Delicious Cruffins with Cinnamon

Flaky, Buttery & Loaded with Warm Spice

Cruffins are one of those delightful pastries that feel both familiar and exciting at the same time. By combining the buttery layers of a croissant with the soft, comforting shape of a muffin, cruffins offer the best of two beloved baked goods in a single bite. When filled with warm cinnamon sugar and baked until golden and crisp, they become an irresistible treat that works just as well for breakfast as it does for dessert.

These Delicious Cruffins with Cinnamon are designed to be approachable for home bakers of all skill levels. Instead of making laminated dough from scratch, this recipe uses refrigerated crescent roll dough, allowing you to achieve beautiful flaky layers without the time-consuming process traditionally associated with croissants. The result is a bakery-style pastry made right in your own kitchen, using simple ingredients and straightforward techniques.

What truly defines these cruffins is the cinnamon-sugar filling. As the dough bakes, the butter melts into the sugar and cinnamon, creating caramelized layers that are crisp on the outside and tender on the inside. A final roll in cinnamon sugar while the cruffins are still warm adds an extra layer of sweetness and spice, ensuring every bite is full of flavor.

In this article, you’ll learn not only how to prepare these cruffins step by step, but also why each technique matters, how to achieve the best texture, and how to store and serve them for maximum enjoyment. Whether you’re baking for guests, family, or yourself, these cinnamon cruffins are guaranteed to impress.

What Makes Cruffins Special?

Cruffins are a relatively modern pastry, yet they’ve quickly gained popularity due to their unique structure and versatility. The magic lies in the way the dough is shaped. By rolling, slicing, and coiling the dough, the layers are exposed and stacked in a way that allows them to crisp beautifully in the oven.

Unlike traditional muffins, cruffins rely on laminated layers rather than batter. Unlike croissants, they are baked upright in a muffin tin, which gives them height and structure. The result is a pastry that is crisp and flaky on the outside, soft and tender inside, and visually striking with its swirled layers.

Adding cinnamon sugar enhances the natural richness of the dough and butter, making these cruffins especially comforting and aromatic. The scent alone while they bake is enough to fill the kitchen with warmth and anticipation.

Ingredients

These ingredients work together to create the signature texture and flavor of cinnamon cruffins. Using them exactly as listed ensures consistent results.

• 3 tubes (227 g each) refrigerated crescent roll dough
  Forms the flaky, layered base of the cruffins.
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  Adds richness and helps the cinnamon sugar adhere to the dough.
• 200 grams granulated sugar
  Provides sweetness and helps create caramelized layers.
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  Adds warm spice and classic cinnamon flavor.

Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Lightly grease a standard 12-cup muffin tin with nonstick spray or butter. Proper greasing is important to ensure the cruffins release easily once baked.

Step 2: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar

In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon until evenly combined. Set aside. This mixture will be used both inside the cruffins and as a finishing coating.

Step 3: Unroll and Prepare the Dough

Unroll one tube of crescent roll dough onto a lightly floured surface, forming a rectangle. Carefully pinch together any perforations to create a solid sheet of dough. This step is crucial to prevent the filling from leaking during baking.

Step 4: Butter and Fill

Spread 2 tablespoons of softened butter evenly over the surface of the dough. Sprinkle a generous layer of the prepared cinnamon sugar over the buttered dough, covering it evenly from edge to edge.

Step 5: Roll the Dough

Starting from the short end of the rectangle, roll the dough tightly into a log. A tight roll ensures well-defined layers and better structure in the finished cruffins.

Step 6: Cut and Shape

Using a sharp knife, cut the log lengthwise in half, exposing the layered interior. With the cut sides facing outward, gently coil each half into a spiral shape. Place each spiral into a prepared muffin cup.

Step 7: Repeat

Repeat the buttering, filling, rolling, and shaping process with the remaining two tubes of crescent roll dough until all 12 muffin cups are filled.

Step 8: Bake

Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cruffins are golden brown, puffed, and fully cooked through. The exposed layers should look crisp and caramelized.

Step 9: Coat While Warm

While the cruffins are still warm, brush them lightly with melted butter. Roll each cruffin in the remaining cinnamon sugar until fully coated. This final step adds flavor and creates a slightly crunchy exterior.

Step 10: Cool and Serve

Allow the cruffins to cool slightly before serving. They can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.

Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Cruffins

• Seal the dough seams well to prevent filling from leaking.
• Roll tightly for distinct layers and better rise.
• Bake until deeply golden to ensure crispness.
• Coat while warm so the cinnamon sugar sticks properly.

Serving Suggestions

Delicious Cruffins with Cinnamon can be served in many ways:

• As a breakfast pastry with coffee or tea
• As a dessert with a warm beverage
• On a brunch table alongside fruit and yogurt
• As a sweet snack during the day

Their elegant appearance makes them suitable for both casual and special occasions.

Storage and Freshness

Storage

Store cooled cruffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 4 days.

Reheating

Warm briefly in the oven at 160°C (325°F) for a few minutes to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving, as it can soften the layers.

Nutritional Information (Per Cruffin)

• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 30mg

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is a cruffin?

A cruffin is a pastry that combines croissant-style laminated dough with the shape and baking method of a muffin.

Can I make cruffins ahead of time?

They are best enjoyed fresh, but can be baked a day ahead and reheated briefly before serving.

Why do I need to cut the dough lengthwise?

Cutting exposes the layers, allowing them to crisp and create the signature swirled look.

How do I prevent the cruffins from sticking?

Grease the muffin tin well and allow the cruffins to cool slightly before removing.

Are these suitable for beginners?

Yes. Using refrigerated crescent dough makes this recipe accessible and forgiving.

Conclusion

Delicious Cruffins with Cinnamon are a perfect example of how simple ingredients and clever techniques can create something truly special. With their flaky layers, buttery richness, and warm cinnamon sweetness, they deliver bakery-quality results without complicated preparation. Whether served for breakfast, dessert, or a special occasion, these cruffins offer comfort, elegance, and irresistible flavor in every bite.

This recipe is ideal for home bakers who want impressive results with minimal effort. Once you master the basic shaping technique, you’ll find yourself returning to this recipe again and again. Warm, fragrant, and beautifully layered, cinnamon cruffins are a treat that never fails to delight.

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