Cinnamon-Sugar Pizza made with Crescent Rolls

 

Cinnamon-sugar pizza is a delicious dessert pizza that brings together the irresistible flavors of cinnamon, sugar, and buttery dough in a fun, sweet twist on traditional pizza. Unlike savory pizzas, this dessert option is all about sweetness and simplicity, making it a perfect treat for anyone with a sweet tooth. What makes it even more appealing is that it’s made using crescent rolls, a ready-made dough that provides a quick and convenient base for this indulgent dessert.

This cinnamon-sugar pizza recipe is ideal for those looking for a dessert that is both easy to make and crowd-pleasing. Whether you’re serving it after a family dinner or bringing it to a potluck, this dessert is sure to be a hit. The light, flaky texture of crescent rolls combined with the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon and sugar makes it a go-to dessert for all ages.

Why Use Crescent Rolls?

Crescent rolls are the key ingredient that makes this cinnamon-sugar pizza so simple and convenient. Ready to bake straight out of the can, crescent roll dough is a versatile option that saves time while still delivering a deliciously flaky and soft crust. It’s much easier to handle than traditional pizza dough, making it an excellent choice for beginners or anyone looking for a hassle-free baking experience.

The crescent roll dough bakes up light and airy, providing a perfect foundation for the sweet cinnamon-sugar topping. Its buttery layers enhance the overall flavor and texture, giving the dessert a melt-in-your-mouth quality that’s hard to resist.

History and Popularity of Dessert Pizzas

Dessert pizzas have been around for quite some time, but they’ve gained popularity in recent years due to their unique blend of familiar flavors in an unexpected format. Combining the concept of traditional savory pizza with sweet ingredients like cinnamon, sugar, fruits, and frosting, dessert pizzas offer a playful take on a classic dish. They appeal to both pizza lovers and dessert enthusiasts, making them a fun addition to any dessert table.

1. Main Ingredients

To make cinnamon-sugar pizza with crescent rolls, you only need a few basic ingredients, many of which you probably already have at home. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Crescent roll dough: This will serve as the base of your pizza. The dough is pre-made, so it’s incredibly convenient and easy to work with.
• Cinnamon: Adds the signature warmth and spice to the dish.
• Sugar: Balances out the cinnamon’s spice with just the right amount of sweetness. You can use either white or brown sugar depending on your preference.
• Butter: Provides richness and helps the cinnamon-sugar mixture adhere to the dough.

Optional Toppings:

• Cream cheese drizzle: A simple mix of cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract creates a delicious topping.
• Fruits: Fresh slices of apples, bananas, or strawberries add freshness and texture.
• Nuts: Chopped pecans or almonds can give the pizza a pleasant crunch.

The combination of cinnamon and sugar is what makes this pizza stand out. The sweetness of the sugar balances perfectly with the warm spice of cinnamon, creating a rich and flavorful topping. The butter brings everything together by creating a silky coating on the dough, ensuring every bite is flavorful and satisfying.

2. Equipment Needed

For this recipe, you’ll need just a few simple tools:

• Baking sheet: This is where you’ll bake your pizza.
• Parchment paper or non-stick spray: To prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
• Small bowls: Perfect for mixing the cinnamon-sugar topping.
• Pizza cutter or knife: Essential for cutting the pizza into slices after it has cooled slightly.

1. Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), the typical baking temperature for crescent roll dough. While the oven is heating up, prepare your baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or spraying it lightly with non-stick spray. This will ensure your cinnamon-sugar pizza doesn’t stick and makes cleanup easier.

2. Step 2: Roll Out the Crescent Dough

Open the can of crescent roll dough carefully to avoid any sudden popping. Unroll the dough gently and lay it flat on your prepared baking sheet. The dough may come in sections with perforated edges, so press these seams together with your fingers to create one unified sheet of dough. The crescent dough will serve as your pizza base, and ensuring the seams are pressed tight will prevent gaps while baking.

3. Step 3: Make the Cinnamon-Sugar Topping

In a small mixing bowl, combine your cinnamon and sugar. A common ratio is 1 tablespoon of cinnamon to ¼ cup of sugar, but feel free to adjust based on your personal taste. You can also add a pinch of nutmeg or a dash of vanilla extract for an extra flavor boost. Stir until the cinnamon is evenly distributed throughout the sugar.

4. Step 4: Butter the Dough

Melt about 2 tablespoons of butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Using a pastry brush or spoon, generously brush the melted butter over the surface of the crescent dough. The butter not only adds flavor but also helps the cinnamon-sugar mixture stick to the dough as it bakes.

5. Step 5: Sprinkle the Cinnamon-Sugar Mix

Now it’s time to sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mix evenly across the buttered dough. Make sure to cover the entire surface, reaching all the edges for a uniform taste in every slice. The cinnamon-sugar mix will caramelize slightly as it bakes, giving the pizza its signature sweet crust.

