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This cinnamon-sugar dessert pizza transforms simple crescent rolls into a decadent treat that satisfies sweet cravings with minimal effort. The warm buttery base gets coated with cinnamon sugar and finished with a sweet vanilla glaze for a dessert that disappears fast at any gathering.
The first time I made this for my nieces and nephews during a weekend sleepover, they declared it better than actual pizza. Now it's requested at nearly every family gathering, especially during holiday brunches.
Ingredients
- Refrigerated crescent roll dough: Provides the perfect buttery base without any mixing or kneading
- Unsalted butter: Creates richness and helps the cinnamon sugar adhere to the dough
- Granulated sugar: Gives the classic sweet crunch when combined with cinnamon
- Ground cinnamon: Offers warm spice flavor; look for fresh cinnamon for best aroma
- Powdered sugar: Creates a smooth glaze that hardens slightly as it cools
- Milk: Thins the glaze to drizzling consistency; use whole milk for richness
- Vanilla extract: Adds depth to the simple glaze; select pure extract for best flavor
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the oven and pan:
- Heat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a pizza pan or large baking sheet. The proper temperature ensures the dough cooks through while developing a golden exterior.
- Form the pizza base:
- Unroll both cans of crescent dough and arrange the triangles in a circle on your pan with points toward the center. Overlap the edges slightly and press firmly on all seams to create one solid piece of dough. This prevents gaps from forming during baking.
- Add the butter layer:
- Brush melted butter generously across the entire surface of the dough. Make sure to reach the edges as this creates the rich flavor foundation and helps the cinnamon sugar stick.
- Apply cinnamon sugar mixture:
- Combine granulated sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl until evenly mixed. Sprinkle this mixture across the entire buttered surface ensuring even coverage. The sugar will caramelize slightly during baking.
- Bake to perfection:
- Place in the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. Look for golden brown edges and a set center. The dough should be cooked through but still slightly soft in the center.
- Make the glaze:
- While the pizza bakes whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla in a small bowl until completely smooth. Add more milk a few drops at a time if too thick or more powdered sugar if too thin.
- Finish with glaze:
- When the pizza comes out of the oven, immediately drizzle the glaze in a zigzag pattern across the entire surface. The warm pizza will help the glaze set partially while remaining slightly gooey.
- Serve while warm:
- Let cool just 2 to 3 minutes before slicing into wedges. The texture and flavor are best when enjoyed warm, when the contrast between the crisp edges and soft center is most pronounced.
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The cinnamon is truly the star ingredient here. I once made this with a premium Vietnamese cinnamon that my sister brought back from her travels, and the difference was remarkable. The fragrance filled the entire house, and even my father who typically avoids sweets took a second slice.
Make Ahead Options
This dessert pizza can be completely prepared up to 24 hours in advance. After baking and glazing, let it cool completely, then cover loosely with foil. When ready to serve, reheat in a 300°F oven for about 5-7 minutes until just warmed through. If you prefer to prepare without baking ahead of time, you can assemble everything except the glaze and refrigerate for up to 8 hours before baking.
Easy Variations
The basic recipe is wonderful as is, but you can easily customize it to create new flavor combinations. Try adding 1/2 cup of chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts before baking for extra texture. For a fruity twist, spread 1/4 cup of apple or cherry pie filling over the dough before sprinkling with cinnamon sugar. Chocolate lovers can scatter 1/3 cup of mini chocolate chips over the buttered dough along with the cinnamon sugar.
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Serving Suggestions
This cinnamon-sugar pizza pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a more decadent dessert. For brunch, serve alongside fresh fruit to balance the sweetness. If offering as an after-school snack, a glass of cold milk complements the warm cinnamon flavors perfectly. During holiday gatherings, I like to set up a dessert station with this pizza as the centerpiece, surrounded by other finger desserts for guests to sample.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use store-bought glaze for this dessert?
Yes, store-bought glaze works perfectly. However, the homemade glaze with powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla adds a fresher touch.
- → What can I use instead of crescent roll dough?
As a substitute, you can use puff pastry or homemade dough, but adjust the baking time accordingly.
- → How should I serve the pizza for the best flavor?
Serve the pizza warm to enjoy the perfect texture and taste of the buttery dough and sweet cinnamon topping.
- → Can I store leftovers for later?
Yes, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerated for up to five days.
- → Can I customize the toppings on this dessert pizza?
Absolutely! Try adding sliced almonds, pecans, or chocolate drizzle for extra flavor and texture.