If you’re on the hunt for a delightful treat that combines the comforting aroma of cinnamon with a satisfying crunch, then this Sweet and Crunchy Cinnamon-Sugar Pizza Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a simple yet irresistible dessert that uses everyday ingredients to create a warm, bubbly, caramelized topping on a perfectly golden crust. Whether for a casual family night or a special occasion, this dessert pizza will wow your guests and warm your heart with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this Sweet and Crunchy Cinnamon-Sugar Pizza Recipe is a breeze. Each item plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture—from the tender pizza dough to the sparkling cinnamon-sugar blend that creates that iconic crunch.
- 1 pound pizza dough: Whether homemade or store-bought, this forms the delicious base and structure of your pizza.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: Brushed over the dough to help the sugar mixture stick and to add a rich buttery flavor.
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar: Provides a sweet crunch that caramelizes beautifully during baking.
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon: The essential spice that brings warmth and depth to the topping.
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar, packed: Adds moisture and a hint of molasses sweetness to enhance the sugar topping.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses a lovely aromatic sweetness that perfectly complements the cinnamon.
- 1 tablespoon cornmeal for dusting: Prevents sticking and gives the crust a subtle texture underfoot.
- 1/2 cup vanilla glaze or icing (optional): Adds creamy sweetness and a professional finish when drizzled on top.
How to Make Sweet and Crunchy Cinnamon-Sugar Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to a hot 425°F, and place either a pizza stone or a baking sheet inside so it heats evenly. This step ensures your crust gets that perfect crispness, making your cinnamon-sugar pizza wonderfully crunchy on the bottom.
Step 2: Roll Out the Dough
On a lightly floured surface, roll your pizza dough into a 12-inch circle — the size that balances crunchy edges and a soft center. Next, sprinkle cornmeal over a piece of parchment paper and transfer your rolled dough onto it; the cornmeal keeps things from sticking and gives the base a touch of bite.
Step 3: Butter the Dough
Brush the melted butter evenly over the entire surface of the dough. This step is key because it helps the cinnamon-sugar mixture stick to the dough and also adds a buttery richness that pairs beautifully with the spices.
Step 4: Mix and Sprinkle the Cinnamon-Sugar
In a small bowl, combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until evenly mixed. Sprinkle this luscious cinnamon-sugar blend over the buttered dough, pressing it in gently to make sure it adheres well and bakes into a crunchy topping.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Bubbly
Slide the pizza on the parchment paper onto your hot pizza stone or baking sheet. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, watching as the edges turn golden, and the sugar topping bubbles and caramelizes into that irresistible crust you just crave.
Step 6: Optional Vanilla Glaze Drizzle
Once baked, remove the pizza from the oven and while it’s still warm, drizzle with vanilla glaze if you like. The glaze adds a lovely creamy note that syncs perfectly with the sweet spices.
How to Serve Sweet and Crunchy Cinnamon-Sugar Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
One of the joys of this recipe is how simple yet customizable it is. Try sprinkling coarse sugar on top before baking for extra crunch, or finish with chopped nuts like pecans or almonds for a bit of texture contrast. A dusting of powdered sugar right before serving can also add a pretty touch.
Side Dishes
This dessert pizza pairs wonderfully with vanilla ice cream or a scoop of whipped cream to cool the warm spices. Fresh berries or a drizzle of chocolate sauce can also add brightness and richness to round out your dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Serving this Sweet and Crunchy Cinnamon-Sugar Pizza Recipe on a wooden pizza peel or a colorful serving plate makes it feel extra special. You can also cut it into bite-sized squares for a party platter or serve slices alongside cups of hot cocoa for a cozy gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to maintain the crunch. For best results, enjoy them within the first day because the topping can soften over time.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this dessert pizza because the sugary topping tends to lose its texture during thawing. However, if you do freeze it, wrap slices tightly and consume within a month for best flavor.
Reheating
To revive your Sweet and Crunchy Cinnamon-Sugar Pizza Recipe leftovers, pop slices in a preheated 350°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes. This will help re-crisp the crust and lightly caramelize the sugar again, bringing back that fresh-baked feeling.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pizza dough for this recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought dough works perfectly and saves time while still providing a deliciously soft and crispy base for the cinnamon-sugar topping.
Is it possible to make this gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute your regular pizza dough with a gluten-free version. Just ensure the dough is rolled to the right thickness to hold the topping well without becoming too fragile.
Can I add toppings like nuts or fruit?
Definitely! Chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts add crunch and flavor, while fresh or dried fruit can offer a delightful contrast to the warm cinnamon spices.
How can I make the crust extra crunchy?
Sprinkle coarse sugar on top before baking or make sure your oven and pizza stone are fully preheated to get that wonderful crunchy texture on the bottom and edges.
What’s the best way to make the vanilla glaze?
For a quick vanilla glaze, mix powdered sugar with a splash of milk and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust quantities to get your desired consistency for drizzling.
Final Thoughts
There’s something undeniably joyful about this Sweet and Crunchy Cinnamon-Sugar Pizza Recipe. It takes simple ingredients you probably have on hand and turns them into a warm, comforting dessert that’s perfect any day of the week. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience that magical blend of spice, sweetness, and crunch that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Print
Sweet and Crunchy Cinnamon-Sugar Pizza Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Sweet and Crunchy Cinnamon-Sugar Pizza is a delightful dessert pizza featuring a golden, buttery crust topped with a bubbly cinnamon-sugar mixture. Finished with an optional vanilla glaze drizzle, it offers a warm, sweet treat perfect for sharing.
Ingredients
Pizza Base
- 1 pound pizza dough, homemade or store-bought
- 1 tablespoon cornmeal for dusting
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Cinnamon Sugar Topping
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional
- 1/2 cup vanilla glaze or icing
- 1 tablespoon coarse sugar for extra crunch
- Chopped nuts (optional topping)
- Vanilla ice cream (for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Surface: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat thoroughly. This ensures a crisp crust from the start.
- Roll Out Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll the pizza dough into a 12-inch circle. Sprinkle cornmeal onto a piece of parchment paper and carefully transfer the dough onto it; the cornmeal helps prevent sticking and adds texture.
- Butter the Dough: Using a pastry brush, evenly coat the entire surface of the dough with the melted unsalted butter to help the sugar mixture stick and create a rich flavor.
- Mix Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until fully blended.
- Apply Cinnamon Sugar Topping: Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the buttered dough, gently pressing it in so it adheres well and caramelizes nicely during baking.
- Bake the Pizza: Transfer the prepared dough with parchment paper onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the sugar topping is bubbly and slightly caramelized.
- Add Optional Toppings: Remove from the oven and, if desired, drizzle with vanilla glaze or icing. For extra crunch, sprinkle coarse sugar over the top before baking or add chopped nuts after baking.
- Serve: Allow the pizza to cool slightly, then slice into 8 pieces and serve warm. It pairs wonderfully with vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
Notes
- For extra crunch, sprinkle a tablespoon of coarse sugar over the top before baking.
- This dessert pizza can be topped with chopped nuts for added texture and flavor.
- Serving this pizza with a scoop of vanilla ice cream makes for a delicious dessert experience.
- Use a pizza stone if available to achieve the crispiest crust; a baking sheet also works well.
