Cinnamon-sugar pizza made with crescent rolls is a delightful and easy-to-make dessert that combines the buttery, flaky texture of crescent rolls with a sweet, crunchy cinnamon-sugar topping. This unique dessert pizza is perfect for any occasion, from a simple family breakfast to a special treat for guests.
Popularity and Appeal
The appeal of this dish lies in its simplicity and versatility. Using ready-made crescent rolls significantly reduces preparation time, making it an accessible recipe even for novice bakers. The combination of warm cinnamon and sugar creates an irresistible aroma that is sure to draw everyone to the kitchen. Moreover, this dessert is highly customizable, allowing you to add your favorite fruits or nuts for an extra layer of flavor.
Quick Preview of the Recipe
Here’s a quick preview of the recipe:
- Ingredients: You’ll need crescent rolls, butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, flour, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk.
- Preparation: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Cut cold butter into sugars, cinnamon, salt, and flour to form crumbs. Arrange crescent roll dough on a baking sheet, sprinkle with crumb mixture, and bake until golden brown.
- Glazing: While the rolls bake, prepare a simple glaze with powdered sugar, butter, vanilla, and milk. Drizzle the glaze over the baked rolls and serve.
History and Origin
Background of Dessert Pizzas
Dessert pizzas have been gaining popularity over the years as a fun and creative way to enjoy sweet flavors in a typically savory dish. The concept of dessert pizzas allows for endless creativity, ranging from chocolate and fruit toppings to nutty and spicy variations.
How Crescent Rolls Became a Part of Dessert Recipes
Crescent rolls have been a staple in American kitchens for decades, thanks to their convenience and versatility. Originally introduced by Pillsbury in the 1960s, these pre-packaged rolls became an instant hit due to their ease of use. Over time, creative cooks began experimenting with crescent rolls, incorporating them into both savory and sweet recipes. Their light, flaky texture makes them an ideal base for various desserts, including this cinnamon-sugar pizza.
For a deeper dive into the history of crescent rolls, check out the Pillsbury Crescent Rolls Wikipedia page. You can also explore more about the evolution of dessert pizzas on the History of Pizza Wikipedia page.
Ingredients and Preparation
Ingredients Breakdown
Creating the perfect cinnamon-sugar pizza with crescent rolls requires a precise combination of ingredients. Each component plays a critical role in achieving the desired taste and texture. Here’s a detailed list of the ingredients along with their measurements:
- 1/4 cup cold butter: Essential for creating the crumbly topping that adds a buttery richness to the dish.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps to caramelize the topping, giving it a nice crunch.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar: Enhances the flavor with its molasses content and contributes to the moistness of the topping.
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon: The key spice that provides the warm, aromatic flavor characteristic of this dessert.
- Dash of salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile.
- 1/2 cup flour: Serves as the base for the crumb mixture, giving it structure and texture.
- 1 can Pillsbury Crescent Rolls: The star ingredient that forms the base of the pizza, providing a flaky and tender crust.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar: Used in the glaze to add sweetness and a smooth texture.
- 1 tbsp softened butter: Helps in creating a creamy glaze.
- 1-1/4 tsp vanilla extract: Adds a subtle vanilla flavor to the glaze, enhancing the overall taste.
- 1 to 1-1/2 tbsp milk: Adjusts the consistency of the glaze, making it easy to drizzle over the pizza.
Each of these ingredients is crucial for different reasons:
- Butter and Sugars: Combining cold butter with sugars helps create a crumbly texture that bakes into a crunchy, caramelized topping.
- Cinnamon and Salt: Cinnamon is essential for flavor, while a dash of salt balances the sweetness.
- Flour: Provides structure to the crumb topping.
- Crescent Rolls: Offer a quick and easy base for the pizza, eliminating the need for homemade dough.
- Powdered Sugar, Butter, Vanilla, and Milk: These ingredients form a smooth, sweet glaze that complements the crispy topping and flaky crust.
For more insights into the importance of each ingredient, you can explore the Nutritional Information on Butter and the Types of Cinnamon on Wikipedia.
