There’s something magical about the aroma of cinnamon and sugar swirling through your kitchen. It’s the kind of scent that feels like a hug—warm, cozy, and impossible to resist. Now, imagine that comforting flavor nestled atop a golden, buttery crescent roll crust. This Cinnamon-Sugar Pizza with Crescent Rolls is the dessert you’ll turn to when you want something homemade without hours in the kitchen. It’s simple enough for a weeknight treat yet special enough for holidays and family gatherings.
This recipe combines the flaky, buttery goodness of crescent rolls with a rich layer of cinnamon-sugar, finished with an optional drizzle of sweet glaze. Whether you’re baking with kids, impressing guests, or just treating yourself, this dessert delivers in taste and ease.
Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon-Sugar Pizza
Key Benefits
This isn’t just another dessert; it’s a game-changer for anyone craving something quick, delicious, and crowd-pleasing. Crescent roll dough takes out all the fuss of making crust from scratch, yet you still get that golden, flaky base that holds up beautifully to the buttery cinnamon topping.
The best part? This pizza is ready in about 20 minutes. That’s less time than it takes to watch your favorite sitcom episode. And because the steps are so simple, it’s practically foolproof—even if you’re more of a “pour cereal for dinner” cook than a seasoned baker.
This recipe also doubles as a fun project for kids. Little hands can help sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture or drizzle glaze across the warm pizza.
Perfect For
This dessert shines in so many scenarios:
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Weeknight cravings when you want something sweet without the wait.
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Family movie nights where everyone gets a slice (or two).
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Holiday mornings as a festive breakfast treat.
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Potlucks or parties where you need a crowd-pleaser.
It’s ideal for beginner bakers and seasoned home cooks alike. And with endless topping variations, you can make it your own every single time.
Ingredients for Cinnamon-Sugar Pizza
Core Ingredients
To whip up this sweet creation, you’ll need just a handful of pantry staples:
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¼ cup unsalted butter, melted – For that rich, buttery base that makes the crust irresistible.
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½ cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the topping and caramelizes beautifully in the oven.
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1 tablespoon ground cinnamon – The star of the show, bringing that warm, spicy aroma we all love.
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1 tube (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough – The ultimate shortcut to a flaky, golden crust.
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Optional toppings – Cream cheese glaze, mini chocolate chips, or chopped nuts for added indulgence.
Substitutions and Tips
Want to put your own spin on it? Here’s how:
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Dairy-free option: Swap in plant-based butter and crescent roll dough to make it vegan-friendly.
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Sugar swap: Try brown sugar for a deeper, caramel-like flavor.
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Fruity twist: Add thin apple or pear slices before sprinkling the cinnamon sugar for a cozy fall version.
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Extra crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the top before baking.
These tweaks let you tailor the dessert to your pantry and preferences while keeping the process just as simple.
Best Crescent Roll Dough for Dessert Pizza
Not all crescent roll doughs are created equal. For the flakiest results, go with a trusted brand like Pillsbury, which holds together well and bakes to a perfect golden brown.
If you prefer a slightly puffier crust, puff pastry is a great alternative—just be sure to adjust the baking time since it cooks a bit differently. And if you’re feeling ambitious, homemade pizza dough works too, though it takes the “quick and easy” factor down a notch.
Here’s a pro tip: Keep the dough chilled until you’re ready to use it. This prevents it from becoming sticky and hard to handle. If seams split while rolling it out, don’t panic. Simply pinch them back together or press gently with your fingers.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
Must-Have Tools
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Baking sheet or pizza pan – Either works; just be sure to line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
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Pastry brush – To evenly spread that melted butter over the dough.
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Small mixing bowl – For whisking your cinnamon-sugar mixture.
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Measuring cups and spoons – Accuracy matters, even with simple recipes.
Nice-to-Have Tools
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Pizza cutter – Makes slicing into perfect wedges a breeze.
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Cooling rack – Helps the crust stay crisp as it cools slightly before serving.
While you don’t need fancy gadgets to make this dessert, having these on hand can make the process smoother and the final result even prettier.
How to Make Cinnamon-Sugar Pizza with Crescent Rolls
This dessert comes together so quickly, you’ll barely have time to set the table before it’s ready. Each step is simple and approachable, with plenty of room for little hands to help or for you to add your own creative twist. Let’s walk through it together.
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a round pizza pan or a standard baking sheet with parchment paper. This little step makes cleanup a breeze and ensures the crust doesn’t stick.
Step 2: Roll Out the Dough
Unroll the crescent dough and gently press it together to form a single large sheet. Pinch any seams so the filling doesn’t leak through while baking. For a round pizza look, shape the dough into a circle. For a more rustic vibe, leave it rectangular. There’s no wrong way here—just make sure it’s even so it bakes uniformly.
