Are you craving something sweet but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen? My friends, let me share the absolute joy that is cinnamon sugar pizza! This delightful treat combines the comfort of warm, sweet cinnamon with soft, chewy pizza dough to create a dessert that’s simple yet utterly irresistible. In just 15 minutes or less, you can have this mouthwatering cinnamon sugar pizza ready to satisfy your sweet tooth!
Why Cinnamon Sugar Pizza Will Be Your New Favorite Dessert
There’s something magical about the combination of warm cinnamon and sugar on a soft, pillowy pizza crust. The smell when this is baking in the oven is absolutely incredible!! It fills your home with that cozy, welcoming aroma that makes everyone wonder what delicious treat you’re preparing.
What makes this cinnamon sugar pizza so special is its versatility and simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry, you can create a dessert that’s perfect for movie nights, after-dinner treats, or even breakfast (I won’t tell anyone!).
This recipe reminds me of those cinnamon sugar toast pieces my grandmother used to make for me as a child, but elevated to a whole new level of deliciousness. The pizza format makes it fun to share, and who doesn’t love the interactive experience of pulling apart slices of a freshly baked treat?
What You’ll Need for Your Cinnamon Sugar Pizza
Ingredients
- 1 pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Kitchen Tools
- Rolling pin
- Baking sheet or pizza stone
- Pastry brush
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Pizza cutter
Possible Substitutions and Additions
The beauty of this cinnamon sugar pizza lies in how customizable it is! Here are some ways to make it your own:
- Dough options: While traditional pizza dough works wonderfully, you can also use crescent roll dough, puff pastry, or even cookie dough for a different texture.
- Sugar varieties: Try coconut sugar or raw sugar for different flavor profiles.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon sugar mixture for more complex flavors.
- Toppings galore: Consider adding sliced apples, chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or a drizzle of strawberry sauce for extra indulgence.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Cinnamon Sugar Pizza
Preparing Your Dough
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C) to ensure it’s nice and hot when your pizza is ready to bake.
- If using refrigerated dough, allow it to come to room temperature for about 20 minutes. This makes it much easier to roll out.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a circle (or whatever shape your heart desires!). Aim for about 1/4 inch thickness.
- Transfer the dough to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a lightly greased pizza stone.
Creating the Perfect Cinnamon Sugar Layer
- In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly until well incorporated.
- Using a pastry brush, generously coat the entire surface of the dough with melted butter. Don’t skimp here – the butter helps create that gorgeous caramelized finish!
- Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the buttered dough, making sure to reach all the way to the edges.
- For an extra touch of richness, you can dot additional small pieces of butter on top of the cinnamon sugar layer.
Baking Your Masterpiece
- Place your prepared cinnamon sugar pizza in the preheated oven.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, keeping a close eye on it after the 12-minute mark.
- Your pizza is done when the edges are golden brown and the cinnamon sugar topping has begun to caramelize and bubble slightly.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool for about 5 minutes before slicing. This cooling period is crucial as it allows the sugar to set slightly, preventing it from sliding off when you cut into it.
Serving Suggestions for Your Cinnamon Sugar Pizza
This delightful treat is versatile when it comes to serving options! Here are some of my favorite ways to enjoy it:
- Classic style: Slice it like a traditional pizza and serve warm.
- À la mode: Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a contrast of warm and cold.
- Breakfast delight: Pair with a cup of coffee or milk for a special breakfast treat.
- Party pleaser: Cut into small squares for a party dessert platter alongside other treats like these delicious coconut basil chicken bites for a sweet and savory combination.
Expert Tips for Cinnamon Sugar Pizza Success
After making this recipe countless times (my family requests it weekly!), I’ve gathered some helpful tips to ensure your cinnamon sugar pizza turns out perfectly every time:
- Even butter application: Use a pastry brush rather than just pouring the butter to ensure even coverage.
- Sugar distribution: For the most even coating, mix your cinnamon and sugar thoroughly before sprinkling.
- Crust options: For a softer crust, bake on a baking sheet. For a crispier bottom, use a preheated pizza stone.
- Temperature matters: If the dough is too cold, the butter won’t spread well. Room temperature is ideal.
- Watch closely while baking: Sugar can go from perfectly caramelized to burnt quite quickly, so keep an eye on your pizza, especially in the final minutes.
Storage Instructions
While this cinnamon sugar pizza is best enjoyed fresh and warm, you can store any leftovers (though I rarely have any!) in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, place in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes or use a toaster oven for smaller pieces.
The History and Popularity of Dessert Pizzas
Dessert pizzas have gained tremendous popularity in recent years as people have become more creative with traditional pizza formats. The concept brilliantly bridges the gap between familiar comfort food and innovative dessert options, making them perfect for those who enjoy culinary experimentation.
While savory pizzas trace back to Naples, Italy, dessert variations like our cinnamon sugar pizza are relatively modern inventions. They became particularly popular in American chain restaurants during the 1990s and have since evolved into countless creative variations in home kitchens everywhere.
The combination of cinnamon and sugar is itself a timeless classic, appearing in cuisines around the world from Mexican churros to French toast. When applied to a pizza format, it creates an accessible, shareable dessert that appeals to nearly everyone!
Nutritional Information
While this is definitely a treat to be enjoyed in moderation, here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per slice (assuming 8 slices per pizza):
- Calories: Approximately 220-250 per slice
- Carbohydrates: 40-45g
- Sugars: 20-25g
- Fat: 6-8g
- Protein: 2-3g
These values will vary depending on the exact pizza dough used and serving size.
Share Your Creations!
I’d love to see how your cinnamon sugar pizza turns out! Take a photo and share it on Pinterest or tag me on social media. There’s nothing that makes me happier than seeing you enjoy these recipes!
If you’re looking for more quick and easy dessert ideas, you might also enjoy my lobster garlic cream sauce that pairs wonderfully with pasta for a decadent main course before enjoying this sweet treat.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cinnamon Sugar Pizza
Can I make this with gluten-free dough?
Absolutely! Gluten-free pizza dough works beautifully with this recipe. Just be sure to follow the specific baking instructions for your gluten-free dough as cooking times may vary slightly.
Can I prepare this in advance?
You can prepare the cinnamon sugar mixture ahead of time and store it in an airtight container. However, I recommend assembling and baking the pizza just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
For the best texture when reheating, use an oven or toaster oven rather than a microwave. The microwave tends to make the crust soggy.
Can I freeze this pizza?
While you can freeze it, the texture of the cinnamon sugar topping may change upon thawing. If you do freeze it, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then reheat in the oven directly from frozen.
Is this suitable for vegans?
With a simple swap of plant-based butter, this recipe can easily be made vegan. Just ensure your pizza dough is also vegan-friendly.
Conclusion: A Sweet Ending to Any Day
There you have it, friends – a simple, delicious cinnamon sugar pizza that takes minimal effort but delivers maximum joy! The warm, sweet aroma of cinnamon, the satisfying chewiness of the pizza dough, and the caramelized sugar topping create a dessert experience that’s both comforting and exciting.
What I love most about this recipe is how it transforms basic ingredients into something that feels special. It’s perfect for those times when you want to create a memorable treat without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re having friends over, looking for a family-friendly baking activity, or simply treating yourself after a long day, this cinnamon sugar pizza is sure to bring smiles all around.
So heat up that oven, roll out that dough, and get ready to experience the simple magic of homemade cinnamon sugar pizza. I promise you’ll be making this again and again – it’s just that good!