RECIPES • EASY FAMILY MEALS
All the flavors of pepperoni pizza, rolled up like cinnamon rolls with soft homemade dough, melted cheese, and savory Italian herbs.
If you love homemade pizza and cinnamon rolls, these pepperoni pizza rolls are such a fun way to combine the two!
Instead of a sweet cinnamon filling, soft homemade dough is rolled with pizza sauce, mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, and Italian seasoning. The rolls bake until golden on the outside and wonderfully cheesy in the middle.
They’re perfect for a quick lunch when prepared ahead, an after-school snack, a casual family dinner, or even a late-night treat.
MAKES
12 Rolls
PREP
25 Minutes
RISE
75–110 Min
BAKE
20–25 Min
🍕 Little Z’s Kitchen Note
These are like savory cinnamon rolls — soft, cheesy, and a little messy in the best homemade way. Serve them warm with extra pizza sauce for dipping.
WHAT YOU’LL NEED
Ingredients
Homemade Pizza Dough
- 1½ cups (320-330 ml) warm water
- 2 tsp rapid-rise or instant yeast
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 450 g bread flour or all-purpose flour, more to add if your dough is too wet
Pepperoni & Cheese Filling
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cups shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese
- 8 oz sliced pepperoni
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning, or to taste
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese, for topping
- Extra olive oil for brushing
Note: The mozzarella and seasoning quantities are suggested amounts. Adjust them to your preference. The dough is quite soft with 360 ml water, so lightly flour your hands when needed.
LET’S MAKE PIZZA ROLLS
Step-by-Step Instructions
01 • MAKE THE DOUGH
Mix & Knead
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1½ cups warm water and 2 teaspoons rapid-rise yeast. Let sit for about 5 minutes.
Add the olive oil, sugar, salt, and 450 g flour. Mix until a soft dough forms.
Knead for approximately 8–10 minutes, until the dough becomes smoother and elastic. The dough may remain slightly sticky.
Transfer to a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and allow to rise for 60–90 minutes, or until approximately doubled in size.
02 • PREPARE THE FILLING
Roll Out & Add the Toppings
Once the dough has risen, turn it onto a lightly floured surface and gently roll it into a large rectangle, approximately 12 × 18 inches.
Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Drizzle with the 2 tablespoons olive oil.
Sprinkle with Italian seasoning and a little black pepper. Add the mozzarella cheese and arrange the pepperoni evenly over the top.
Go lightly on extra salt because the pepperoni and cheese are already salty.
03 • ROLL
Cut Into Strips & Roll
Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, cut the topped dough into approximately 12 long strips.
Carefully roll each strip into a spiral, similar to a cinnamon roll, keeping the pepperoni and cheese tucked inside.
Place the rolls on a parchment-lined baking tray or in a lightly greased baking dish, leaving a little room between them.
04 • SECOND RISE
Brush, Sprinkle & Rest
Lightly brush the tops of the rolls with olive oil and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
Cover loosely and allow the rolls to rest for 15–20 minutes while the oven preheats.
This short second rise helps the dough become a little softer and puffier before baking.
05 • BAKE
Bake Until Golden & Cheesy
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bake for approximately 20–25 minutes, until the rolls are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbling.
The dough should be cooked through in the center. If the tops brown too quickly, loosely cover with foil while the centers finish baking.
Allow the rolls to rest for about 5 minutes before serving.
🍕 Serve Them Warm
These pepperoni pizza rolls are especially delicious while the mozzarella is still warm and melty. Serve with extra pizza sauce for dipping and a simple side salad or fresh fruit for an easy lunch.
LITTLE KITCHEN TIPS
Tips for Soft & Cheesy Pizza Rolls
Don’t overload with sauce.
Too much sauce can make the dough difficult to roll
and leave the centers soggy. Spread a thin layer
and save extra sauce for dipping.
Use low-moisture mozzarella.
It melts beautifully without adding too much water
to the filling.
Keep the dough soft.
Add only enough extra flour for handling. Too much
flour can make the rolls dense.
Let the rolls rest before eating.
The filling will be very hot straight from the oven,
so give them a few minutes to cool.
EASY MEAL PREP
Make-Ahead & Storage
These pizza rolls are great for making ahead. Once baked and cooled, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through, or use the microwave for a quicker snack.
You can also freeze the fully baked, cooled rolls for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen or thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
MAKE IT YOUR OWN
Easy Filling Variations
- Cheese pizza rolls: Skip the pepperoni and add extra mozzarella.
- Veggie pizza rolls: Add finely chopped, well-drained bell peppers or spinach.
- Three-cheese rolls: Combine mozzarella, Parmesan, and provolone.
- Spicy pepperoni rolls: Add crushed red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños.
A Little Homemade Pizza Joy
One of my favorite things about homemade food is turning simple ingredients into something a little more fun.
These pepperoni pizza rolls are soft, cheesy, comforting, and perfect for sharing around the table. Nothing fancy — just a little homemade goodness.
Simple days. Creative moments. Little joys.
Little Z’s Corner
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