Cinnamon Sugar Pizza Made with Crescent Rolls

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I’ve always had a soft spot for sweet and simple desserts that come together in minutes but taste like a warm hug. That’s exactly what inspired this Cinnamon Sugar Pizza made with Crescent Rolls. It’s golden, buttery, crisp at the edges, and decadently soft in the center—all topped with a comforting blend of cinnamon and sugar and drizzled with a dreamy glaze.

This dessert is a go-to for busy evenings or spontaneous cravings. I make it when guests pop by unannounced, or when I want something quick after dinner that doesn’t feel like a rush job. Using crescent rolls as the base gives you an instant dough with beautiful flakiness, and it bakes up like magic.

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Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Sugar Pizza

This dessert pizza is a winner because it’s both incredibly easy and wonderfully indulgent. You don’t need to mix dough or wait for it to rise. The crescent rolls handle all the heavy lifting. The cinnamon sugar topping caramelizes as it bakes, giving a beautiful sweet crust, and that final glaze drizzle? It’s the cherry on top. Perfect for sharing… or not sharing at all.

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What Kind of Crescent Rolls Should I Use?

When it comes to choosing crescent rolls for this cinnamon sugar pizza, I always go with the classic refrigerated crescent dough. It unrolls into a soft, pliable sheet that’s easy to shape into a pizza base. You can use the pre-cut version with perforations—just pinch the seams together to form one unified sheet. If you can find the “crescent dough sheet” (no perforations), that makes things even simpler.

Avoid using sweet dough or puff pastry as a substitute here—they’ll either be too rich or too flaky for the consistency we’re after. The crescent roll dough strikes the perfect balance between buttery softness and structure.

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Options for Substitutions

Don’t worry if you’re missing a few things—this recipe is wonderfully adaptable.

• Butter Substitute: Use margarine or vegan butter if you’re avoiding dairy. Just make sure it’s unsalted and melts smoothly.
• Sugar Variations: Brown sugar can add a deeper, caramel-like sweetness instead of white sugar. Coconut sugar also works for a slightly healthier spin.
• Spice It Up: Try a mix of cinnamon and nutmeg, or even pumpkin pie spice for a twist.
• Glaze Alternatives: You can replace the glaze with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup for a more rustic finish.
• Dough Swap: If crescent dough is unavailable, pizza dough or biscuit dough could be shaped and baked similarly—just keep an eye on the texture and baking time.

This flexibility makes it easy to whip up a version of this dessert even with limited pantry options.

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Ingredients for This Cinnamon Sugar Pizza

• Refrigerated Crescent Roll Dough
  This is the base of the dessert—it creates a flaky, buttery crust that holds up well to the toppings while remaining soft inside.
• Melted Butter
  Acts as the glue for the cinnamon sugar and gives richness to the dough. It also helps the edges crisp up beautifully.
• Granulated Sugar
  Adds the essential sweetness and caramelizes slightly during baking for a delicate crunch.
• Ground Cinnamon
  The star spice of the show—it brings warmth and coziness to every bite.
• Powdered Sugar
  Used in the glaze, this gives a smooth, sweet drizzle that ties the whole dessert together.
• Milk or Cream
  Just a splash is enough to loosen the powdered sugar into a luscious glaze. You can adjust the amount for your preferred consistency.
• Vanilla Extract (optional)
  A dash of vanilla deepens the flavor of the glaze, making it taste like something straight out of a bakery.

Each of these ingredients has a clear role, and together, they transform a humble can of crescent rolls into an irresistible treat.

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Step 1: Prepare the Crescent Roll Base

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Unroll the crescent dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet or pizza pan. If you’re using the perforated kind, gently pinch the seams together to form one smooth sheet. Press it out evenly into a round or rectangular shape, about ¼-inch thick.

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Step 2: Brush with Melted Butter

Using a pastry brush or spoon, coat the entire surface of the dough with the melted butter. Make sure it’s evenly spread—this will help the cinnamon sugar stick and give that golden, buttery finish.

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Step 3: Sprinkle Cinnamon Sugar

In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon together. Generously sprinkle this mixture over the buttered dough, covering all the corners and edges. Don’t be shy—this is where the magic happens.

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Step 4: Bake the Pizza

Place the dough in the preheated oven and bake for about 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and crisp. The sugar should look slightly caramelized and the dough should be firm enough to slice.

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Step 5: Prepare and Drizzle the Glaze

While the pizza is baking, whisk together powdered sugar, a splash of milk (or cream), and a dash of vanilla if using. Stir until smooth. Once the pizza is out of the oven and slightly cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top in a zig-zag or swirl pattern.

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Step 6: Slice and Serve

Cut the pizza into wedges or squares, depending on your dough shape. Serve warm or at room temperature for a delightful treat everyone will love.

