How to Make Cinnamon Rolls with Pizza Dough – A Sweet Twist on a Classic Recipe

Who doesn’t love a good cinnamon roll? They’re warm, gooey, and packed with sweet, spiced flavor—perfect for a comforting treat. But did you know that you can make delicious cinnamon rolls using pizza dough? Yes, you heard that right! If you’re in the mood to bake but don’t have the time to whip up a batch of sweet, yeasted dough, pizza dough offers a quick and easy alternative. In this article, we’re going to explore how to make cinnamon rolls with pizza dough, complete with step-by-step instructions, tips, and answers to frequently asked questions.

So, let’s get started and transform that humble pizza dough into something sweet, sticky, and absolutely scrumptious!

Can You Make Cinnamon Rolls with Pizza Dough?

Absolutely, yes! You might think that pizza dough, traditionally used for savory dishes, wouldn’t work in a sweet recipe. But pizza dough is versatile, and its slightly chewy texture and neutral flavor serve as the perfect base for cinnamon rolls. While traditional cinnamon rolls are typically made with a rich, sweet dough, using pizza dough can give you a quick shortcut while still yielding tasty results. It’s a fantastic option for busy mornings or last-minute cravings when you don’t want to wait hours for dough to rise.

Why Use Pizza Dough for Cinnamon Rolls?

• Convenience: Store-bought pizza dough is ready to go, meaning less prep time and fewer ingredients to manage. It’s a quick alternative to the more time-consuming sweet dough used in traditional cinnamon rolls.
• Versatility: Pizza dough is incredibly versatile and can easily be adapted for both savory and sweet dishes.
• Texture: Pizza dough has a chewier texture compared to soft, sweet dough, which makes for a fun, unique twist on the traditional cinnamon roll.

The Process: Step-by-Step Guide to Making Cinnamon Rolls with Pizza Dough

Here’s a breakdown of how to transform pizza dough into delicious cinnamon rolls, perfect for a breakfast treat, dessert, or snack.

1. Prepare Your Pizza Dough

If you’re using store-bought pizza dough, take it out of the fridge and let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes. Ensures smooth dough handling. If you’re making homemade pizza dough, follow your favorite recipe, but keep in mind that a basic pizza dough recipe works best for this transformation.

2. Roll Out the Dough

Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the dough into a rectangular shape, about ¼ inch thick. Make sure the dough is even, as this will help the cinnamon rolls bake consistently. If the dough is too thick, the rolls may be doughy in the center; too thin, and they may not rise properly.

3. Prepare the Filling

The key to a great cinnamon roll is the filling. The classic cinnamon roll filling consists of:

• ½ cup softened butter
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• 1-2 tablespoons ground cinnamon (depending on how cinnamon-y you like it)

Mix the cinnamon and sugar together, and then spread the softened butter evenly across the rolled-out dough. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the buttered surface, making sure it’s spread evenly so every bite is filled with flavor.

4. Roll Up the Dough

Starting from one of the longer sides of the rectangle, carefully roll the dough into a log. Be sure to roll it tightly so the filling stays inside as the dough bakes. When the dough is fully rolled, pinch the seam to seal it.

5. Slice the Cinnamon Rolls

Using a sharp knife, slice the dough log into even pieces. Aim for slices that are about 1 to 1.5 inches thick, depending on how large you want your cinnamon rolls. You should get about 8-10 rolls from a standard pizza dough.

6. Let the Rolls Rise (Optional)

Pizza dough doesn’t require a second rise like traditional sweet dough, but if you prefer a fluffier texture, you can let the sliced rolls sit in a warm place for 30-45 minutes. This allows the dough to puff up and creates a softer final product. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step and bake the rolls right away for a chewier texture.

7. Bake the Cinnamon Rolls

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the cinnamon rolls on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving some space between them to allow for expansion as they bake. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and the filling is bubbling.

