I still remember the first time I tore into a warm, gooey slice of this cinnamon-sugar pizza made with crescent rolls—crispy edges, pillowy center, and that glossy vanilla glaze tying everything together. It’s a one-pan dessert that comes together in minutes, perfect for last-minute brunches, kid-friendly parties, or when you want a nostalgic sweet treat without fuss. If you’re hunting for more simple desserts to rotate through your weeknight repertoire, try these chocolate cupcakes with Oreo buttercream for another crowd-pleasing option.

What makes this recipe special

This recipe shines because it turns store-bought crescent roll dough into something surprisingly elegant and shareable. The ease is the point: no dough to mix or rise, just press, spice, bake, and glaze. It’s budget-friendly, quick enough for a last-minute dessert, and universally loved by kids and adults alike. The texture contrast—crispy, golden edges and a soft, slightly chewy interior—paired with the warm cinnamon sugar and bright vanilla glaze, is why people come back to it.

"A fast, nostalgic dessert that tastes homemade. We popped it in after school and it vanished within minutes."

Step-by-step overview

• Preheat the oven and prepare your baking surface.
• Stretch or press the crescent roll dough into a single sheet.
• Brush melted butter and scatter a cinnamon-sugar mix over the dough.
• Bake until golden and set.
• Whisk a simple vanilla glaze and drizzle it over the warm pizza.
• Slice and serve warm for the best texture.

This whole process takes about 20 minutes active time and roughly 10 to 12 minutes in the oven.

What you’ll need

• 1 can/package refrigerated crescent roll dough (standard size).
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (substitute: melted margarine or salted butter; reduce added salt if using salted).
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (substitute: light brown sugar for a deeper flavor).
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (adjust to taste).
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for the glaze; add more if you prefer a thicker finish).
• 1 tablespoon milk (substitute: any dairy-free milk such as almond or oat milk).
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (or vanilla paste for a more pronounced flavor).

Notes: If you want a richer icing, swap half the milk for cream or stir in 1 tablespoon cream cheese for a tangy glaze. For a gluten-free version use a gluten-free crescent dough or premade gluten-free pastry sheet.

Step-by-step instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet or pizza pan, or line it with parchment paper.
2. Unroll the crescent roll dough onto the prepared pan. Press the seams and triangles together gently until you have one solid sheet. Shape into a round or rectangle to fit your pan.
3. In a small bowl, stir the granulated sugar and cinnamon until combined.
4. Brush the melted butter evenly over the dough, making sure to reach the edges.
5. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mix evenly over the buttered dough so every bite has sweet spice.
6. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the dough is cooked through. Keep an eye so it does not overbake.
7. While the pizza cools for a few minutes, whisk the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla in a small bowl until smooth. Add a little more milk to thin, or powdered sugar to thicken.
8. Drizzle the glaze over the warm cinnamon-sugar pizza. Slice and serve while still warm for the best texture and flavor.

Best ways to enjoy it

Serve this cinnamon-sugar pizza warm, sliced like a regular pizza. It pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat. For a lighter contrast, add fresh berries or sliced apples on the side. If you want a sweet-and-savory menu, serve it after a hearty main; for example, a warm plate alongside a classic stuffed peppers recipe makes for a satisfying family dinner followed by dessert.

Storage and reheating tips

• Room temperature: Store slices in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 48 hours. The glaze may soften but remains tasty.
• Refrigeration: Refrigerate for up to 4 days; bring to room temperature or reheat before serving. Note that refrigeration can slightly dry the pastry.
• Freezing: Freeze individual slices on a baking sheet until firm, then stack with parchment between pieces in a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
• Reheating: Reheat slices in a 325°F (165°C) oven or toaster oven for 5 to 8 minutes to refresh the crisp edges. Microwave briefly for convenience, but expect a softer crust.
• Food safety: Do not leave glazed or dairy-containing items out at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

Helpful cooking tips

• Press the crescent seams well so the filling and sugar stay on top and don’t leak out.
• Use parchment paper for easy removal and faster cleanup.
• Brush butter all the way to the edges so the whole crust browns evenly.
• Don’t over-sugar the center; a generous but even sprinkle ensures even caramelization.
• If the edges brown too quickly, lower the oven temperature by 10 degrees and bake a minute or two longer.
• Make the glaze while the pizza cools a bit so it melts on contact and forms thin ribbons of flavor.

Creative twists

• Apple-cinnamon: Top with thin apple slices before baking and finish with chopped walnuts.
• Chocolate-hazelnut: Spread a thin layer of chocolate-hazelnut spread before sprinkling cinnamon sugar. Add chopped hazelnuts after baking.
• Berry and lemon: After baking, top with macerated berries and a touch of lemon zest.
• Puff pastry swap: Use puff pastry for a flakier, more layered crust.
• Vegan option: Use dairy-free spread and plant-based milk in the glaze; use vegan crescent dough if available.

Helpful answers

How long does this take from start to finish?

Active prep is about 10 minutes. Baking is 10 to 12 minutes. Plan for 20 to 25 minutes total including cooling and glazing.

Can I use puff pastry or pizza dough instead of crescent rolls?

Yes. Puff pastry will give a flakier, layered texture. Traditional pizza dough will be chewier and needs a slightly longer bake at the same temperature. Press dough to an even thickness for best results.

Will the glaze harden if I make this ahead?

The glaze will set but stay slightly soft. If you plan to prepare ahead, store unglazed and add the glaze just before serving to preserve shine and texture.

Can I make this dairy-free or use alternative sweeteners?

Use plant-based butter and milk alternatives for a dairy-free version. For sugar swaps, coconut sugar or a sugar blend can work for the topping, but powdered sugar is best for a smooth glaze; powdered sugar alternatives are available if needed.

How should I reheat slices without making them soggy?

Warm them in a 325°F (165°C) oven or toaster oven for a few minutes. That refreshes the crisp edges without making the center rubbery. Microwaving is faster but may soften the crust.

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