If you’re a fan of sweet, cozy desserts that channel the best parts of your favorite cinnamon roll and pizza night all in one bite, you simply have to try Cinnamon-Sugar Pizza. This delightful creation brings a warm, buttery crust together with a sparkling cinnamon-sugar topping and a luscious vanilla glaze. It’s everything you love about comfort desserts—soft, chewy, and swarmingly fragrant—served up in pizza form, perfect for sharing with family or friends… or just indulging on your own!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Delighting in Cinnamon-Sugar Pizza is easy thanks to a short ingredient list. Each item brings something special, from the tender crust to the sweet finish. Here’s what you’ll need and why you shouldn’t skip a single component:
- Pizza dough: The chewy, golden brown base that holds all the sweet toppings. A store-bought or homemade dough works beautifully!
- Unsalted butter (melted): Brushed over the dough, butter adds richness and helps the cinnamon-sugar adhere perfectly.
- Granulated sugar: Lends sparkle and satisfying sweetness to each bite.
- Ground cinnamon: The heart and soul of this recipe, cinnamon delivers that unmistakable warmth and irresistible aroma.
- Vanilla extract: Mixed into the glaze for depth of flavor and a luxurious finish.
- Powdered sugar: Key to a smooth, creamy glaze that sets off the warm spices.
- Milk: Just a splash is needed to achieve the drizzly consistency for the glaze—use more or less depending on your preference.
- Pinch of salt: Enhances all the sweet flavors and balances the richness of the butter and sugar.
How to Make Cinnamon-Sugar Pizza
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to a piping-hot 450°F (232°C), which promises a crust that’s crisp on the outside and tender inside. Line a sturdy baking sheet with parchment paper for a no-fuss cleanup and set the stage for an evenly baked pizza.
Step 2: Shape the Pizza Dough
Roll out your pizza dough into a 10–12 inch circle or oval, depending on your pan—or go rustic with a freeform shape! Place the dough onto your lined baking sheet, smoothing out any thick edges for even baking. This is your canvas for sweet inspiration.
Step 3: Brush with Butter
Generously brush the entire surface of the dough with your melted unsalted butter, reaching all the way to the edge. Not only does this create an ultra-lush base, it also helps the cinnamon-sugar adhere for that signature crunch in every corner.
Step 4: Add the Cinnamon-Sugar Mixture
In a small bowl, combine your granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this fragrant mixture over the buttered dough, covering every inch so that each bite bursts with flavor. Don’t be shy—the more even the sprinkle, the prettier (and tastier) your Cinnamon-Sugar Pizza will be.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Slide your topped pizza into the hot oven and bake for 10–12 minutes, watching as the edges turn golden, the sugar sparkles, and the entire kitchen fills with the unmistakable scent of cinnamon bliss. When the crust is beautifully browned and cooked through, it’s ready!
Step 6: Make and Drizzle the Glaze
While your pizza bakes, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. Once the pizza emerges from the oven, immediately drizzle the glossy glaze over the warm surface. The glaze will set to a shiny, beautifully sweet finish as it cools.
Step 7: Slice and Serve
Give your Cinnamon-Sugar Pizza a minute to cool slightly, then slice it into wedges or strips. Serve while warm for the perfect contrast of gooey glaze and soft, airy crust. Trust me—this is the dessert pizza you’ll want to make over and over again.
How to Serve Cinnamon-Sugar Pizza
Garnishes
Bring even more excitement to your Cinnamon-Sugar Pizza by sprinkling on a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch, or giving it a decadent drizzle of caramel sauce. A light dusting of extra powdered sugar also looks stunning, especially if you’re serving for a special occasion.
Side Dishes
If you’re going for true dessert decadence, serve each slice with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream. Fresh seasonal berries or whipped cream make a lovely, fresh counterpoint to all the warm spices and sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, slice your Cinnamon-Sugar Pizza into thin strips for fun, dippable “pizza sticks.” Or cut into mini wedges and pile on a platter for a bite-sized sweet treat perfect for sharing at a brunch or potluck. It’s equally at home alongside a big mug of coffee for an afternoon pick-me-up.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Cinnamon-Sugar Pizza in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. The crust will stay delightfully soft, and the glaze will keep its shine. If you live in a humid climate, you may want to pop your container in the fridge to help preserve freshness.
Freezing
While best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze slices of Cinnamon-Sugar Pizza for those cravings that strike unexpectedly. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, tuck them into a freezer bag, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or give them a quick warm-up in the toaster oven before serving.
Reheating
For that just-baked texture, pop leftover slices in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 4–5 minutes, or until piping hot. Avoid the microwave if you can, as it can make the crust chewy; a few minutes in a toaster oven revives both the soft crumb and the crispy edges.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pizza dough for Cinnamon-Sugar Pizza?
Absolutely! Store-bought pizza dough is a time-saver and works perfectly. If you have a favorite homemade dough recipe (even a shortcut one!), that will shine as a base for all the sweet toppings too.
What’s the best way to avoid soggy crust?
Make sure your oven is fully preheated, use parchment paper, and avoid overloading the crust with too much glaze or topping before baking. These steps ensure a beautifully crisp-yet-tender crust.
Can I make Cinnamon-Sugar Pizza gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute a good quality gluten-free pizza dough and proceed as usual. Keep in mind some dough recipes bake up differently, so keep an eye on the edges to avoid overbaking.
What’s a fun way to get kids involved?
Kids love rolling out the dough and sprinkling on the cinnamon-sugar topping! They can even help whisk the glaze and drizzle it over once the pizza is baked—just be sure to let it cool a little first.
Can I add extra toppings?
Definitely! Chopped nuts, mini chocolate chips, or even dried fruit make delicious add-ons. You can get creative and try thinly sliced apples or pears for a fruity twist, or add a pinch of orange zest to the glaze for brightness.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with Cinnamon-Sugar Pizza. It’s simple, nostalgic, and guaranteed to bring smiles with every gooey, cinnamon-swirled slice. Why not surprise your loved ones (or treat yourself) with this unforgettable sweet pizza? Just one bite, and it might become your newest dessert tradition.
Print
Cinnamon-Sugar Pizza Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 slices
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the sweet and comforting flavors of this Cinnamon-Sugar Pizza. A delightful twist on traditional pizza, this dessert version is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.
Ingredients
Pizza Dough:
- 1 ball of pizza dough (about 12–14 oz)
Cinnamon-Sugar Topping:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Glaze:
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 teaspoons milk (for glaze)
- pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare Dough: Roll out the pizza dough into a 10–12 inch circle or oval and transfer it to the prepared sheet.
- Apply Butter: Brush the entire surface of the dough with melted butter.
- Make Cinnamon-Sugar Mix: In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the dough.
- Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes until golden.
- Prepare Glaze: Whisk powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and salt together to make the glaze.
- Glaze and Serve: Drizzle the glaze over the warm pizza after baking. Slice and serve warm.
Notes
- You can add chopped nuts or caramel sauce for extra flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days and reheat before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 170mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
