You know that moment—you’re lounging on the couch, and suddenly, a craving hits. Not just any craving, but something sweet, warm, crispy at the edges, and soft in the middle. You want cinnamon. You want sugar. You want comfort—but you don’t want to spend an hour baking or wash a sink full of dishes afterward.
Enter the Cinnamon Sugar Crescent Roll Pizza—a dessert so simple and soul-satisfying, it practically makes itself. Whether you’re a baking pro or a microwave-only type of cook, this dessert has your back. Using just a handful of everyday ingredients, it transforms humble crescent roll dough into a dessert pizza that’s gooey in the center, crisp at the edges, and bursting with cinnamon-sugar bliss.
Even better? This recipe is perfect for the air fryer, giving you speed, crunch, and flavor—all without heating up the whole kitchen. It’s a sweet treat designed for busy weeknights, weekend cravings, after-school snacks, or spontaneous get-togethers.
🍩 2. Why You’ll Love Cinnamon Sugar Crescent Roll Pizza
This dessert is part pastry, part pizza, and fully delicious. It brings together the nostalgic warmth of a cinnamon roll with the fun and ease of pizza night. Whether you’re entertaining, craving something sweet late at night, or looking for simple desserts with few ingredients, this recipe delivers.
Here’s why it stands out:
- Minimal Ingredients: You only need about 5 pantry staples.
- Quick Cook Time: Less than 15 minutes in the oven or air fryer.
- No Special Tools: Just a baking tray, parchment, and maybe a spoon.
- Versatile: Easily adjust to make it gluten-free, dairy-free, or with add-ons like chocolate, nuts, or fruits.
It’s the kind of dessert you can make with kids, serve to guests, or enjoy solo on a cozy night in. And because it’s so easy and customizable, it fits perfectly into the world of modern desserts: stress-free, fast, and deeply satisfying.
🛒 3. Ingredients – What You Need
These are the core ingredients for your base recipe. Most are probably already in your kitchen:
Base Ingredients:
- 1 tube crescent roll dough (standard 8 oz size)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Optional Glaze:
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 teaspoons milk (any variety, dairy or plant-based)
Optional Add-ins:
- Chocolate chips
- Caramel drizzle
- Chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts)
- Apple or banana slices
- Dash of nutmeg or pumpkin spice
This simple list can be customized endlessly. Once you master the base, you’ll find yourself inventing new versions for every season or occasion.
👩🍳 4. Step-by-Step Instructions
🧁 Oven Method:
- Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper. - Unroll and Shape the Dough
Take your crescent dough out of the tube. Don’t separate into triangles—press the seams together to make a single flat rectangle or round pizza shape. - Brush with Butter
Melt your butter and brush it evenly over the surface of the dough. Make sure you cover the corners and edges. - Sprinkle Cinnamon Sugar
In a small bowl, mix your granulated sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle generously over the buttered dough. - Bake It
Bake for 10–12 minutes or until golden brown, puffed up, and fragrant. - Optional Glaze
While it cools slightly, mix your powdered sugar and milk to form a smooth glaze. Drizzle over the warm pizza. - Slice & Serve
Cut into wedges or squares. Serve warm, optionally with ice cream or a drizzle of honey.
🌬️ Air Fryer Method:
Want it faster? Here’s how to make it in the air fryer:
- Preheat Air Fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare Dough as Above on a small piece of parchment that fits your air fryer basket.
- Follow the butter + sugar steps just like the oven method.
- Air Fry for 8–9 minutes. Check at 7 minutes for doneness.
- Drizzle Glaze, slice, and enjoy!
Note: Every air fryer is different. Some cook hotter or faster—always check early!
🧂 5. Air Fryer vs. Oven: Which Is Better?
| Feature | Air Fryer | Oven |
|---|---|---|
| Time | 8–9 minutes | 10–12 minutes |
| Texture | Extra crispy edges | Slightly softer center |
| Batch Size | 1 pizza (smaller capacity) | More servings at once |
| Energy Usage | Lower | Higher |
| Cleanup | Minimal | Slightly more |
Both methods yield a fantastic dessert. Use what you prefer based on time, tools, and how many mouths you’re feeding.
🎨 6. Optional Add-Ons and Variations
Make this recipe your own with creative variations:
🍫 Sweet Toppings:
- Mini chocolate chips – Sprinkle on before baking.
- Marshmallows – Toasted effect if added halfway through baking.
- Fruit slices – Bananas, apples, or even strawberries.
- Chopped nuts – Pecans or walnuts add crunch and richness.
🍁 Seasonal Twists:
- Add pumpkin spice for fall.
- Try maple syrup or brown sugar instead of white sugar.
- Use a flavored glaze (maple, vanilla, or even orange zest).
🥛 Vegan or Gluten-Free Options:
- Use vegan crescent dough (many brands offer dairy-free versions).
- Swap dairy butter for coconut oil or plant-based margarine.
- Gluten-free crescent dough can be used for those with sensitivities.
🍽️ 7. Serving Ideas – Sweet Pairings That Work
Crescent roll pizza is delicious on its own—but pairing it with the right drink or dessert takes things to the next level.
Pair With:
- Vanilla bean ice cream
- Spiced chai or latte
- Whipped cream & fresh berries
- Caramel dipping sauce
- Hazelnut spread drizzle (Nutella)
This dish also shines on dessert platters. Cut into small squares and serve alongside other mini treats for a no-fuss dessert board.
🕰️ 8. Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
❄️ Make-Ahead:
You can prep the unbaked dough (buttered and sugared) up to 6 hours ahead. Just wrap it and keep it refrigerated until ready to bake.
🧊 Leftovers:
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temp (2 days) or refrigerated (5 days).
To reheat:
- Air Fryer: 2–3 minutes for crispiness.
- Oven: 5 minutes at 350°F.
- Microwave: 15–20 seconds (soft but warm).
⚠️ 9. Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Forgetting to seal the dough seams – This causes gaps or breakage during baking.
- Overbaking – This dries it out. Keep a close eye in the last 2 minutes.
- Skimping on butter – Butter helps the sugar caramelize. Don’t be shy.
- Applying glaze too early – Let it cool slightly, or the glaze will melt off completely.
- Skipping parchment – Sugar caramelizes and can stick badly to pans.
🧾 10. Nutrition Facts (Per Slice – 8 servings)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~190 |
| Total Fat | 9g |
| Saturated Fat | 3g |
| Carbohydrates | 25g |
| Sugar | 10g |
| Protein | 2g |
| Sodium | 210mg |
| Fiber | 0.5g |
| Cholesterol | 10mg |
🧠 11. Final Thoughts – Why It Works
This Cinnamon Sugar Crescent Roll Pizza hits every note a modern dessert should:
- It’s fast.
- It’s flexible.
- It feels nostalgic.
- It’s made with pantry staples.
- And most importantly—it tastes incredible.
Whether you make it in the oven or air fryer, for yourself or a crowd, this recipe proves that indulgence doesn’t require effort. Sweet, easy recipes like this are exactly why dessert should be the best part of your day.
📝 12. Printable Recipe Card
Cinnamon Sugar Crescent Roll Pizza
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes
Yield: 8 slices
Ingredients
- 1 tube crescent roll dough
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (optional)
- 1–2 tsp milk (for glaze)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (or air fryer to 350°F).
- Unroll crescent dough on parchment. Press seams to form a single sheet.
- Brush with butter.
- Mix cinnamon and sugar, sprinkle evenly.
- Bake 10–12 mins (oven) or 8–9 mins (air fryer).
- Mix glaze and drizzle over slightly cooled pizza.
- Slice and enjoy!
