If you’re anything like me, there’s always a soft spot for those easy, last-minute desserts that feel like you pulled off something way more impressive than the actual effort required. That’s exactly what this Cinnamon-Sugar Crescent Roll Pizza is all about. It’s a warm, buttery, cinnamon-sweet treat that comes together in minutes—perfect for weeknight cravings, brunch potlucks, or when you just need a sweet pick-me-up.
I first made this on a lazy Sunday afternoon when I had one last tube of crescent rolls sitting in the fridge and no real plan for it. I didn’t want something savory—I wanted something cozy, comforting, and sweet. And let me tell you: this little dessert pizza delivered all that and more. It has all the magic of a cinnamon roll, but it’s way faster, way easier, and requires no rising or kneading. Honestly, what’s not to love?
Let’s walk through the first part of the recipe so you can see just how simple this is to make. Whether you’re baking with kids, hosting a brunch, or just treating yourself after a long day, this one’s a total win.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Crust:
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1 (8 oz) tube of refrigerated crescent rolls or crescent roll dough sheet
For the Topping:
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½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
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½ cup granulated sugar
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1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
For the Glaze:
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1 cup powdered sugar
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2–3 tablespoons milk (adjust for desired consistency)
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½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
STEP 1: PREHEAT AND PREPARE YOUR PAN
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet or a pizza pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking, or just give it a light spray with nonstick cooking spray if that’s what you have on hand.
This recipe is pretty forgiving, so whether you go round like a traditional pizza or stick with a rectangle is totally up to you. You’ll be shaping the dough in a minute anyway.
STEP 2: UNROLL AND SHAPE THE DOUGH
Next, grab your crescent roll dough. If you’re using the traditional crescent rolls (the kind with perforations), unroll them onto your prepared pan and gently press the seams together to make one solid sheet. If you’re lucky enough to have a crescent dough sheet, this step is even easier—just unroll and go.
Use your hands to press the dough out into a large rectangle or circle, making sure it’s an even thickness throughout. Don’t worry about making it perfect—just try to keep it uniform so it bakes evenly.
STEP 3: BAKE THE CRUST
Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake the dough for about 8–10 minutes. Keep an eye on it—it should puff up a little and turn a nice golden brown color. You don’t want it too dark, but it should definitely look cooked through and lightly crispy on the edges.
Once it’s done, pull it out and let it cool for just a few minutes before adding your toppings. It doesn’t need to be completely cool—you want it warm enough to soak up all that buttery goodness in the next step.
Topping, Glazing & Easy Customizations
Now that you’ve got that golden, flaky crescent crust baked and ready, it’s time to transform it into the sweet treat of your dreams. This is where the magic really happens—the buttery cinnamon-sugar topping and the drizzle of glaze take this dessert from “that looks good” to “can I have the recipe?” in a matter of minutes.
This part is also where you can start having a little fun with it. While the base recipe is absolutely delicious as-is, you can totally play with flavors or textures depending on what you have on hand. So let’s keep going!
STEP 4: BUTTER THAT CRUST
As soon as your crust has cooled slightly—but is still warm—go ahead and grab your melted butter. You’ll want to brush it evenly all over the top of the crust, making sure to cover every inch. This is the glue that’s going to hold your cinnamon-sugar topping in place, and it also adds that deliciously rich, buttery flavor.
Pro tip: Don’t skimp on the butter. It might feel like a lot, but that’s what makes the topping crisp up into that perfect sweet crust. Trust the process!
STEP 5: SPRINKLE ON CINNAMON-SUGAR
In a small bowl, mix your granulated sugar with the cinnamon. It’s a simple combo—just one tablespoon of cinnamon to half a cup of sugar—but it’s packed with that warm, cozy flavor that makes this dessert so irresistible.
Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the buttered crust. Use your hands or a spoon to gently press it down a bit so it sticks. The heat from the crust will start to melt the sugar just enough to help it form that sweet, crackly topping.
STEP 6: WHISK TOGETHER THE GLAZE
Next, it’s time to make the glaze—and this couldn’t be easier. In a small bowl, combine 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2 to 3 tablespoons of milk. Add the milk a little at a time until you reach a nice drizzling consistency. If you like, stir in a splash of vanilla extract to round out the flavor.
If your glaze feels too thin, just add a bit more powdered sugar. If it’s too thick, a few drops of milk will loosen it right up. You’re looking for that sweet spot where it easily drips off the spoon but doesn’t just run everywhere.
STEP 7: DRIZZLE AND SERVE
Once your cinnamon-sugar layer is set, use a spoon or fork to drizzle the glaze over the top of the pizza. There’s no need to be fancy—just go back and forth across the crust until you’re happy with how it looks. The glaze will harden slightly as it sets, giving each bite that classic icing finish.
