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Easy Pizza Roses for Valentine’s Day Recipe
Ash Tyrrell

Easy Pizza Roses for Valentine’s Day Recipe

I remember the first time I made these adorable Easy Pizza Roses for Valentine’s Day—my kitchen smelled like a cozy pizzeria and my heart was full. I had no idea such a cute, romantic snack could be so simple to pull together. These pizza roses are basically bite-sized bundles of cheesy goodness that make everyone smile.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz. crescent dough sheet – this ready-to-use dough bakes soft and fluffy while being easy to shape into roses.
  • 1/4 cup pizza sauce – use thick pizza sauce so the dough doesn’t get soggy while baking.
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – freshly grated mozzarella melts smoother and gives better cheese pull.
  • 5 oz. sliced pepperoni – classic pepperoni creates the rose-petal look and adds savory flavor.
  • 1/2 tsp fresh basil finely chopped – fresh basil adds brightness and aroma compared to dried herbs.
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder – enhances overall flavor without overpowering the pizza taste.
  • Optional for serving: extra pizza sauce or hot honey drizzle – perfect for dipping or adding sweet heat.

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven and lightly grease a muffin pan so nothing sticks later. Roll out the crescent dough sheet onto a clean surface and slice it into long strips about one inch wide. Even strips help roses bake evenly and look neat.
  2. Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce across each strip, keeping edges clean to avoid overflow. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly, then add basil and garlic powder for extra flavor. Too much sauce or cheese makes rolling difficult, so keep it light.
  3. Lay pepperoni slices slightly overlapping across the top half of each strip. Allow the rounded edges to extend slightly beyond the dough so they resemble flower petals after baking. This step creates the signature rose effect.
  4. Carefully roll each strip from one end into a spiral, keeping pepperoni exposed on top. Gently tighten the roll so it holds its shape without squeezing fillings out. You’ll notice it already looks like a mini flower.
  5. Place each rose into the muffin pan cups and bake until dough turns golden and cheese melts nicely. The aroma filling the kitchen is the best indicator they’re almost ready. Baking usually takes around 15–20 minutes.
  6. Allow roses to cool for a few minutes before removing them from the pan. This helps them firm up and prevents burns. Serve warm with extra sauce or a drizzle of hot honey for a fun flavor twist.

Notes

  • I always grate my own cheese because it melts smoother and tastes fresher.
  • I keep the sauce layer thin to avoid soggy dough.
  • I slightly overlap pepperoni for the best rose-petal appearance.
  • If tops brown too fast, I loosely cover the pan with foil while finishing baking.
  • I sometimes brush dough edges with garlic butter for extra flavor.