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If you’ve ever dreamed of merging the flaky, buttery layers of a croissant with the sweet, comforting warmth of a cinnamon roll, then the Cinnamon Sugar Cruffin Recipe is about to become your new obsession. This ingenious treat delivers a delightful swirl of cinnamon and sugar wrapped in tender, crisp dough that practically melts in your mouth, making it a perfect breakfast indulgence or an irresistible dessert. Whether you’re serving them up for a special brunch or just satisfying a sweet craving, these cruffins blend simplicity and decadence in the most charming way.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cinnamon Sugar Cruffin Recipe comes together with surprisingly simple ingredients, each playing a crucial role in creating that perfect balance of texture and flavor. From the buttery crescent roll dough that gives you delicate layers, to the cinnamon and sugar blend adding that signature sweet-spicy kick, every component matters.
- Crescent roll sheets: Using refrigerated dough saves time, and the buttery, flaky texture is essential for authentic cruffins.
- Unsalted butter: Softened butter spreads evenly for rich flavor and helps the cinnamon sugar stick perfectly.
- Granulated sugar: Provides that classic crunch and sweetness when combined with cinnamon.
- Ground cinnamon: Adds warm, aromatic spice that’s the heart of every cruffin.
- Nonstick cooking spray: Keeps your muffin tin ready for easy release without losing a crumb.
How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Cruffin Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lightly spraying a 12-cup muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray. This step ensures your cruffins will bake evenly and slide out effortlessly once golden and ready.
Step 2: Roll Out the Dough
Unroll each crescent roll sheet onto a lightly floured surface, gently stretching to create a 12 by 16-inch rectangle. If your dough has perforated seams, pinch them closed so your cinnamon sugar filling stays put during baking.
Step 3: Butter and Cinnamon Sugar Spread
Spread 2 tablespoons of softened butter evenly over each dough sheet, making sure every inch is coated. Then, whisk together your cinnamon and sugar in a small bowl, sprinkling about a quarter cup of this mixture over each buttered sheet. Press it gently into the dough to help it adhere, while reserving some cinnamon sugar for the finishing touch.
Step 4: Roll and Slice
Starting from the long edge, roll each dough sheet tightly into a log. Cut each log in half, then cut those halves lengthwise into quarters, resulting in four thin strips from each half. Repeat this with all three dough sheets to yield twelve strips total.
Step 5: Shape Each Cruffin
Working carefully so the cinnamon sugar layers stay visible, roll each dough strip into a tight cinnamon roll shape. Tuck the dough’s end underneath to keep the spirals neat and secure for baking.
Step 6: Place in Muffin Tin and Bake
Arrange each rolled cruffin in your prepared muffin tin, spacing evenly. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes until they turn a beautiful golden brown and you can smell that irresistible cinnamon aroma filling your kitchen.
Step 7: Final Cinnamon Sugar Coating
Right after baking, while the cruffins are still warm, roll each one in your reserved cinnamon sugar mixture. This extra coating adds a delightful crunch and boosts the cinnamon flavor, sealing the deal on this heavenly treat.
How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Cruffin Recipe
Garnishes
For a touch of elegance, dust your cruffins with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar or drizzle them with a simple vanilla glaze. Fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream on the side also make gorgeous, flavor-boosting options.
Side Dishes
Serve these cruffins alongside a steaming cup of coffee or spiced chai tea for a cozy breakfast experience. They also pair wonderfully with fresh fruit salad or a creamy yogurt parfait for a balanced morning spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For brunch parties, arrange cruffins in a circular pattern on a large platter and place a small bowl of honey or maple syrup in the center for dipping. You can also stack them in a tiered cake stand to make a stunning centerpiece that guests will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover cruffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days without losing their soft, flaky charm. They stay delicious and make a perfect grab-and-go snack or breakfast.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, wrap each cruffin tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-baked warmth, pop your cruffin in a 325°F oven for about 5 to 7 minutes. Microwaving works too but can soften the flaky layers slightly; toaster ovens are a great middle ground for restoring that crisp exterior.
FAQs
Can I use homemade croissant dough instead of crescent roll sheets?
