Cinnamon Sugar Crescent Pizza

Cinnamon Sugar Crescent Roll Pizza is my secret weapon for last minute dessert cravings or when my family begs for something sweet on a busy weeknight. It comes together so quickly and brings all the cozy flavors of cinnamon rolls in a fun handheld pizza style. The golden flaky base and warm cinnamon sugar topping make it hard to resist.

The first time I made this my youngest declared it the best dessert ever and now it is on repeat at every sleepover.

Ingredients

• Crescent roll dough: this shortcut gives you instant fluff and layers Always check the expiration date for the best rise
• Unsalted butter: brings richness and helps cinnamon sugar stick Quality butter gives the best melt so choose a name brand when possible
• Granulated sugar: classic sweetness in every bite Organic sugar often tastes even cleaner
• Ground cinnamon: provides warmth and that signature comfort scent Look for fresh fragrant cinnamon for maximum flavor
• Powdered sugar: creates that perfect sweet pourable glaze Sift it to avoid lumps
• Milk: thins out your glaze I like whole milk for creaminess but any will work
• Vanilla extract: rounds out the glaze with a bakery style finish Pure vanilla gives the best results

Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Set the oven to three hundred seventy five degrees Fahrenheit one hundred ninety degrees Celsius then line your baking sheet or pizza pan with parchment for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking

Prepare the Dough:

Unroll the crescent roll dough onto your prepared pan Arrange it so the triangles touch Gently press the seams together with your fingers to form a single even sheet making sure there are no gaps or weak spots so the filling does not seep out

Add Butter:

Brush the entire surface of the dough evenly with melted butter Using a pastry brush gets nice coverage and ensures every inch is ready for the cinnamon sugar mix

Add Cinnamon Sugar:

Combine your granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl and stir until the color is uniform Sprinkle this mixture generously over the buttered dough reaching the very edges for even flavor in every bite

Bake:

Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake for ten to twelve minutes Watch for the dough to puff up and take on a deep golden color around the edges The center should be just set but not overdone let your nose guide you the aroma is incredible

Make the Glaze:

In a fresh bowl whisk together powdered sugar milk and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable Adjust the milk a drop at a time to reach your perfect drizzling texture It should stream from a spoon but not run everywhere

Drizzle and Serve:

Cool the pizza for just a couple minutes so the glaze does not melt off but it is still nice and warm Drizzle the glaze in zigzags across the surface then slice and serve While my family fights over the corner pieces the center squares are also dreamy

I have such fond memories of my kids gathering in the kitchen just waiting to help drizzle on the glaze and taste test the first slice still warm from the oven There is simply nothing cozier than sharing sticky sweet slices on a chilly night

Storage Tips

This pizza is best fresh and warm but you can store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days If you want to rewarm just pop in a low oven for a few minutes to refresh the crust Avoid microwaving as it will soften the crispy edges

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use vegan crescent dough and plant based butter to make this dairy free Brown sugar works instead of granulated sugar for a deeper flavor If you are out of powdered sugar make a quick glaze with just milk and a little extra granulated sugar

Serving Suggestions

Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra decadence I love to set out small dishes of chopped nuts or mini chocolate chips and let guests add their own toppings

Cultural and Historical Context

Crescent rolls have a rich history tracing back to French croissants and American convenience foods The idea for pizza style cinnamon rolls likely sprang from the classic cinnamon roll but with modern weeknight ease in mind

Seasonal Adaptations

Add a layer of thin sliced apples or pears under the cinnamon sugar for a fall twist Sprinkle with pumpkin spice mix in place of plain cinnamon for autumnal warmth During the holidays top with red and green sprinkles after glazing for a festive touch

Success Stories

One night our power blinked back on just before dinner so my family voted for this sweet treat instead of a real meal We danced in the kitchen and devoured the pizza within minutes Proof that sometimes simple nostalgic flavors bring the most joy

Freezer Meal Conversion

While this dessert is best enjoyed fresh you can prep the dough and cinnamon sugar filling in advance Freeze them flat between sheets of parchment then bake straight from the freezer just adding five more minutes to the oven time Make glaze while it bakes for instant dessert

This dessert is impossible to resist and comes together so quickly for a last minute treat. Try switching up toppings or spices to make it uniquely yours each time.

Recipe Q&A

→ Can I use homemade dough instead of canned crescent rolls?

Yes, homemade dough can work. Ensure it’s rolled thin and pressed together to mimic crescent dough’s texture.

→ How do I avoid soggy dough in the center?

Bake on a preheated pan and avoid over-layering toppings. Check for golden brown edges before removing from the oven.

→ What’s the best way to store leftovers?

Store cooled slices in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.

→ Can I add nuts or other toppings?

Absolutely! Chopped pecans or walnuts sprinkle on top before baking adds crunch and flavor to each slice.

→ Is there a substitute for powdered sugar in the glaze?

Blended granulated sugar or a touch of honey can be used if powdered sugar is unavailable, adjusting consistency as needed.