Let everything cool for just a couple minutes so the glaze can settle, then slice the pizza into wedges or squares. Serve it warm for a soft, gooey treat, or let it cool completely if you prefer more of a crisp bite. Either way, it’s a hit.
Extra Toppings & Variations
While this dessert is pretty perfect as-is, you can easily dress it up with a few simple additions:
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Mini Chocolate Chips: Sprinkle them on right after the butter, before the cinnamon-sugar, so they melt slightly while baking.
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Chopped Pecans or Walnuts: Add a bit of crunch and richness that pairs beautifully with the cinnamon.
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Shredded Coconut: For a little tropical twist.
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Apple Pie Filling: For a caramel apple-pizza vibe, add thin slices of apple or a spoonful of apple pie filling before the sugar topping.
Feel free to get creative—this is a great base for all kinds of sweet ideas. And since it’s so quick to make, it’s easy to experiment with different versions to find your favorite.
FAQ and Final Thoughts
By now, your kitchen probably smells absolutely amazing—warm cinnamon, buttery crust, and sweet vanilla glaze all coming together in one irresistible dessert. This Cinnamon-Sugar Crescent Roll Pizza really is one of those recipes that feels like a hidden gem. It’s easy enough for a quick weeknight treat but still impressive enough to serve to guests.
Before we wrap things up, let’s go over a few of the most common questions that tend to come up when making this recipe. Whether you’re wondering about substitutions, storage, or how to get the best texture, I’ve got you covered.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, but it’s best enjoyed fresh. If you’re planning to serve it later, you can bake the crust and add the toppings closer to serving time. The glaze can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for a day—just give it a quick stir before using.
What if I only have crescent rolls, not the dough sheet?
No problem! Just press the seams together really well when you unroll the crescent rolls. You’ll want a solid layer of dough so the toppings don’t seep through the gaps.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Technically yes, but the flavor and richness will be slightly different. Butter gives this dessert its signature depth and crispness, so I definitely recommend using it if possible.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover slices in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To reheat, pop a slice in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to warm it up and refresh the texture.
Is there a dairy-free option?
You can use a plant-based butter and non-dairy milk in both the topping and the glaze. Just note that flavor and consistency might vary slightly, but it’ll still be delicious.
Can I freeze this?
Freezing isn’t recommended—the texture of the crust and topping doesn’t hold up well after thawing. This recipe really shines when it’s fresh.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just use a larger sheet pan or two smaller ones. Keep an eye on the baking time—you may need an extra minute or two depending on the thickness of the dough.
Final Thoughts: A Sweet Shortcut You’ll Come Back To
This Cinnamon-Sugar Crescent Roll Pizza is one of those recipes that checks all the boxes: fast, simple, crowd-pleasing, and made with ingredients you probably already have on hand. Whether you serve it as a cozy dessert, a sweet snack, or even part of a fun brunch spread, it’s always a hit.
What I love most is how flexible it is. You can keep it classic, or dress it up with nuts, chocolate chips, or even some fruit. It’s perfect for those moments when you want something homemade without spending hours in the kitchen.
PrintCinnamon-Sugar Pizza Made with Crescent Rolls
This Cinnamon-Sugar Pizza is a sweet and simple dessert that transforms crescent roll dough into a warm, buttery treat topped with a crispy cinnamon-sugar crust and drizzled with vanilla glaze. It’s quick to prepare and makes a delicious ending to any meal—or a sweet snack any time of day.
- Author: Mark's Recipe
Ingredients
For the Crust:
1 (8 oz) tube of refrigerated crescent rolls or crescent roll dough sheet
For the Topping:
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
½ cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
For the Glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
2–3 tablespoons milk (adjust for desired consistency)
½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet or pizza pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Unroll the crescent roll dough onto the prepared baking sheet. If using crescent rolls, press the perforations together to form a single layer of dough. Stretch and shape the dough into a large circle or rectangle, aiming for an even thickness.
Bake the dough in the preheated oven for 8–10 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.
In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Brush the melted butter evenly over the warm crust, ensuring it’s fully coated. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the buttered crust, pressing lightly to help it adhere.
In another bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract (if using) until smooth. Adjust with more milk for your desired consistency.
Drizzle the glaze over the cinnamon-sugar pizza and let it set for a few minutes before slicing into wedges or squares. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
Try adding chopped nuts or mini chocolate chips before baking for added texture and flavor. This treat is best enjoyed the same day but can be stored in an airtight container for up to two days. Reheat briefly for a warm, gooey experience.