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How Long to Cook the Cinnamon Sugar Pizza

Bake the cinnamon sugar pizza in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 to 12 minutes. Keep an eye on it starting around the 9-minute mark—you’re looking for golden brown edges and a slightly firm center. The sugar should begin to bubble just a bit, and the dough should no longer look raw or doughy in the middle.

If your oven runs hot or the dough is rolled thinner, you may need slightly less time. Conversely, a thicker dough might need an extra minute or two.

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Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Sugar Pizza

• Use Parchment Paper: It prevents sticking and helps with even baking.
• Don’t Overbake: Crescent dough can go from golden to overdone quickly. Pull it once the edges are just crisp and golden.
• Seal the Seams: If using perforated crescent dough, pinch those seams well—this keeps the sugar mixture from seeping underneath.
• Glaze After Cooling Slightly: Let it sit for 5 minutes before adding the glaze so it doesn’t melt off instantly.
• Serve Fresh: It’s best enjoyed warm, right after baking. The texture is ideal while the crust is still slightly crisp and the glaze gently melts in.

With these little touches, your dessert pizza will come out bakery-level every single time.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Even a simple recipe like this one has a few pitfalls to avoid:

• Not Sealing the Dough Seams: Leaving the perforations open allows butter and sugar to leak through, potentially burning on the pan and leaving dry spots.
• Overbaking: Crescent dough bakes quickly. Overbaking can make it too crunchy or dry out the center.
• Too Much Butter or Sugar: It might sound tempting, but overloading can cause sogginess or pooling on the surface, making it greasy.
• Skipping the Glaze: That sweet drizzle balances the warm cinnamon flavor. Leaving it out makes the dessert feel unfinished.
• Serving Too Hot: Letting it cool for a few minutes helps the glaze set and the crust firm up for perfect slicing.

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What to Serve With Cinnamon Sugar Pizza?

Hot Coffee or Espresso

The rich bitterness of coffee beautifully balances the sweet cinnamon flavors.

Vanilla Ice Cream

A scoop on the side—or right on top—melts into the warm pizza and creates an irresistible combo.

Fresh Berries

A side of strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries cuts through the sweetness and adds color to the plate.

Whipped Cream

Light and fluffy, this is an easy and delicious topping to elevate each bite.

Caramel Drizzle

For an extra indulgent twist, add a light drizzle of caramel sauce along with or instead of the glaze.

Chai or Spiced Tea

A cozy tea with cinnamon or cardamom enhances the warm spice notes of the dessert.

Chocolate Sauce

If you’re craving more decadence, a touch of melted chocolate gives it a whole new flavor profile.

Apple Compote or Sautéed Apples

This turns the pizza into a fall-inspired treat and plays well with cinnamon.

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Storage Instructions

If you have leftovers (which honestly doesn’t happen often in my house), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, place the slices in the fridge where they’ll keep for about 4 to 5 days.

To reheat, pop them in a toaster oven or regular oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes. This brings back the slight crispness and warms the glaze just enough without making the dough soggy. Avoid microwaving if you can—it tends to make the crust chewy rather than flaky.

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Estimated Nutrition

Please note these values are approximate and based on one slice if the pizza is divided into 8 portions:

• Calories: 180
• Total Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Cholesterol: 10mg
• Sodium: 210mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 22g
• Sugars: 12g
• Protein: 2g

Keep in mind that these numbers can vary based on the exact brand of crescent dough and the amount of glaze used.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the crescent dough with the butter and cinnamon sugar topping and refrigerate it (unbaked) for a few hours. Bake just before serving for the best texture.

Can I use puff pastry instead of crescent rolls?

Technically, yes—but the texture will be much flakier and crispier. Crescent dough gives a softer, more bread-like base which suits the pizza format better.

How can I make this gluten-free?

Use a gluten-free crescent dough if available. Several brands now offer this option, and they work quite well as a substitute in this recipe.

Is it okay to use margarine or dairy-free butter?

Absolutely! Margarine or plant-based butters work just fine, especially for those following a dairy-free diet.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze the baked pizza. Wrap slices individually in plastic wrap and freeze for up to one month. Reheat in the oven for best results.

What can I add to make it more indulgent?

Try topping it with mini chocolate chips, a dusting of cocoa powder, or even a drizzle of caramel or Nutella before serving.

Can I use other spices besides cinnamon?

Definitely. Nutmeg, cardamom, or pumpkin spice can bring interesting variations to the flavor. Use them alongside or instead of cinnamon.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes! Use two cans of crescent rolls and either a larger baking sheet or two pans. Adjust baking time slightly—add 2–3 extra minutes and keep an eye on doneness.

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Conclusion

This Cinnamon Sugar Pizza made with Crescent Rolls is proof that you don’t need fancy ingredients or hours in the kitchen to make a dessert that hits all the right notes. It’s cozy, customizable, and incredibly easy to throw together. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, this sweet pizza is bound to become a go-to favorite. From the flaky crust to the warm cinnamon aroma and that signature glaze drizzle—every bite is pure comfort.

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