If you’ve ever craved the warm, buttery sweetness of cinnamon rolls but didn’t have the time (or patience) to make dough from scratch, this recipe is your new shortcut to dessert bliss. Cinnamon sugar pizza made with crescent rolls combines everything we love about classic comfort sweets: flaky layers, caramelized sugar, and cozy cinnamon spice—all baked into a golden pizza-style treat. The best part? It takes just 20 minutes from start to finish.
Whether you’re hosting a family game night, need a quick holiday dessert, or want a creative way to use store-bought crescent dough, this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimum effort.
Ingredients & Why They Work
This recipe requires only a handful of pantry staples, but each one plays a big role in texture and taste.
- 1 package refrigerated crescent roll dough → creates a buttery, flaky base that mimics homemade pastry.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted → coats the dough for golden crispiness and prevents dryness.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar → caramelizes in the oven, giving the pizza a crunchy, sweet finish.
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon → adds warmth, depth, and that classic “cinnamon roll” flavor.
- Optional toppings: cream cheese glaze, chocolate drizzle, caramel sauce, or chopped nuts.
Ingredient swaps:
- Use coconut sugar or brown sugar for a deeper caramel flavor.
- Try pumpkin pie spice instead of cinnamon for a fall-inspired twist.
- Use vegan crescent rolls + plant-based butter for a dairy-free option.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prepare
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with butter.
Step 2: Shape the Dough
Unroll the crescent dough onto the prepared sheet. Press seams together to form one solid rectangle (or round, if you want a true pizza shape).
Step 3: Add the Goodness
Brush the melted butter evenly across the dough. In a small bowl, mix sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle generously over the buttered surface.
Step 4: Bake
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the sugar is bubbly and caramelized.
Step 5: Slice & Serve
Allow to cool slightly before cutting into squares, strips, or classic pizza triangles. Drizzle with glaze or toppings if desired.
Pro Tips & Baking Secrets
- For extra crunch: use coarse sugar (turbinado or raw sugar).
- Prevent sogginess: place the pizza on a wire rack immediately after baking.
- Even layers: roll the dough slightly thinner with a rolling pin before baking.
- Mess-free drizzle: transfer glaze to a small zip bag, snip the corner, and pipe it across the pizza.
Variations & Creative Twists
- Apple Cinnamon Pizza: layer thin apple slices under the cinnamon sugar topping.
- Nutella Swirl: spread Nutella before sprinkling cinnamon sugar.
- Cream Cheese Glaze: whisk 2 tbsp cream cheese, 2 tbsp powdered sugar, and 1 tbsp milk for a tangy drizzle.
- Holiday Edition: add red/green sprinkles after baking for a festive look.
Serving & Pairing Suggestions
This dessert pairs beautifully with:
- Hot coffee or spiced chai latte
- Vanilla ice cream (served warm with a scoop on top!)
- A drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce for extra indulgence
Storage & Reheating
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator: Keeps for 4–5 days; reheat in oven or air fryer for crispiness.
- Freezer: Wrap slices individually in foil and freeze up to 1 month. Reheat directly from frozen at 350°F for 8–10 minutes.
Nutrition (per slice, approx. 1 of 8 servings)
- Calories: 165
- Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 2g
(Values will vary based on toppings and portion sizes.)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Bake, cool completely, then store in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven before serving for the best texture.
Q: Do crescent rolls taste like pizza dough?
Not exactly. Crescent rolls are flakier and more buttery, while pizza dough is chewier. The difference is what makes this recipe so unique.
Q: Can I use puff pastry instead of crescent rolls?
Absolutely. Puff pastry will make the pizza more delicate and extra flaky—just adjust baking time by 2–3 minutes.
Q: How can I make this less sweet?
Cut the sugar in half or use a sugar substitute like monk fruit or stevia blend.
Conclusion
Cinnamon Sugar Pizza with Crescent Rolls is the ultimate shortcut dessert—easy, quick, and irresistibly delicious. It’s perfect for kids, holidays, or whenever your sweet tooth strikes. With endless topping possibilities, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again.
👉 Try it this week and let me know in the comments how you customized yours. Did you go classic, or did you add a twist like apples, Nutella, or cream cheese glaze?