Absolutely! Homemade croissant dough will elevate the flakiness and buttery richness, but it requires more time and skill. Using refrigerated crescent rolls keeps this Cinnamon Sugar Cruffin Recipe quick and accessible without sacrificing taste.
What if I don’t have a muffin tin? Can I bake these cruffins differently?
A muffin tin is ideal for shaping the cruffins, but if you don’t have one, try using a shallow baking dish and arrange the rolled strips close together so they hold their shape as they bake.
Can I add fillings like cream cheese or nuts inside my cruffins?
Yes! Spread a thin layer of softened cream cheese or sprinkle chopped nuts over the cinnamon sugar before rolling for extra flavor and texture. Just remember, too much filling may make rolling tricky.
How do I prevent the dough from sticking when rolling?
Lightly flour your work surface and rolling pin, and make sure the butter is softened but not melting. Pinching perforations closed in the dough keeps everything intact and easier to handle.
Are these cruffins best eaten warm or at room temperature?
They’re delightful either way! Freshly baked and warm, the layers are irresistibly tender and buttery, but they also taste fantastic at room temperature and make a perfect snack anytime.
Final Thoughts
Trying the Cinnamon Sugar Cruffin Recipe is like giving yourself a little gift of pure joy wrapped in layers of cinnamon-sprinkled delight. It’s simple to make, beautifully impressive, and utterly delicious—a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that you’ll find yourself craving again and again. So go ahead, bake a batch and share the love; your kitchen (and taste buds) will thank you!
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Cinnamon Sugar Cruffin Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
Description
Cruffins are a delightful hybrid pastry combining the flaky layers of a croissant with the shape and size of a muffin. This recipe uses crescent roll dough to create buttery, cinnamon-sugar-coated treats baked in a muffin tin, perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack.
Ingredients
Pastry Dough
- 3 tubes (8 ounces each) refrigerated crescent roll sheets
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened and divided
Coating
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare muffin tin: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a standard 12-cup muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray and set it aside to prepare for baking the cruffins.
- Roll out dough: On a lightly floured surface, unroll each tube of crescent roll dough and gently roll it out into a 12×16-inch rectangle. If using perforated crescent dough, pinch seams well to seal them.
- Butter the dough: Spread 2 tablespoons of softened butter evenly over the entire surface of each dough sheet to ensure a rich buttery flavor and flakiness in the final product.
- Mix cinnamon sugar: In a small bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon until fully combined to create the sweet, spiced coating for the cruffins.
- Sprinkle cinnamon sugar: Evenly sprinkle ¼ cup of the cinnamon-sugar mixture on top of each buttered dough sheet, pressing it gently into the dough to help it adhere and infuse flavor.
- Roll dough into logs: Starting from the long edge, tightly roll each dough sheet into a log shape to create multiple layers ready for slicing into portions.
- Cut logs into sections: Cut each dough log in half to create two shorter logs, then cut each shorter log lengthwise into halves, yielding four long sections per dough sheet.
- Repeat for all sheets: Perform the rolling and cutting process with all three dough sheets, resulting in a total of 12 dough sections.
- Shape the cruffins: Take each dough section and carefully roll it up with the layered side facing outward into a cinnamon roll shape, tucking in the ends to secure the spiral.
- Place in muffin tin: Arrange each rolled cruffin section into the prepared muffin tin cups, spacing them evenly.
- Bake: Bake the cruffins in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes or until they are puffed up and golden brown on top, indicating they are cooked through and flaky.
- Coat with remaining cinnamon sugar: Immediately after removing the cruffins from the oven, roll each one in the reserved cinnamon sugar mixture to add an extra layer of sweetness and crunch.
Notes
- For best results, ensure the dough is rolled evenly to guarantee uniform baking.
- Pinch seam edges well if using perforated crescent dough sheets to prevent filling leaks.
- Serve cruffins warm for the most enjoyable flaky texture and buttery flavor.
- Store leftover cruffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days; reheat gently before serving.
- Optionally, add cream cheese frosting or glaze for a sweeter finish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast Pastry
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