If the dough feels too sticky, dust your hands lightly with flour to make it easier to work with.
Step 3: Brush with Butter
Take your melted butter and brush it generously over the entire surface of the dough. This buttery layer not only adds rich flavor but also helps the cinnamon-sugar mixture stick beautifully.
Step 4: Mix and Sprinkle Cinnamon Sugar
In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Stir until the two are perfectly blended, then sprinkle the mixture evenly over the buttered dough. Don’t be shy—this is where all that warm, cozy flavor comes from.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Slide your pan into the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. Keep an eye on it as it nears the end of the baking time. You’re looking for a golden-brown crust and a slightly caramelized topping.
When it’s done, the kitchen will smell like a cinnamon roll bakery—and that’s your cue to get excited.
Step 6: Optional Glaze and Toppings
While the pizza is baking, whisk together ½ cup powdered sugar with 1–2 tablespoons of milk to create a simple glaze. Once the pizza comes out of the oven, let it cool for just a few minutes. Then drizzle the glaze over the top in a zigzag pattern or a generous swirl.
For added indulgence, scatter mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts over the warm glaze. Or keep it classic and serve as is—it’s delightful either way.
Tips for Success
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Don’t overbake. Crescent dough goes from golden to too crisp quickly. As soon as it’s golden brown, pull it out.
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Let it cool slightly before slicing. This helps the glaze set and prevents the crust from tearing.
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Get creative. Add apple slices before baking for a cinnamon-apple variation, or use a cream cheese glaze for extra richness.
Remember, this dessert is meant to be fun and forgiving. No need to stress if your drizzle isn’t picture-perfect—it will still taste amazing.
How to Store Cinnamon-Sugar Pizza
At Room Temperature
Store leftover slices in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. It’s perfect for a quick grab-and-go treat.
In the Refrigerator
For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days. To bring back that fresh-from-the-oven taste, reheat slices in the oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes.
Freezing Tips
Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature and warm in the oven for a few minutes to crisp up the crust.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the pizza up to the point of baking, then cover and refrigerate for up to 12 hours. Bake when ready to serve for the freshest flavor.
Can I use puff pastry instead of crescent rolls?
Absolutely. Puff pastry gives you a flakier, more delicate crust. Just adjust the baking time down slightly, checking for golden edges around 10–12 minutes.
How do I prevent a soggy crust?
Make sure to bake the pizza on a parchment-lined pan and avoid overloading it with toppings. A preheated pizza stone can also help achieve a crisp bottom.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Definitely. Kids love sprinkling the cinnamon sugar and drizzling the glaze. It’s a fun, hands-on activity for family baking sessions.
Related Recipes
If you loved this Cinnamon-Sugar Pizza recipe, you might enjoy these other sweet treats from RecipeSeasys:
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Homemade Cinnamon Rolls Recipe (No Yeast) – Soft, gooey, and ready in under an hour.
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Peach Dump Cake – A fruity, buttery dessert with just 3 ingredients.
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Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast – Perfect for brunch or a decadent dessert.
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Oreo Stuffed Cinnamon Rolls – A chocolatey twist on a classic favorite.
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Crock Pot Apple Cinnamon Roll Casserole – Cozy, slow-cooked comfort food.
Conclusion
Cinnamon-Sugar Pizza with Crescent Rolls is the ultimate shortcut dessert—simple, sweet, and endlessly customizable. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to save for holidays, family nights, or those moments when only a warm, cinnamon treat will do.
So grab that crescent dough and get ready to fill your kitchen with the scent of buttery cinnamon goodness. One bite and you’ll see why this dessert never lasts long on the table.
Print
Cinnamon-Sugar Pizza with Crescent Rolls
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cinnamon-Sugar Pizza with Crescent Rolls is a quick and easy dessert. Flaky crescent dough, buttery cinnamon sugar topping, and optional glaze make it perfect for family nights or holiday treats.
Ingredients
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tube (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough
- Optional: cream cheese glaze, chocolate chips, chopped nuts
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a pizza pan or baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Unroll crescent dough and press seams together to form a single sheet.
- Brush melted butter evenly over the dough.
- Combine sugar and cinnamon; sprinkle over buttered dough.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes until golden brown.
- Optional: Drizzle glaze over warm pizza and add toppings if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- Add sliced apples or pears for a fruity twist before baking.
- Substitute brown sugar for deeper flavor.
- Use puff pastry as an alternative to crescent dough.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Crescent roll dessert, cinnamon sugar pizza, easy dessert recipe, sweet pizza, family-friendly dessert