Cinnamon Sugar Crescent Delight

This simple cinnamon-sugar pizza transforms ordinary crescent rolls into a dessert that tastes like it took hours to make. The beauty lies in its simplicity – buttery dough layered with warm cinnamon and sugar, baked until golden and topped with a sweet glaze. It's the perfect treat when you need something sweet but don't have the time or energy for complicated baking.

The first time I made this for Sunday brunch, my kitchen smelled so heavenly that my neighbor actually texted to ask what I was baking. Since then, it's become my go-to recipe when unexpected guests arrive or when the sweet tooth strikes without warning.

Ingredients

• 1 tube of crescent rolls: The foundation of our pizza. Pillsbury works wonderfully, but any brand will do. The pre-made dough saves time while still giving a buttery, flaky texture.
• 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter: Creates that rich, golden finish and helps the cinnamon-sugar mixture adhere. Unsalted is preferred so you control the saltiness.
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Provides the sweetness and creates a slight crunch when caramelized. Feel free to adjust according to your preference.
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon: The star spice that gives this treat its distinctive warmth and aroma. Fresh cinnamon makes a noticeable difference.
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds depth and warmth to the butter layer. Use pure extract if possible.
• Pinch of salt: Don't skip this! It enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.
• Optional glaze: 1/2 cup powdered sugar and 1-2 tablespoons milk - Creates that bakery-quality finish that takes this treat to the next level.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1:

Set your oven to preheat at 375°F (190°C). While it's warming up, find a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. The parchment is crucial because the sugar will caramelize and can stick stubbornly to an unlined pan. Make sure your parchment extends to all edges of your dough.

Step 2:

Open the tube of crescent rolls and unroll the dough onto your parchment-lined baking sheet. Instead of separating the triangles, press the perforated seams together firmly with your fingertips to create one solid rectangle. Work gently but thoroughly - those seams can be sneaky and reopen during baking if not properly sealed.

Step 3:

In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt your butter for about 20-30 seconds until completely liquid but not hot. Stir in the vanilla extract. Using a pastry brush, apply this mixture evenly across the entire surface of your dough, making sure to get right to the edges. The corners especially need attention as they tend to dry out first.

Step 4:

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the cinnamon, sugar, and pinch of salt until they're completely integrated and no cinnamon clumps remain. Hold the bowl about 6-8 inches above your dough and use your fingers to sprinkle the mixture evenly across the entire buttered surface. For extra texture, you can press the mixture gently into the dough with the back of a spoon.

Step 5:

Place your baking sheet on the middle rack of your preheated oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes, but start checking at the 8-minute mark. You're looking for golden brown edges and a bubbly, slightly caramelized center. Don't be tempted to overbake - the residual heat will continue cooking it slightly after removal.

Step 6:

While your pizza bakes, make the optional glaze. In a small bowl, add your powdered sugar and start with just one tablespoon of milk. Whisk vigorously until smooth, adding more milk a few drops at a time until you reach drizzling consistency. It should ribbon off your spoon but not be watery. Let the pizza cool for about 5 minutes before drizzling.

Step 7:

Once your pizza has cooled just enough to handle (but is still warm), use a pizza cutter or sharp knife to slice into squares or triangles. Serve immediately for the best texture contrast between the slightly crisp edges and soft, gooey center.

Pin it

I've found cinnamon to be the ultimate comfort spice in my household. My grandmother used to make cinnamon toast for me as a child when I was feeling under the weather. Now, whenever I bake with cinnamon, that same feeling of comfort washes over my kitchen. My son, who typically turns his nose up at most baked goods, asks for second helpings of this cinnamon-sugar pizza.

Make-Ahead Tips for Busy Days

This cinnamon pizza is wonderfully adaptable for hectic schedules. You can prepare the entire recipe up to the baking stage, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to bake, simply remove it from the refrigerator while the oven preheats, then add 1-2 extra minutes to the baking time. I've done this for early morning brunches, preparing everything the night before, then popping it in the oven while coffee brews. The only noticeable difference is that the refrigerated version tends to have a slightly crispier texture, which many of my family members actually prefer.

Seasonal Variations Worth Trying

The basic cinnamon-sugar pizza provides an excellent canvas for seasonal adaptations throughout the year. In autumn, try adding finely chopped apples tossed with a bit of lemon juice to prevent browning, scattered over the butter layer before adding the cinnamon-sugar mixture. During winter holidays, incorporating orange zest into the sugar mixture creates a festive flavor reminiscent of traditional European pastries. Summer brings opportunities for fresh berries – blueberries or sliced strawberries added after baking but while still warm melt slightly into the surface, creating a beautiful contrast to the cinnamon. These variations have helped me keep this simple recipe in regular rotation without anyone growing tired of it.

Pin it

The Perfect Accompaniment Pairings

The right beverage or side can elevate this simple treat into a memorable experience. For breakfast or brunch, serve slices alongside a bowl of Greek yogurt drizzled with honey to create a sweet-tart balance. Coffee with a splash of cream cuts through the sweetness beautifully, while chai tea enhances the cinnamon notes. For an indulgent dessert version, try topping warm slices with a small scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce – the temperature contrast between the warm pizza and cold ice cream creates a delightful sensory experience. My personal favorite pairing remains a simple glass of cold milk, which brings me back to childhood dessert memories and cleanses the palate between sweet bites.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a different type of dough?

Yes! While crescent rolls work perfectly for this recipe, you can try puff pastry or even pre-made pizza dough for a different texture.

→ How do I make the glaze thicker?

To thicken the glaze, add more powdered sugar a little at a time and whisk until you reach the desired consistency.

→ Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Absolutely! Just skip the extra pinch of salt to balance out the flavors if using salted butter.

→ How can I store the leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven for a few minutes to regain crispness.

→ Can I adjust the sweetness of this dish?

Yes! Feel free to add more or less sugar to suit your taste. You can also experiment with other sweeteners like brown sugar for a richer flavor.