Easy Pizza Cupcakes

Section: Healthy and Delicious Snack Ideas

These easy pizza cupcakes start with buttery crescent dough pressed into muffin tins, creating individual crusts. Each is layered with garlic powder, mozzarella cheese, pizza sauce, and Italian seasoning, topped with mini pepperoni or your favorites. Baked until golden and bubbly, they are perfect warm snacks or appetizers. Customizable with mushrooms, sausage, or olives, these handheld bites are great for parties, quick meals, or kid-friendly treats, offering a crispy crust and gooey center every time.

A woman wearing a chef's hat and apron.
Brought to You By iman
Last updated on Sat, 27 Sep 2025 00:08:36 GMT
A plate of pepperoni muffin cupcakes. Bookmark
A plate of pepperoni muffin cupcakes. | imaninthekitchen.com

Easy Pizza Cupcakes transform classic pizza flavors into playful bitesized treats perfect for parties, snacks, or quick meals. Using crescent roll dough pressed into muffin tins, each cup is layered with pizza sauce, mozzarella, a hint of garlic, Italian seasoning, and your favorite toppings before baking to golden perfection. These cupcakes deliver all the comfort of pizza in a fun, handheld form that is ready in just 20 minutes.

I remember the first time I made these for my daughter’s birthday party they literally disappeared before I could have one myself and even the adults kept coming back for seconds

Ingredients

  • Crescent roll dough: gives a soft buttery crust that bakes quickly to a golden finish look for dough that is fresh and keep it chilled until ready to use for easier handling
  • Nonstick cooking spray: ensures the mini pizzas do not stick and helps the crust edges crisp nicely
  • Pizza sauce: brings classic tomato flavor choose a thick sauce for best results and to avoid soggy cupcakes
  • Mozzarella cheese: delivers that melty stretchy bite fresh preshredded works well for minimal prep
  • Mini pepperoni slices or your favorite toppings: add a savory punch try different toppings like mushrooms sausage or olives to keep it interesting
  • Garlic powder: adds an aromatic kick sprinkle lightly for a subtle yet essential flavor
  • Italian seasoning: provides the familiar pizzeria flavor look for blends with oregano basil and thyme for balanced taste

Instructions

Prep the Pan:
Spray eight muffin tin cups generously with nonstick spray to prevent sticking and make removing the cupcakes easy once baked
Shape the Dough:
Separate crescent dough into eight triangles then flatten each piece slightly with your hands and press into the muffin tin cups creating mini crusts that come up the sides for perfect edges
Season and Add Cheese:
Sprinkle a pinch of garlic powder into each dough cup to add flavor then add a small handful of shredded mozzarella on the bottom starting the cheesy layers which will melt and blend with the sauce
Sauce Up:
Spoon one tablespoon of pizza sauce into each cup spreading it gently over the cheese layer so the sauce is evenly distributed but not too much to cause sogginess
Cheese and Toppings:
Top each with more mozzarella then sprinkle Italian seasoning over the cheese followed by mini pepperoni slices or your chosen toppings arranging them evenly for balanced flavor and appearance
Bake:
Place the muffin tin in a preheated oven for ten minutes until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly watch them carefully so the edges do not overbake or burn
Rest and Remove:
Allow the pizza cupcakes to sit in the tin for two to three minutes after baking this resting period helps them set so they hold their shape when you carefully lift them out with a spoon or offset spatula
Serve Warm:
Enjoy these cupcakes right away for the best gooey cheese experience their handheld size makes them perfect for dipping into marinara or ranch and sharing at any gathering
A muffin tin filled with pepperoni and cheese.
A muffin tin filled with pepperoni and cheese. | imaninthekitchen.com

My favorite part is always the golden crusty edges where the dough crisps up against the muffin tin my nephew once called them pizza muffins and now that name has stuck in our house as an affectionate term

Storage Tips

Let pizza cupcakes cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the fridge for three to four days Reheat in the oven or toaster oven at three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through to keep the crust crispy Avoid microwaving for too long as that makes them soft

