Sweet Cinnamon Sugar Pizza

This sweet twist on classic crescent rolls transforms simple ingredients into a bakery-worthy treat in minutes. The buttery, flaky dough paired with a cinnamon sugar crumb topping and sweet vanilla glaze creates a dessert that's perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon pick-me-up.

I discovered this recipe during a snowy weekend when the kids were restless and the pantry was nearly empty. What started as a desperate attempt to keep everyone entertained has become our Sunday morning tradition that everyone looks forward to.

• Cold butter: provides the perfect flaky texture for your crumb topping when it melts in the oven
• Granulated sugar: creates that classic sweet crunch on top
• Brown sugar: adds depth and a slight molasses flavor that complements the cinnamon
• Cinnamon: brings warmth and that irresistible aroma throughout your home
• Salt: balances the sweetness and enhances all other flavors
• Flour: binds the crumb topping together for that perfect texture
• Pillsbury Crescent Rolls: offer convenience without sacrificing quality look for the original version rather than reduced fat
• Powdered sugar: creates a smooth glaze without grittiness
• Softened butter: gives the glaze a rich mouthfeel
• Vanilla extract: adds complexity and aroma to the sweet glaze
• Milk: thins the glaze to the perfect consistency for drizzling

How To Make Cinnamon Sugar Pizza

Prepare the oven:

Set your oven to preheat at 400°F and gather all your ingredients. This quick bake requires a hot oven to get those perfect golden edges while maintaining a tender center.

Create the crumb topping:

In a medium bowl add your cold butter pieces along with granulated sugar brown sugar cinnamon salt and flour. Use a pastry cutter or two forks to cut the butter into the dry ingredients. Work the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs about the size of small peas. The cold butter is crucial here as it will create pockets of flavor when it melts in the oven.

Prepare the crescent rolls:

Unroll the crescent roll dough onto an ungreased cookie sheet keeping the triangles intact. Gently separate the perforated triangles and arrange them with a bit of space between each. The dough will puff and expand during baking.

Add the topping:

Sprinkle the crumb mixture evenly over each triangle making sure to cover the entire surface. Press very gently to help the topping adhere to the dough but dont press too hard or youll lose the flakiness.

Bake to perfection:

Place the cookie sheet in your preheated oven and bake for 8 to 12 minutes. Watch carefully as they can go from perfectly golden to overdone quickly. The edges should be golden brown and the centers should be set but still tender.

Make the glaze:

While the crescents bake combine powdered sugar softened butter vanilla extract and milk in a small bowl. Whisk until completely smooth adding more milk or powdered sugar to adjust consistency. The glaze should be thick enough to hold its shape for a moment when drizzled from a spoon.

Finish and serve:

Allow the baked crescents to cool for about 5 minutes then drizzle generously with the vanilla glaze. For a prettier presentation use a fork or whisk for drizzling rather than a spoon. Serve while still slightly warm for the best experience.

The cinnamon is truly the star of this recipe. I once tried making these without it when I discovered my spice jar empty and they were definitely missing that special something. Now I keep an extra jar of cinnamon in the pantry just for these weekend treats. My daughter calls them "pizza cookies" and insists on helping sprinkle the topping every time.

Storage Tips

These Cinnamon Sugar Crescents are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. The texture changes slightly as they sit, becoming a bit softer, but the flavor remains delicious. If you want to enjoy them over several days, I recommend storing the unglazed crescents in an airtight container and making fresh glaze when ready to serve. A quick 10 second warm up in the microwave brings back that fresh baked quality.

Easy Variations

While this recipe is perfect as written, you can easily customize it to suit your taste preferences. Try adding a quarter cup of finely chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the crumb mixture for added crunch and flavor. For a fruit twist, sprinkle a few tablespoons of finely diced apples tossed with extra cinnamon before adding the crumb topping. During the holidays, a touch of nutmeg and ginger transforms these into festive treats. My personal favorite variation is adding orange zest to the glaze for a bright citrusy note that balances the sweetness perfectly.

Serving Suggestions

These Cinnamon Sugar Crescents make a wonderful addition to a brunch spread alongside fresh fruit and coffee. For a more decadent dessert, serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce. They also pair beautifully with hot chocolate for an afternoon treat during colder months. When I serve these for company, I arrange them on a tiered serving platter with other pastries and provide small plates and napkins as they can be slightly messy with the glaze.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use homemade dough instead of crescent rolls?

Yes, you can substitute homemade pizza dough or puff pastry. Just roll it thin and adjust baking time accordingly. Homemade dough might need slightly longer to cook through.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days. Warm slightly before serving for best texture.

→ Can I add other toppings to this dessert pizza?

Absolutely! Try adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts, mini chocolate chips, or even a sprinkle of nutmeg or cardamom to the crumb mixture for extra flavor.

→ Is there a way to make this without dairy?

You can substitute plant-based butter and non-dairy milk in both the crumb mixture and glaze. Check that your crescent roll dough is dairy-free, or use a dairy-free alternative dough.

→ Can I prepare this ahead of time?

You can prepare the crumb mixture up to 3 days ahead and store it in the refrigerator. The glaze can also be made a day ahead. Assemble and bake just before serving for the freshest result.

→ Why is my glaze too runny?

If your glaze is too thin, gradually add more powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. For a thicker drizzle, use less milk initially.