6. Step 6: Bake the Pizza

Place the dough in the preheated oven and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the dough turns a beautiful golden brown and the edges become crispy. Be sure to keep an eye on it during the last few minutes to prevent burning, as crescent dough can brown quickly.

7. Step 7: Cool and Serve

Once the dough is baked to perfection, remove the pizza from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. This makes it easier to slice without crumbling the crust. Use a pizza cutter or sharp knife to cut the pizza into slices or squares.

For an added indulgence, drizzle a simple cream cheese glaze on top, or serve slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Both options add a delightful contrast to the warm cinnamon-sugar flavor.

Variations and Creative Twists 

1. Adding a Cream Cheese Glaze

A cream cheese glaze can elevate this dessert pizza to another level. To make the glaze, mix 2 ounces of softened cream cheese, ½ cup of powdered sugar, and ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract. Add a tablespoon of milk to thin the glaze if necessary. Drizzle it over the pizza after it has cooled slightly for a sweet and creamy finish.

2. Fruit Toppings

For a fruity twist, add fresh toppings like thinly sliced apples, strawberries, or bananas after baking. The fresh fruit adds a refreshing contrast to the rich, buttery dough and complements the cinnamon-sugar perfectly. Apples pair particularly well, as their slight tartness balances the sweetness of the sugar.

3. Nut Options

To add a bit of crunch, sprinkle chopped nuts like pecans, walnuts, or almonds on top of your cinnamon-sugar pizza. For the best flavor, lightly toast the nuts before adding them to the pizza, which enhances their rich, nutty taste.

4. Using Other Spices

While cinnamon is the star of this recipe, you can experiment with other spices such as nutmeg, cardamom, or even cloves. Adjust the cinnamon-sugar ratio to taste, or add a hint of these spices to bring different flavor profiles to your pizza.

Tips & Tricks for Success 

1. Keeping the Dough from Burning

To prevent the crescent dough from burning, keep a close eye on the pizza during the last few minutes of baking. Set a timer for the lower end of the recommended bake time (around 10 minutes) and check frequently. Make sure the dough turns golden brown but doesn’t get too dark. Rotating the baking sheet halfway through can ensure even cooking and help avoid burning.

2. Getting the Perfect Cinnamon-Sugar Ratio

The balance between cinnamon and sugar is key to achieving the ideal sweetness. A common ratio is 1 part cinnamon to 4 parts sugar, but feel free to adjust based on your taste preferences. If you prefer a more robust cinnamon flavor, increase the cinnamon slightly. For a sweeter taste, add more sugar. You can also experiment with brown sugar for a deeper, caramel-like flavor.

3. Making the Dough Flakier

To keep the crescent roll dough flaky, handle it gently and avoid overworking it. Chilling the dough briefly before baking (for about 10–15 minutes) can help enhance its flakiness by allowing the butter in the dough to firm up. This helps create light, airy layers when baked.

Serving Suggestions 

1. Serving with Ice Cream

Cinnamon-sugar pizza pairs wonderfully with vanilla ice cream. The warm, spicy sweetness of the pizza contrasts beautifully with the cool creaminess of the ice cream. You could also try pairing it with flavors like caramel, cinnamon swirl, or even butter pecan to complement the dessert’s flavors. For a sundae twist, add a drizzle of caramel sauce and a sprinkling of chopped nuts.

2. Serving as a Party Dessert

Cinnamon-sugar pizza is perfect for parties or gatherings. To serve, cut the pizza into small, bite-sized squares or strips, making it easy for guests to enjoy. You can set up a topping station with options like whipped cream, chocolate chips, or fresh fruit, allowing guests to customize their slices for added fun.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) 

1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can make cinnamon-sugar pizza ahead of time. Bake the pizza and allow it to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. To reheat, place the pizza in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also add fresh toppings like cream cheese glaze or fruit after reheating to revive the flavor.

2. Can I use homemade dough instead of crescent rolls?

Yes, homemade dough or store-bought pizza dough can be used as a substitute for crescent rolls. Keep in mind that the texture will be slightly different, with homemade dough offering a chewier base compared to the flaky crescent rolls. Be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly, as homemade dough might need a few extra minutes.

3. How do I prevent the pizza from getting soggy?

To avoid a soggy pizza, be mindful of the amount of butter and toppings you add. Ensure the butter is evenly spread and not pooling in certain areas. If using fruit toppings, add them after baking to prevent excess moisture from making the dough soggy.

4. What other toppings can I try?

There are many toppings you can add to enhance your cinnamon-sugar pizza, such as caramel sauce, marshmallows, or chocolate chips. These additions can take the dessert to the next level, offering new textures and flavors to enjoy.

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