide a different texture and slightly alter the baking time, so keep an eye on it while in the oven.

→ How do I store leftover cinnamon-sugar pizza?

Cover leftovers with plastic wrap and store at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat portions in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes.

→ Can I add other toppings to this dessert?

Absolutely! Try adding chopped nuts, chocolate chips, diced apples, or a drizzle of caramel sauce. Add nuts or chocolate before baking, and fresh fruit or additional sauces after baking.

→ Is there a way to make this dessert less sweet?

Reduce the amount of sugar in the cinnamon mixture and use less glaze. You could also add a sprinkle of sea salt to balance the sweetness with a subtle savory note.

→ Can I make this dessert dairy-free?

Yes, use plant-based butter and non-dairy milk for the glaze. Check the crescent roll package to ensure it's dairy-free, or substitute with a dairy-free pizza dough.