Ingredients and Preparation
Step-by-Step Preparation
Prepping the Dough
- Preheating the Oven
- Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that the oven reaches the correct temperature for baking the crescent roll dough evenly and achieving a golden-brown crust.
- Arranging the Crescent Roll Dough
- On an ungreased cookie sheet, separate the crescent roll dough into 8 triangles. Arrange them in a circle or in a single layer, depending on your preference. The arrangement should allow the dough to expand without sticking together, creating individual servings of the cinnamon-sugar pizza.
Making the Cinnamon-Sugar Topping
- Mixing the Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, combine 1/4 cup cold butter, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, a dash of salt, and 1/2 cup flour. Use a pastry cutter or fork to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This crumb mixture will form the delicious, crunchy topping for the pizza.
- Applying the Mixture to the Dough
- Sprinkle the crumb mixture evenly over the arranged crescent roll dough. Make sure each piece of dough is well-covered to ensure every bite has a sweet, cinnamon-sugar crunch.
Baking Instructions
- Proper Baking Temperature and Duration
- Bake the prepared crescent rolls in the preheated oven for 8-12 minutes. The exact time may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on the rolls and remove them when they turn golden brown and crispy.
- Tips for Achieving the Perfect Texture
- For the best results, ensure that the butter is cold when mixing the crumb topping. This helps create the desired crumbly texture. Additionally, avoid over-baking to prevent the rolls from becoming too hard. A light golden brown is the perfect indicator of doneness.
Preparing the Glaze
- Mixing the Glaze Ingredients
- While the rolls are baking, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, blend together 1/2 cup powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon softened butter, 1-1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1 to 1-1/2 tablespoons milk. Stir until the mixture is smooth and reaches a drizzling consistency. If the glaze is too runny, add more powdered sugar until it thickens to your liking.
- Drizzling the Glaze Over the Baked Rolls
- Once the rolls are baked and have cooled slightly, cut them into smaller triangles if desired. Drizzle the prepared glaze over the warm rolls, allowing it to seep into the nooks and crannies created by the crumb topping.
Serving Suggestions
Best Times to Serve
Cinnamon-sugar pizza made with crescent rolls is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed at various times throughout the day:
- Breakfast: Start your morning with a sweet treat that pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee or tea. The warm, cinnamon-infused flavors make it a comforting breakfast option.
- Dessert: Serve this delightful pizza as a dessert after dinner. Its rich and sweet taste is a satisfying end to any meal.
- Snack: Enjoy it as a mid-day snack. It’s quick to prepare and can be a great pick-me-up during a busy day.
Pairing with Beverages
Pairing the right beverage can enhance the enjoyment of cinnamon-sugar pizza:
- Coffee: A hot cup of coffee complements the sweet, buttery flavors of the pizza. The slight bitterness of coffee balances the sweetness.
- Tea: Herbal teas, especially those with cinnamon or vanilla notes, work well with this dessert. Chai tea, with its blend of spices, is an excellent choice.
- Milk: For a classic combination, serve the pizza with a cold glass of milk. The creamy texture of milk pairs wonderfully with the sweet and spicy notes of the cinnamon-sugar topping.
- Hot Chocolate: On a cold day, a rich hot chocolate can be a delightful pairing, adding another layer of sweetness and warmth to the experience.
Recipe Variations
Adding Fruits
Incorporating fruits into your cinnamon-sugar pizza can add a delightful burst of flavor and texture. Here are some popular options:
- Apples: Diced apples add a tart contrast to the sweetness of the cinnamon-sugar topping. To prepare, peel and dice two Granny Smith apples. Sauté them in a pan with a bit of butter and cinnamon until they soften. Spread the apples over the crescent roll dough before adding the crumb topping.
- Berries: Fresh or frozen berries such as blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries can be scattered over the dough before baking. They provide a juicy, slightly tangy flavor that complements the cinnamon and sugar.
For more ideas on incorporating fruits, check out Dessert Pizza Ideas on Pinterest.