Tip: Keep an eye on the cinnamon rolls during baking to ensure the tops don’t brown too quickly. If the tops start to darken before the rolls are fully baked, cover them loosely with aluminum foil for the remainder of the baking time.

8. Make the Glaze

While the cinnamon rolls are baking, you can whip up a simple glaze to drizzle on top. A basic glaze requires:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk or cream
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Mix the ingredients until smooth. If you prefer a thicker glaze, reduce the amount of liquid, or for a thinner glaze, add more milk.

9. Drizzle and Serve

Once the cinnamon rolls are baked to perfection, let them cool for about 5 minutes. Drizzle the glaze generously over the warm rolls, and they’re ready to serve! Enjoy them fresh out of the oven for the best experience.

FAQs

Q1. Can I Use Frozen Pizza Dough to Make Cinnamon Rolls?

A. Yes, you can use frozen pizza dough to make cinnamon rolls. Simply let the dough thaw in the refrigerator overnight, and bring it to room temperature before rolling it out. This helps make the dough more pliable and easier to work with.

Q2. Do Cinnamon Rolls Made with Pizza Dough Taste Different?

A. Cinnamon rolls made with pizza dough differ in texture. However, the buttery cinnamon filling and glaze add plenty of sweetness, making it a delicious alternative.

Q3. Can I Make the Dough Sweeter?

A. If you want your cinnamon rolls to taste closer to the traditional sweet dough version, you can modify the pizza dough slightly. Add 1-2 tablespoons of sugar to the dough when mixing the ingredients. This will sweeten the dough and make it more suitable for desserts.

Q4. Can I Freeze Cinnamon Rolls Made with Pizza Dough?

A. To freeze cinnamon rolls, place unbaked rolls on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, let rise 30-45 minutes at room temperature, and bake as directed. Alternatively, freeze baked rolls and thaw/reheat as needed. If you want to freeze baked rolls, let them cool completely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw, reheat: Oven (350°F, 5-10 min) or Microwave (10-20 sec/roll).

Q5. Can I Make Cinnamon Rolls with Whole Wheat Pizza Dough?

A. Absolutely! Whole wheat pizza dough works just as well and adds a nutty flavor and extra fiber to your cinnamon rolls. Just be aware that whole wheat dough is denser than regular dough, so the texture of your rolls will be slightly heartier.

Q6. What Other Fillings Can I Use?

A. The classic cinnamon and sugar filling is delicious, but you can get creative with other flavors too! Try adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts, dried fruits like raisins or cranberries, or even chocolate chips for a decadent twist. You can also substitute the cinnamon with other spices like cardamom or pumpkin pie spice for a unique flavor.

Tips for Making Perfect Cinnamon Rolls with Pizza Dough

• Let the Dough Rest: After rolling out the pizza dough, let it rest for a few minutes if it keeps springing back. Makes shaping simpler by relaxing gluten.
• Use Softened Butter: Spread softened butter evenly across the dough for the filling. If the butter is too cold or melted, it won’t distribute as evenly.
• Avoid Overfilling:  Don’t overfill with cinnamon-sugar mixture to prevent leakage.
• Roll Tightly: Tighten roll to prevent filling escape. This helps keep the layers intact and gives you nice, spiraled rolls.
• Experiment with Glazes: While a simple powdered sugar glaze works great, you can experiment with different flavors like cream cheese glaze or maple syrup glaze for added richness.

In conclusion, using pizza dough to make cinnamon rolls is not only possible but a wonderfully quick and delicious way to enjoy a sweet treat without all the extra effort. The slightly chewy texture of the pizza dough combined with the classic flavors of cinnamon, sugar, and butter creates a unique and satisfying dessert or breakfast option. Whether you’re pressed for time or just feeling adventurous in the kitchen, making cinnamon rolls with pizza dough is a fun twist on a classic recipe.

So, next time you have some pizza dough on hand, why not try transforming it into a batch of warm, gooey cinnamon rolls? Your family and friends will be pleasantly surprised by this creative and delightful treat. Happy baking!