Cinnamon Sugar Pizza: The Ultimate Dessert Pizza Recipe

Cinnamon Sugar Pizza: Prepare to experience a dessert revelation! Imagine the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls combined with the fun, shareable nature of pizza. This isn’t your average Friday night pie; it’s a sweet treat that will have everyone begging for another slice.

While the exact origins of cinnamon sugar pizza are shrouded in a bit of mystery, its inspiration clearly draws from the beloved cinnamon roll, a pastry with roots tracing back to Scandinavia. The concept of transforming familiar flavors into a pizza format is a relatively modern culinary adventure, reflecting our desire to experiment and create exciting new food experiences.

What makes this dessert pizza so irresistible? It’s the perfect combination of textures: a soft, slightly chewy crust topped with a buttery, cinnamon-spiced sweetness. The aroma alone is enough to make your mouth water! Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and effort. Whether you’re looking for a quick and satisfying dessert for a weeknight treat or a crowd-pleasing option for a party, this cinnamon sugar pizza is guaranteed to be a hit. Get ready to bake up a slice of happiness!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Pizza Dough:
  • 3 ½ cups (420g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
  • 1 ¼ cups (300ml) warm water (105-115°F or 40-46°C)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for greasing
• For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:
  • ½ cup (1 stick or 113g) unsalted butter, melted
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional, but adds a nice warmth)
• For the Cream Cheese Glaze (Optional, but highly recommended!):
  • 4 ounces (113g) cream cheese, softened
  • ¼ cup (30g) powdered sugar
  • 1-2 tablespoons milk, or more as needed for desired consistency
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Preparing the Pizza Dough:

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar. This ensures the salt and sugar are evenly distributed throughout the flour, which is important for proper yeast activation and flavor.
2. Activate the Yeast: In a separate small bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm water. Let it stand for 5-10 minutes, or until foamy. This step is crucial to ensure your yeast is alive and active. If it doesn’t foam, your yeast is likely dead, and you’ll need to start over with fresh yeast.
3. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the yeast mixture and olive oil into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Use a wooden spoon or your hands to mix until a shaggy dough forms.
4. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 6-8 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time. If it’s too dry, add a teaspoon of water at a time. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment for this step. Knead on medium speed for about 5 minutes.
5. First Rise: Lightly grease a large bowl with olive oil. Place the dough in the bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. The warmer the environment, the faster the dough will rise. You can place it in a slightly warmed oven (turned off!) or near a sunny window.
6. Punch Down the Dough: Once the dough has doubled, gently punch it down to release the air. This helps to redistribute the yeast and create a more even texture.

Preparing the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:

1. Melt the Butter: Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl or in a saucepan over low heat. Make sure it’s fully melted but not browned.
2. Combine Cinnamon and Sugar: In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using). Mix well to ensure the cinnamon is evenly distributed.

Assembling and Baking the Pizza:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Place a pizza stone or baking sheet in the oven while it preheats. This will help to create a crispy crust.
2. Shape the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll it out into a large circle or oval, about 12-14 inches in diameter. You can also stretch the dough by hand if you prefer a more rustic look.
3. Transfer to Baking Sheet: Carefully transfer the dough to a piece of parchment paper. This makes it easier to transfer the pizza to the hot baking stone or sheet.
4. Brush with Butter: Brush the melted butter evenly over the pizza dough, leaving a small border around the edge.
5. Sprinkle with Cinnamon Sugar: Generously sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the buttered dough. Make sure to cover the entire surface evenly.
6. Bake the Pizza: Carefully slide the parchment paper with the pizza onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cinnamon sugar is bubbly. Keep a close eye on it, as the sugar can burn easily.
7. Cool Slightly: Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for a few minutes before slicing.

Preparing the Cream Cheese Glaze (Optional):

1. Soften Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature. This will ensure a smooth and creamy glaze.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth.
3. Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until well combined.
4. Add Milk and Vanilla: Add the milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. Stir in the vanilla extract. If you want a thinner glaze, add more milk. If you want a thicker glaze, add more powdered sugar.
5. Drizzle over Pizza: Once the pizza has cooled slightly, drizzle the cream cheese glaze over the top. You can use a spoon or a piping bag for this step.