Ingredient Substitutions

If crescent dough is unavailable use biscuit dough or pizza dough sheets cut to fit the muffin tin cups For a vegetarian version swap pepperoni with diced bell peppers mushrooms or olives Try dairy-free cheeses and plant-based meats for allergy-friendly alternatives

Serving Suggestions

Serve alongside warm marinara or ranch dressing for dipping Add fresh herbs like chopped basil or parsley right before serving to brighten the flavors These cupcakes also pair well with a crisp salad making them excellent for lunch or a party appetizer

A plate of muffin cupcakes with pepperoni toppings.
A plate of muffin cupcakes with pepperoni toppings. | imaninthekitchen.com

These pizza cupcakes are a fun handheld twist on a classic and are perfect for parties or quick family meals. Serve warm with dipping sauce and enjoy.

Common Questions About the Recipe

→ Can I use homemade dough instead of crescent dough?

Yes, homemade pizza dough works well. Simply cut and shape portions to fit the muffin cups.

→ How can I prevent the dough from sticking?

Generously grease the muffin tin with non-stick spray to ensure easy removal of the pizza cups.

→ Are there other topping ideas besides pepperoni?

You can add mushrooms, sausage, olives, peppers, or any toppings you love for variety.

→ Should pizza cupcakes cool before serving?

Let them rest a few minutes after baking to help them hold shape and to make removal easier.

→ Can these be frozen for later?

Yes, cool completely, wrap individually, freeze, and warm in the oven when ready to enjoy.

Easy Pizza Cupcakes

Mini pizza cups made with crescent dough, melty cheese, and zesty toppings baked until golden brown.

Prep Time
10 minutes
Cooking Time
10 minutes
Total Time
20 minutes
Brought to You By: iman

Recipe Category: Snack Recipes

Skill Level: Great for Beginners

Cuisine Origin: American

Portions: 8 Serves (8 mini pizza cupcakes)

Diet Preferences: Vegetarian-Friendly

What You'll Need

→ Dough and Base

01 1 package (8 ounces) crescent roll dough
02 Non-stick cooking spray, as needed

→ Sauce and Seasoning

03 8 tablespoons pizza sauce
04 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
05 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning

→ Cheese and Toppings

06 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
07 24 mini pepperoni slices or preferred toppings

Steps to Follow

Step 01

Generously spray eight cups of a muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking and facilitate easy removal.

Step 02

Separate crescent roll dough into eight triangles, flatten each piece, and press into the prepared muffin cups, ensuring the dough comes up along the sides to form mini crusts.

Step 03

Sprinkle a pinch of garlic powder into each dough-lined cup, then add approximately one tablespoon of shredded mozzarella cheese to the bottom as the first layer.

Step 04

Spoon one tablespoon of pizza sauce over the cheese in each cup, spreading gently to avoid sogginess.

Step 05

Add another layer of mozzarella cheese on top of the sauce, sprinkle Italian seasoning evenly, and arrange mini pepperoni slices or alternative toppings as desired.

Step 06

Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for 10 minutes or until the crusts are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Monitor closely to prevent overbaking.

Step 07

Allow the cups to rest in the tin for 2 to 3 minutes after baking to set, then gently remove using a spoon or offset spatula.

Step 08

Serve immediately to enjoy gooey cheese and crisp crusts; ideal for dipping and sharing as a snack or appetizer.

Additional Notes

  1. For crisper bottoms, sprinkle a small amount of grated Parmesan cheese in each muffin cup before adding dough.
  2. Cooling the cupcakes in the pan for a few minutes ensures they hold their shape and lift easily from the tin.

Must-Have Tools

  • Muffin tin
  • Oven
  • Offset spatula or spoon

Allergy Details

Always inspect ingredient packaging for allergens, and consult a healthcare provider if you're unsure.
  • Contains dairy and gluten

Nutritional Details (Per Portion)

Nutritional info is purely informational and not a substitute for medical advice.
  • Calories: 180
  • Fats: 10.7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 15.5 g
  • Proteins: 8.2 g