Cinnamon Sugar Pizza: A Sweet Twist on a Classic Favorite

A Cozy Treat for All Seasons

There’s something irresistibly comforting about the smell of cinnamon wafting through the kitchen. Whether it’s a chilly autumn evening, a weekend brunch, or a cozy movie night, Cinnamon Sugar Pizza fits right in. This dessert pizza is the perfect sweet finish to any meal or a decadent snack to enjoy with a hot cup of coffee or tea.

Inspired by a family tradition of cinnamon toast Sundays and the creative use of leftover pizza dough, this recipe blends the nostalgic flavors of warm cinnamon and buttery sugar with the fun and shareable nature of pizza. It’s a treat that combines the best of both worlds — the crisp, chewy texture of a pizza crust with the melt-in-your-mouth sweetness of a cinnamon sugar topping. Once you try it, you’ll find it hard to resist making it again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Sugar Pizza

• Quick and easy to make – You can whip it up in under 30 minutes.

• Versatile for any occasion – Serve it as dessert, a party snack, or a brunch highlight.

• Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing – Loved by all ages and customizable with toppings.

• Great use of leftover dough – A smart and delicious way to repurpose pizza night extras.

This recipe brings a bakery-style dessert into your home kitchen with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a simple breakdown of what you’ll need to make this delicious cinnamon sugar pizza:

For the Pizza Base

• 1 ball of pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter (for brushing)

For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping

• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional but recommended)

• Pinch of salt

Optional Drizzle

• ½ cup powdered sugar

• 1-2 tablespoons milk or cream

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Pizza

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). If you’re using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat up. This will help give your crust that perfect crisp.

Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the pizza dough into a 10-12 inch circle or oval, about ¼ inch thick. Transfer it to a parchment-lined baking sheet or pizza peel if you’re using a stone.

Brush the top of the dough with olive oil or melted butter to help it bake to a golden brown and crisp base.

Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Sugar Topping

In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. The salt helps balance the sweetness and enhance the flavor of the cinnamon.

Spread this mixture evenly over the prepared dough, leaving a small border around the edges if you like a bit of crust to hold onto.

Step 3: Bake the Pizza

Place the pizza in the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the topping is bubbly and caramelized. Keep an eye on it towards the end to prevent burning.

If using a pizza stone, the bottom will have a nice crisp texture. On a baking sheet, the crust may be a bit softer but still delicious.

Step 4: Add the Icing Drizzle (Optional)

While the pizza is baking, prepare the optional icing drizzle by whisking together powdered sugar, milk (or cream), and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable.

Once the pizza comes out of the oven, let it cool for 5 minutes. Then, drizzle the icing over the top in zigzag patterns or however you like. The contrast of warm cinnamon and cool icing takes this dessert to another level.

Serving Suggestions

Slice the cinnamon sugar pizza into wedges or squares, just like a traditional pizza. Serve it:

• Warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert

• With coffee or tea for a comforting mid-day snack

• At brunch with fresh fruit and mimosas

• As a party dessert that guests can grab and go

If you’re hosting a DIY pizza night, let guests create their own versions with add-ons like mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or marshmallows.

Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Sugar Pizza

Use a quality dough

If you’re short on time, store-bought pizza dough works great, but nothing beats a well-risen homemade dough. Look for high-protein (bread) flour for extra chewiness.

Watch the sugar

Sugar can burn quickly, so keep an eye on the pizza during the last few minutes of baking. If your oven runs hot, consider lowering the temp slightly or placing the pizza on a middle rack.

Add texture

Top your cinnamon sugar layer with sliced almonds, crushed pecans, or even oats for a slight crunch.

Try a stuffed crust

Brush the outer crust with more butter and sugar, or roll in cinnamon sugar filling for a surprise twist.

Variations to Try

Cinnamon Sugar Pizza is highly adaptable. Here are a few creative spins:

1. Apple Cinnamon Pizza

Add thinly sliced apples (like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith) on top of the cinnamon sugar before baking. The apples soften and caramelize in the oven.

2. Nutella Cinnamon Pizza

Spread a layer of Nutella beneath the cinnamon sugar mixture for a rich, chocolate-hazelnut surprise.

3. Cream Cheese Swirl

Dot spoonfuls of sweetened cream cheese over the top before baking, or swirl it in after for a cheesecake-like finish.

4. S’mores Pizza

Sprinkle mini marshmallows and crushed graham crackers after 10 minutes of baking. Let them melt and toast slightly in the final few minutes.

5. Pumpkin Spice Version

Substitute half the cinnamon with pumpkin pie spice in the fall for a seasonal twist. Top with roasted pecans and a maple glaze.

Storage and Reheating

If you have leftovers (though that’s rare), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

To reheat:

• Oven: Warm at 350°F for 5–7 minutes until heated through.

• Microwave: Heat slices for 20–30 seconds, though the crust may soften.

• Air fryer: Heat at 300°F for 3–4 minutes for a crispier finish.

You can also freeze the baked pizza (without the icing) by wrapping slices in foil and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. Reheat in the oven for best texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use pre-made pizza crust?

Yes, pre-baked pizza crusts or flatbreads can be used for an ultra-quick version. Just reduce the baking time since the crust is already cooked.

What’s the best way to prevent sogginess?

Make sure your dough is rolled thin and baked thoroughly. Brushing the dough with a bit of oil or butter before adding the sugar mixture helps prevent soaking.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Absolutely. Use plant-based butter and a non-dairy milk for the glaze. Many store-bought doughs are also naturally dairy-free.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

You can make it gluten-free by using a gluten-free pizza dough. The cinnamon sugar topping is naturally gluten-free.

The Story Behind the Recipe

The inspiration for this recipe goes back to Sunday mornings when cinnamon toast was a staple breakfast in our household. But as a pizza-loving family, we’d often find ourselves with extra dough from Friday night’s dinner. One day, in a moment of curiosity and craving, we spread cinnamon sugar over the leftover dough and baked it — and the rest is sweet, sweet history.

It quickly became a tradition and has since evolved into a beloved dessert that shows up at birthday parties, cozy winter dinners, and even casual brunch gatherings. The best part? Watching people take their first bite — eyebrows raised, smile widening, reaching for another slice.

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