Creamy, crunchy, and impossibly sweet — this Sweet and Crunchy Cinnamon-Sugar Pizza is the kind of treat that turns an ordinary snack time into a mini celebration. Light, flaky crescent roll dough topped with a buttery, cinnamon-studded crumb and finished with a glossy vanilla glaze gives you that perfect contrast of crisp edges and soft, gooey centers. Fun fact: cinnamon was once more valuable than gold in ancient times, and while this recipe won’t make you rich, it will certainly win you fans at the table. If you love quick desserts with big flavor, check out this Sweet and Crunchy Cinnamon-Sugar Pizza recipe for an easy, crowd-pleasing option.
This recipe is special for its simplicity, fast prep time, and family-friendly charm — great for busy weeknights, brunches, or school events. It’s like a dessert pizza that borrows the best ideas from cinnamon rolls but finishes faster and with a delightful crunch. If you’re exploring similar flavors on the blog, this one pairs well in spirit with our other comfort-style sweets. Grab a rolling pin (or don’t), preheat the oven, and let’s get baking — your kitchen is about to smell amazing!
What is Sweet and Crunchy Cinnamon-Sugar Pizza?
What exactly is this cinnamon-sugar pizza — a pizza, a pastry, or a breakfast miracle? Think of it as a clever mash-up: crescent roll dough shaped like tiny pizzas, topped with a crumbly cinnamon-sugar mixture, baked until golden, and drizzled with a sweet glaze. Who named it that? Maybe someone who liked pizza parties and cinnamon roll mornings — or someone who believed “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” Curious? Why not test that theory yourself and see which family member claims the last slice? Give it a try and watch it disappear.
Why You’ll Love This:
- Irresistible texture: Crispy edges, tender interior, and a buttery cinnamon crumb that melts into the dough.
- Budget-friendly: Made with pantry staples and a single can of crescent rolls, this dessert stretches ingredients without skimping on taste.
- Flavor-packed toppings: Brown sugar, granulated sugar, and a kiss of cinnamon create classic, cozy flavors; the vanilla glaze adds a creamy finish that balances the sugar and crunch.
This recipe is a quicker cousin to traditional cinnamon rolls but with less effort and a crisp finish that makes it daytime-or-dessert friendly. If you enjoy flavor combos like this, you might also appreciate our take on sweet-savory baked dishes elsewhere on the site — try the baked sweet and sour chicken for a different kind of comfort. Ready to bake? You’ll love how fast it comes together.
How to Make:
Quick Overview
This recipe is delightfully simple: no yeast, no proofing, and minimal cleanup. The standout element is the crumbly cinnamon-sugar-butter topping that becomes crisp and golden in the oven while the crescent roll base puffs and becomes tender. Total time: about 20–25 minutes (5–10 minutes prep, 8–12 minutes baking, plus a few minutes to mix glaze).
I like to keep a can of crescent rolls on hand for quick desserts like this; for a slightly different take, check methods in our crescent roll cinnamon-sugar pizza post to see alternate shaping ideas.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup cold butter, cut into small cubes
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Dash of salt
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 can Pillsbury Crescent Rolls (1 package), unrolled and separated
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon softened butter (room temperature)
- 1 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 to 1 1/2 tablespoons milk (as needed for glaze consistency)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a medium bowl, cut the cold butter into the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and flour until the mixture forms crumbs.
- On an ungreased cookie sheet, separate the crescent roll dough into 8 triangles. Sprinkle the crumb mixture evenly over the dough triangles.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8-12 minutes, or until the crescent rolls are golden brown.
- While the rolls are baking, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, blend together the powdered sugar, softened butter, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth. If the glaze is too runny, add more powdered sugar until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Once the rolls are baked and cooled, cut them into smaller triangles if desired.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cinnamon-sugar pizza and serve warm.
What to Serve With:
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a decadent finish.
- Fresh berries or a fruit salad to balance the sweetness with bright acidity.
- A cup of strong coffee or chai tea — the cinnamon notes pair beautifully with warm, spiced beverages.
- For brunch, serve alongside scrambled eggs or yogurt parfaits to create a sweet-and-savory spread.
Top Tips for Perfecting:
- Cold butter is key when making the crumb topping: it creates those perfect crumbs that crisp up in the oven.
- If you like more cinnamon, increase to 1/2 teaspoon for a bolder flavor.
- To prevent soggy bottoms, bake on a preheated cookie sheet or use a parchment-lined sheet and avoid overcrowding.
- Want a deeper caramel flavor? Use dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar.
- Common mistake: glazing while too-hot — wait a few minutes after baking so the glaze doesn’t melt away entirely.
Storing and Reheating Tips:
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze baked pieces in a single layer on a tray until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
- Reheating: Reheat in a 325°F oven for 5-8 minutes to restore crispness. Microwaving will warm them but may soften the crunch.
- For best texture, reheat briefly in an oven or toaster oven rather than the microwave.
FAQs
Can I make the crumb topping ahead of time?
Yes — prepare the crumb mixture and store it covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Keep it cold until ready to sprinkle on the dough.
What if I don’t have Pillsbury Crescent Rolls?
You can use store-bought crescent dough from another brand or substitute pre-made biscuit dough for a slightly different texture.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour in the crumb topping and use gluten-free crescent-style dough if available.
How do I make the glaze thicker or thinner?
Add more powdered sugar to thicken the glaze, or add milk a few drops at a time to thin it until you reach the desired consistency.
Is this recipe suitable for kids to help with?
Absolutely — children can help mix the crumb topping, sprinkle it on the dough, and drizzle glaze under supervision. It’s a fun, hands-on dessert.
Conclusion
This Sweet and Crunchy Cinnamon-Sugar Pizza is an easy, delicious treat that brings cozy flavor to any table and requires minimal fuss — perfect for busy home cooks who still want big results. Try serving it warm with a scoop of ice cream or a pot of steaming coffee and watch it become a new family favorite. For another take on this classic dessert style and inspiration, see this Cinnamon Sugar Dessert Pizza article for more ideas. Enjoy baking and sharing this sweet, crunchy delight with the people you love.
Sweet and Crunchy Cinnamon-Sugar Pizza
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Cookie Sheet
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup cold butter cut into small cubes
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar packed
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Dash salt
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 can Pillsbury Crescent Rolls unrolled and separated
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon softened butter room temperature
- 1 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 to 1 1/2 tablespoons milk as needed for glaze consistency
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a medium bowl, cut the cold butter into the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and flour until the mixture forms crumbs.
- On an ungreased cookie sheet, separate the crescent roll dough into 8 triangles. Sprinkle the crumb mixture evenly over the dough triangles.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8-12 minutes, or until the crescent rolls are golden brown.
- While the rolls are baking, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, blend together the powdered sugar, softened butter, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth. If the glaze is too runny, add more powdered sugar until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Once the rolls are baked and cooled, cut them into smaller triangles if desired.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cinnamon-sugar pizza and serve warm.