Incorporating Nuts
Adding nuts can bring a satisfying crunch and additional depth of flavor to your pizza:
- Pecans: Chopped pecans are a classic addition. Their buttery, sweet flavor pairs well with cinnamon. Simply sprinkle chopped pecans over the crumb topping before baking.
- Walnuts: Walnuts add a slightly bitter edge that balances the sweetness. Like pecans, they should be sprinkled over the topping before baking.
Nuts not only add texture but also enhance the nutritional profile of your dessert. For more healthy dessert alternatives, explore Healthy Dessert Alternatives on Pinterest.
Using Different Types of Glaze
Experimenting with different glazes can transform the flavor profile of your cinnamon-sugar pizza:
- Cream Cheese Glaze: Mix 4 tablespoons of softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1-2 tablespoons of milk. This glaze adds a tangy richness that pairs wonderfully with the sweet, spiced topping.
- Chocolate Glaze: For chocolate lovers, a chocolate glaze can be a delightful twist. Melt 1/2 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips with 1 tablespoon of butter and 2-3 tablespoons of milk. Drizzle this over the pizza for a decadent treat.
Health and Nutritional Information
Nutritional Breakdown
Caloric Content per Serving
Each serving of cinnamon-sugar pizza made with crescent rolls contains approximately 200 calories. This includes the calories from the dough, butter, sugars, and glaze.
Macronutrient Information
- Carbohydrates: Each serving provides about 25 grams of carbohydrates, primarily from the sugars and flour in the dough and topping.
- Fats: The recipe includes approximately 10 grams of fat per serving, mainly from the butter used in the crumb topping and glaze.
- Proteins: There are about 2 grams of protein per serving, contributed by the flour and butter.
Health Considerations
Moderation and Portion Control
While cinnamon-sugar pizza is a delicious treat, it’s important to enjoy it in moderation. Due to its high sugar and fat content, portion control is key to preventing excessive calorie intake. Consider sharing the dish with others or saving some for later to avoid overindulging.
Possible Substitutes for Healthier Options
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following substitutes:
- Reducing Sugar: Cut down on the amount of granulated and brown sugar used in the topping and glaze. You can also try natural sweeteners like stevia or honey.
- Whole Wheat Flour: Substitute half or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour to increase the fiber content.
- Butter Alternatives: Use a reduced-fat butter substitute or a plant-based spread to lower the fat content.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of dough? Yes, you can use other types of dough such as puff pastry or homemade pizza dough. However, using crescent rolls provides a unique flaky texture that is hard to replicate with other dough types.
How do I store leftover cinnamon-sugar pizza? Store any leftover pizza in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes to restore its crispiness.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free? Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free crescent roll dough and substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free.
Troubleshooting Tips
Preventing Soggy Crust To avoid a soggy crust, ensure that the butter in the crumb topping is cold when you mix it with the other ingredients. This helps create a proper crumb texture that crisps up nicely when baked. Additionally, make sure not to overload the dough with too much topping.
Ensuring Even Baking For even baking, spread the dough triangles evenly on the baking sheet, leaving enough space between them. Rotate the baking sheet halfway through the baking time to ensure all pieces bake evenly. Using a reliable oven thermometer can help maintain the correct temperature.
Print
Cinnamon-Sugar Pizza made with Crescent Rolls
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
Description
Cinnamon-sugar pizza made with crescent rolls is a quick and easy dessert that combines the flaky, buttery goodness of crescent rolls with a sweet and crunchy cinnamon-sugar topping.
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes to restore crispiness.
- Customization:
- Fruits: Add diced apples or berries to the dough before baking for extra flavor and texture.
- Nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the topping before baking for added crunch.
- Glaze Variations: Try a cream cheese glaze or a chocolate glaze for a different twist.
- Tips:
- Use cold butter when preparing the crumb topping to achieve the desired texture.
- Do not overload the dough with too much topping to avoid a soggy crust.
- Rotate the baking sheet halfway through baking for even cooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 200 kcal per serving