Tips and Variations:

• Dough Variations: You can use store-bought pizza dough to save time. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature before rolling it out. You can also add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the dough for extra flavor.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cinnamon sugar mixture for a little kick.
• Add Nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the pizza before baking for added texture and flavor.
• Fruit Topping: Add sliced apples or pears to the pizza before baking for a fruity twist.
• Chocolate Chips: Sprinkle chocolate chips over the pizza after baking for a decadent treat.
• Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle caramel sauce over the pizza along with the cream cheese glaze for extra sweetness.
• Serving Suggestions: Serve the cinnamon sugar pizza warm, cut into slices. It’s delicious on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Storage: Store leftover pizza in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving. The cream cheese glaze is best stored separately in the refrigerator.

Troubleshooting:

• Dough is too sticky: Add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough is no longer sticky.
• Dough is too dry: Add a teaspoon of water at a time until the dough is smooth and elastic.
• Yeast didn’t activate: Make sure your water is the correct temperature (105-115°F or 40-46°C). If the water is too hot, it will kill the yeast. If the water is too cold, the yeast won’t activate. Also, make sure your yeast is fresh. If it’s been sitting in your pantry for a long time, it may be dead.
• Pizza is burning: Lower the oven temperature slightly and bake for a longer period of time. You can also cover the pizza with foil during the last few minutes of baking to prevent it from burning.
• Crust is not crispy: Make sure your oven is preheated to the correct temperature. Also, use a pizza stone or baking sheet to help create a crispy crust.

Enjoy your delicious homemade Cinnamon Sugar Pizza!

Conclusion:

This Cinnamon Sugar Pizza isn’t just a dessert; it’s an experience. The warm, comforting aroma filling your kitchen as it bakes, the satisfying crunch of the crust, and the sweet, spiced flavor dancing on your tongue – it’s pure bliss! I truly believe this recipe is a must-try because it’s incredibly simple, uses ingredients you likely already have on hand, and delivers a huge payoff in terms of taste and satisfaction. It’s the perfect treat for a cozy night in, a fun family activity, or even a unique dessert to impress your friends. But the best part? It’s endlessly customizable! Feel free to get creative and make it your own. For a richer flavor, try using brown butter instead of regular melted butter. A sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts before baking adds a delightful nutty crunch. If you’re feeling adventurous, a drizzle of cream cheese frosting after it cools takes it to a whole new level of decadence. Imagine a tangy counterpoint to the sweet cinnamon sugar – absolutely divine! Serving suggestions are just as versatile. Enjoy it warm, straight from the oven, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate indulgence. Or, let it cool completely and cut it into squares for a portable treat. It’s also fantastic served with a cup of hot coffee or tea. For a brunch twist, pair it with fresh fruit and yogurt. And if you happen to have any leftovers (though I highly doubt you will!), it’s surprisingly delicious cold the next day. I’ve found that this Cinnamon Sugar Pizza is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, no matter the occasion. It’s quick, easy, and always a hit. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to get kids involved in the kitchen. Let them help spread the butter, sprinkle the cinnamon sugar, and even choose their own toppings. It’s a fun and delicious way to create lasting memories.

Variations to Explore:

* Apple Pie Pizza: Add thinly sliced apples before baking for an apple pie-inspired treat. * Nutella Pizza: Spread a layer of Nutella on the crust before adding the cinnamon sugar. * S’mores Pizza: Top with mini marshmallows and chocolate chips during the last few minutes of baking. * Caramel Apple Pizza: Drizzle with caramel sauce after baking and add chopped apples. I am so excited for you to try this recipe! I know you’ll love it as much as I do. It’s a simple pleasure that brings so much joy. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different toppings and variations to find your perfect combination. Once you’ve given it a try, I would absolutely love to hear about your experience! Share your photos, tips, and variations in the comments below. Let me know what you thought, what you changed, and how much everyone enjoyed it. Your feedback is invaluable and helps inspire others to try this delightful treat. Happy baking, and I can’t wait to see your creations! Let’s spread the cinnamon sugar love!

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