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This cinnamon-sugar pizza is the perfect treat when you're craving something sweet but don't want to spend hours in the kitchen. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you'll have a deliciously gooey dessert that tastes like it came from a bakery.
I first made this on a rainy Sunday afternoon when my kids were complaining of boredom. Now it's become our favorite weekend breakfast treat, especially when we have overnight guests who wake up to the amazing cinnamon aroma filling the house.
Ingredients
- Cold butter: Creates perfect flaky pockets in the crumb topping. Make sure it's straight from the refrigerator for best results.
- Granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create the classic crispy texture.
- Brown sugar: Adds depth of flavor and moisture to the crumb topping. Dark or light works fine.
- Cinnamon: The star spice that makes this treat irresistible. Use fresh cinnamon for the most vibrant flavor.
- Salt: Enhances all the sweet flavors. Even this small amount makes a big difference.
- Flour: Forms the base of the crumb topping. All purpose works perfectly.
- Pillsbury Crescent Rolls: The convenient shortcut that makes this recipe so quick. The buttery layers create the perfect pizza base.
- Powdered sugar: Creates a smooth glaze without any grittiness.
- Softened butter: Adds richness to the glaze. Leave it out at room temperature while you prepare the rest.
- Vanilla extract: Provides depth of flavor to the glaze. Use pure extract if possible.
- Milk: Thins the glaze to drizzling consistency. Start with less and add more as needed.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat Your Oven:
- Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. This higher temperature is crucial for getting those crescent rolls perfectly crispy on the outside while staying tender inside. Make sure your oven is fully preheated before baking.
- Create The Crumb Topping:
- In a medium bowl, cut the cold butter into small cubes first, then add it to your sugars, cinnamon, salt, and flour. Use a pastry cutter or two forks to work the butter into the dry ingredients until you have a mixture that resembles coarse crumbs about the size of small peas. Avoid overworking the mixture or the butter will warm too much.
- Prepare The Dough:
- Unroll the crescent rolls carefully onto an ungreased cookie sheet, keeping them in their triangle shapes. If the dough is sticking, chill it for a few minutes first. Arrange them so they have a bit of space between each triangle to allow for expansion.
- Add The Topping:
- Sprinkle your crumb mixture generously and evenly over each triangle of dough. Try to cover the entire surface, getting right to the edges. Gently press the crumbs into the dough slightly so they adhere during baking.
- Bake To Perfection:
- Place the cookie sheet in the center rack of your preheated oven and bake for 8 to 12 minutes. Watch carefully after the 8 minute mark as they can go from perfectly golden to overdone quickly. The edges should be a deep golden brown and the centers should be set.
- Make The Glaze:
- While the rolls are baking, mix together the powdered sugar, softened butter, and vanilla in a small bowl. Gradually add the milk, starting with just 1 tablespoon and adding more as needed until you reach a pourable consistency that will still set up slightly when cooled.
- Finish And Serve:
- Allow the crispies to cool for about 5 minutes before drizzling with glaze. If you prefer smaller servings, cut each triangle into two or three pieces while still warm. Serve while still slightly warm for the best taste experience.
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My favorite part of this recipe is watching the butter create little pools of caramelized goodness as it bakes. My grandmother used to make something similar on Sunday mornings, and the smell always takes me back to her kitchen where I learned to love baking. The simplicity of this recipe makes it perfect for getting kids involved too.
Make It Your Own
This basic recipe is wonderfully versatile. Try adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the crumb mixture for extra crunch and flavor. You could also add a sprinkle of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon mixture for a more complex spice profile. For fruit lovers, try adding small pieces of diced apple tossed in lemon juice to prevent browning, or even dried cranberries for a tart contrast to the sweetness.
Storage Tips
These Sugar Crumb Crispies are best enjoyed fresh from the oven, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To refresh them, place in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes to restore some crispness. Avoid refrigerating as this can make the pastry tough and the topping soggy. If you want to prepare ahead, make the crumb mixture up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.
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Serving Suggestions
While delicious on their own, these crispies can be elevated to dessert status with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. For a breakfast treat, serve alongside fresh berries and yogurt to balance the sweetness. They also pair wonderfully with coffee or hot chocolate for an afternoon indulgence. If serving at a brunch, consider cutting into smaller pieces and arranging on a tiered plate for an impressive presentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do I make the crumb topping for the dish?
Mix cold butter with granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and flour. Use a fork or your fingers until the mixture forms crumbs.
- → What consistency should the glaze have?
The glaze should be smooth and slightly thick. Add powdered sugar for thickness or milk to thin it out as needed.
- → Can I use a substitute for crescent rolls?
Yes, puff pastry or biscuit dough can work as a substitute, though the texture may vary slightly.
- → How should I store leftovers?
Store the leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate for extended freshness.
- → Can I prepare the crumb topping in advance?
Yes, you can make the crumb mixture a day in advance and keep it refrigerated until ready to use.
- → What’s the best way to serve this dish?
Serve the dish slightly warm for the best flavor and texture. Pair it with coffee, tea, or a glass of milk.