Cinnamon-Sugar Crescent Pizza

Cinnamon-sugar pizza made with crescent rolls is just about the easiest way to treat yourself or your guests to something warm sweet and irresistible I love pulling this pizza from the oven on cozy Sunday mornings or whenever anyone in my house is craving dessert for breakfast One bite and you get the buttery soft base that flakes apart topped with a shattering but delicate cinnamon sugar crust and drizzled with creamy icing

I first discovered this shortcut recipe on a busy school night and it instantly became my teens favorite treat I have made it for brunch sleepovers and even as a midnight snack after movie nights

Ingredients

• Refrigerated crescent roll dough: This makes the base light fluffy and quick to assemble Pick dough that feels chilled and firm avoid cans that seem puffy
• Unsalted butter melted: This binds the cinnamon sugar to the dough and adds richness Use fresh butter for the best aroma and melt it just before spreading
• Granulated sugar: Offers crisp sweet sparkle Choose a brand that is fine not coarse for even coverage
• Ground cinnamon: Warming and fragrant use a fresh jar for the boldest spicy note
• Powdered sugar: Blends smoothly for the icing and brings a hint of elegance Sift to eliminate lumps
• Milk: Loosens the icing for pretty drizzling A splash of whole or two percent gives ideal creaminess
• Vanilla extract: Adds roundness to the icing Pick pure extract for flavor you can taste even in small amounts

Instructions

Preheat Oven:

Set your oven to three hundred seventy five degrees Fahrenheit or one hundred ninety Celsius and let it come all the way up to temperature Place a pizza pan or baking sheet on the countertop and coat lightly with nonstick spray or a thin layer of butter to prevent sticking

Roll Out the Dough:

Open your crescent roll can by gently pressing at the seam and unroll the dough onto your work surface With clean hands press or stretch the dough into either a big rectangle or a round shape about the size of your pan Pinch along the perforations and seams so everything merges and no gaps remain The more even the surface the more uniform your pizza bakes

Add the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:

Use a pastry brush or the back of a spoon to spread melted butter all across the surface Make sure you reach the very edges In a small bowl blend the granulated sugar with the ground cinnamon Stir until mixed well then scatter it evenly over the dough pressing it in just a little so nothing is dry or patchy

Bake the Pizza:

Move the prepared dough to your preheated oven and bake for ten to twelve minutes Watch for a golden brown puffed crust and bubbling fragrant topping It should smell like cinnamon rolls and look golden and glossy Lift to check the bottom for even doneness

Make the Icing:

While the pizza is baking whisk the powdered sugar with the milk and vanilla extract in a small bowl You want a smooth pourable consistency that holds ribbons as it drizzles Add an extra splash of milk if too thick or a touch more sugar if it runs off

Drizzle and Serve:

When your pizza comes out hot from the oven let it sit for two minutes to set up a bit Using a spoon or fork drizzle the icing all over in pretty zigzags or swirls The pizza will still be warm so the icing melts just slightly for a gooey top Slice into wedges or squares and enjoy right away

I have a soft spot for cinnamon and it is the soul of this recipe My kids remember the smell of cinnamon filling the whole house every time I bake this My favorite moment is watching everyone fight over the corner slices with the extra crispiness

Storage Tips

This pizza keeps well at room temperature for up to a day Just cover the pan loosely with foil or a clean towel For longer storage slip leftover slices into an airtight container and refrigerate Warm pieces in the oven or in a toaster oven on low until the icing is just melty again If freezing wrap individual slices tightly then thaw and warm before serving

Ingredient Substitutions

No crescent rolls available Try pizza dough or a sheet of puff pastry instead To make vegan use plant butter and any non dairy milk for the icing You can swap half the cinnamon for pumpkin spice for a seasonal twist or add orange zest for brightness

Serving Suggestions

Serve slices for weekend breakfast with fresh fruit and coffee For dessert top each warm slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a swirl of whipped cream It also works well as a party snack and can be cut into small squares for easy nibbling

Cultural and Historical Notes

Cinnamon sugar treats have a rich tradition in American baking echoing the flavors of churros and classic cinnamon toast This pizza merges that nostalgia with the fun of transforming everyday dough into something special I think of it as a shortcut cousin to sticky buns without the hours of waiting

Seasonal Adaptations

Swirl a few tablespoons of pumpkin puree into the butter for a fall take Add sliced apples or pears before baking for extra moisture and flavor Sprinkle crushed candy canes on top of the icing in December for a festive version

Success Stories

One time I baked two of these for a school bake sale and they were gone in minutes People are always surprised that something so simple tastes so much like the heart of a homemade cinnamon roll After the first try most friends ask for the recipe and a second helping

Freezer Meal Conversion

Bake the pizza allow it to cool slice and wrap each piece tightly in plastic or foil Pop them into a freezer bag and freeze up to a month To serve warm from frozen in a low oven until soft and gooey then top with fresh icing if you like For make ahead brunches I assemble the pizza the night before and bake from chilled

This cinnamon-sugar pizza will make you crave dessert for breakfast again and again It is simple enough for everyday and special enough to remember

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of dough is best for this cinnamon-sugar pizza?

Refrigerated crescent roll dough works well because it bakes up light and flaky, providing a tender base that's easy to roll out and handle.

→ How do I ensure the sugar and cinnamon stick to the dough?

Brushing the dough with melted butter before sprinkling the cinnamon-sugar blend helps the topping adhere and caramelize during baking.

→ What is the secret to smooth icing?

Whisk powdered sugar with milk and vanilla until completely smooth. Adjust milk slowly for a pourable but thick consistency.

→ Can I add extra toppings?

Yes, try adding chopped nuts or even chocolate chips before baking for extra texture and flavor. Customize to your taste!

→ How should I serve cinnamon-sugar pizza?

Slightly cool, slice it into wedges, and serve warm. It's delicious for breakfast, snack, or dessert.