If you love the cozy comfort of cinnamon rolls but crave something a little more playful, the Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins Recipe is about to become your new favorite treat. These cruffins blend the irresistible swirl of cinnamon sugar with the flakiness of puff pastry, creating a treat that’s equal parts golden, buttery, and delightfully crisp on the outside. While they feel bakery-special, you’ll be amazed at how simply they come together, making them perfect for spur-of-the-moment brunches or sweet snacks with your afternoon coffee.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe is how a few everyday ingredients combine to make something extraordinary. Each plays a starring role in taste and texture, ensuring your Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins Recipe comes out melt-in-your-mouth delicious every time.
- Puff pastry sheet (thawed): This is the secret to those buttery, flaky layers that make cruffins so special.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Adds rich flavor and helps the cinnamon sugar cling beautifully to every bite.
- Granulated sugar: Not only sweetens but also contributes to the delightfully crisp texture on the outside.
- Ground cinnamon: The classic warming spice that infuses each roll with a comforting, aromatic kick.
- Vanilla extract (optional): Adds a subtle depth and complexity to the cinnamon sugar swirl.
- Additional melted butter: Brushed on after baking for that glorious shine and extra richness.
- Extra cinnamon sugar for coating: Gives the final cruffin an irresistible, sparkling sugary finish.
How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Muffin Tin and Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and greasing a muffin tin generously. This step ensures your cruffins won’t stick and will pop right out, keeping those beautiful layers intact—no torn pastries here!
Step 2: Mix the Cinnamon Sugar Filling
In a small bowl, stir together the granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract if you’re using it. This fragrant mixture is the heart of the Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins Recipe, filling each spiral with sweetness and spice.
Step 3: Prep the Puff Pastry
Unroll your thawed puff pastry onto a lightly floured surface. Use a pastry brush to cover it all over with melted butter—don’t be shy! The butter helps the cinnamon sugar mixture adhere and gives each layer that luscious flavor.
Step 4: Sprinkle, Roll, and Slice
Evenly sprinkle your cinnamon sugar mix across the buttered pastry, right to the edges. Starting from a short edge, tightly roll the pastry into a snug log. Now, with a sharp knife, slice the log lengthwise so those gorgeous layers are revealed, turning ordinary dough into something special.
Step 5: Shape and Bake
Take each half and gently coil it into a spiral (like a cinnamon roll), keeping the cut sides visible for maximum flakiness. Drop each into your prepared muffin cups, then bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the cruffins are puffed, golden, and your kitchen smells heavenly.
Step 6: Finish with Extra Buttery Cinnamon Sugar
Let the cruffins cool just long enough to handle. Then brush them with more melted butter and roll in extra cinnamon sugar. This final touch gives the Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins Recipe the most irresistible crunch and sparkle.
How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins Recipe
Garnishes
For an easy yet stunning finish, try a dusting of powdered sugar or a delicate glaze drizzled over the top. A sprinkle of orange zest can add a pop of color and a little citrus kick that balances the sweetness beautifully.
Side Dishes
Serve your Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins Recipe alongside fresh berries, a dollop of whipped cream, or a scoop of your favorite vanilla Greek yogurt. For breakfast, pair with eggs and fruit, or keep it sweeter with coffee and a fruit salad.
Creative Ways to Present
Cruffins look gorgeous stacked on a rustic cake stand or nestled in a linen-lined basket. You can even wrap each one in parchment or tie them up with kitchen twine for wrapping up and gifting—guaranteed to brighten someone’s day.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover cruffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. While they’re at their best fresh, they’ll still be delicious on day two—just slightly less crisp around the edges.
Freezing
To freeze, let the Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins Recipe cool completely. Wrap each cruffin individually in plastic wrap, then tuck them into a freezer bag. They’ll keep beautifully for up to one month, ready whenever that cinnamon craving strikes.
Reheating
For that “just-baked” taste, pop cruffins in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5–8 minutes straight from the freezer or 2–3 minutes from room temperature. They’ll come out warm, flaky, and just as dreamy as when first made.
FAQs
Can I use homemade dough instead of store-bought puff pastry?
Absolutely! If you love making dough from scratch, a simple yeasted dough or croissant dough works well, though the prep time will be a bit longer. It adds even more rich, buttery layers but still delivers the signature cinnamon-sugar swirl.
What’s the difference between a cruffin and a cinnamon roll?
Cruffins, like in the Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins Recipe, use puff pastry or croissant dough for multiple flaky layers, while cinnamon rolls are made from a softer, bread-like yeast dough. Both are delicious but offer a different texture and bite.
Do I have to use vanilla extract in the filling?
Nope! Vanilla is totally optional. It does add a lovely flavor boost, but your cruffins will still turn out sweet, spicy, and delicious without it. Don’t be afraid to experiment with flavors that you love.
Can I add other spices or fillings?
Go for it! Try adding a pinch of nutmeg, cardamom, or even a handful of chopped nuts or mini chocolate chips to the cinnamon sugar mixture for a personalized touch. The Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins Recipe is super adaptable to your taste.
How do I keep the cruffins from sticking to the muffin tin?
Grease your muffin tin really well with butter or nonstick spray, or use parchment muffin liners for extra insurance. This way, the flaky pastry comes out of the tin easily and looks picture-perfect every time.
Final Thoughts
If you’re in the mood to wow friends, family, or simply treat yourself, don’t hesitate to whip up this Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins Recipe. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, these cruffins are sure to charm anyone who takes a bite—get ready for them to disappear fast!
Print
Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 cruffins
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful combination of cinnamon and sugar with these homemade cruffins made from puff pastry. These flaky pastries are a cross between croissants and muffins, making them a perfect treat for breakfast or dessert.
Ingredients
Puff Pastry:
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)
Cinnamon Sugar Mix:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- Additional melted butter for brushing
- Extra cinnamon sugar for coating
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a muffin tin.
- Mix Cinnamon Sugar: Combine sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract in a bowl.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: Roll out puff pastry, brush with melted butter, and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.
- Roll and Cut: Roll the pastry into a log, slice lengthwise, and roll each half into a spiral.
- Bake: Place rolls in muffin cups and bake for 18–22 minutes until golden.
- Finish: Cool slightly, brush with butter, and coat in more cinnamon sugar before serving.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, consider using croissant dough or adding nutmeg to the cinnamon sugar mix.
- Best served warm on the day they’re baked.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cruffin
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
