If you love the irresistible charm of cinnamon and sugar swirled into buttery, flaky pastry, then you are going to adore this Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins Recipe. These delightful treats combine the best of croissants and muffins, delivering a warm, cinnamon-spiced hug in every bite. Perfectly golden and crisp on the outside with tender, layered goodness inside, they transform simple crescent roll dough into something truly special. Whether you’re baking for breakfast, brunch, or an anytime indulgence, this recipe promises a delightful experience that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is a breeze with this Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins Recipe. Each component plays an important role, from tenderizing the dough to adding that sweet, fragrant spice that makes these cruffins so memorable.
- 2 cans crescent roll dough: The flaky base that forms the perfect layers and structure of the cruffins.
- 2-3 Tbsp flour, for rolling: Keeps the dough from sticking and helps maintain that delicate texture.
- 2 Tbsp sugar: Adds pure sweetness and a grainy contrast in the sugar coating.
- 1 Tbsp light brown sugar: Brings depth with a subtle molasses flavor that complements the cinnamon beautifully.
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon: The star spice that infuses every layer with warm, aromatic bliss.
- 2 Tbsp butter, melted: Encourages flakiness and richness while helping the cinnamon sugar cling perfectly.
How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the ideal temperature for baking your cruffins evenly so they puff up golden and perfect.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
Open your cans of crescent roll dough and gently unroll them onto a well-floured surface. Gently press the seams to seal any perforations and create two solid sheets of dough—no holes allowed!
Step 3: Mix the Cinnamon Sugar
In a small bowl, combine the sugar, light brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. Whisk until evenly mixed, creating a fragrant and sweet cinnamon blend that will coat your cruffins beautifully.
Step 4: Butter and Sugar the First Dough Layer
Brush a thin, even layer of the melted butter over one sheet of dough. Then sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture generously across the surface, making sure every inch is covered for maximum flavor.
Step 5: Layer the Dough Sheets
Place the second sheet of crescent roll dough right on top of the sugared layer, aligning the edges carefully. This layering helps create those signature flaky folds inside your cruffins.
Step 6: Slice and Roll
Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the stacked dough into long strips. Take each strip and roll it up tightly, mimicking the look and feel of a cinnamon roll but with a crisper edge.
Step 7: Dip and Coat the Rolls
Dip each rolled strip into the remaining melted butter, then roll it generously in the leftover cinnamon sugar mix. This coating will caramelize during baking, giving your cruffins that gorgeous golden crunch.
Step 8: Arrange in Muffin Tin
Lightly grease a muffin tin with cooking spray. Place each rolled cruffin into a muffin cup, making sure they’re snug but not crowded to allow puffing as they bake.
Step 9: Bake to Perfection
Bake your cruffins in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes until they are puffed, golden brown, and irresistibly inviting with that amazing buttery scent filling your kitchen.
Step 10: Cool and Enjoy
Once baked, remove the cruffins from the oven and let them cool slightly. They’re best served warm, when the layers are tender, and the sugar glistens just so. Prepare to indulge!
How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins Recipe, dust them lightly with powdered sugar or drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk. A small dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of chopped nuts adds texture and flair.
Side Dishes
Pair these cruffins with fresh berries or a side of buttery scrambled eggs for a balanced breakfast treat. They also shine alongside a cup of rich coffee or spiced chai, making any morning feel special.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your cruffins stacked on a rustic wooden board with little bowls of jam or honey for dipping. You could even slice one open and spread with cream cheese frosting for a decadent twist on this already delightful recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover cruffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This helps preserve their flaky texture and sweet cinnamon flavor without drying out.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these cruffins later, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They freeze beautifully for up to one month and thaw quickly when ready to eat.
Reheating
To bring your cruffins back to life, warm them in a 325°F oven for about 5-7 minutes, or zap in the microwave for 20 seconds. This restores their soft interior and crispy exterior, making them taste fresh out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I use homemade dough instead of crescent roll dough?
Absolutely! If you have a favorite puff pastry or croissant dough recipe, feel free to use it. Just be aware that homemade dough may require a slightly different baking time.
What makes a cruffin different from a cinnamon roll?
Cruffins combine the flaky layering of croissants with the swirl and baking style of muffins, resulting in a lighter, crispier texture than a classic cinnamon roll.
Can I add fillings like cream cheese or fruit inside the cruffins?
Yes! Adding fillings can be a delicious variation. Just spread a thin layer of cream cheese or small pieces of fruit before rolling the dough strips for an extra surprise inside.
Is it necessary to use melted butter on both the inside and outside?
Using melted butter inside helps the cinnamon sugar stick and creates layers, while brushing the outside before coating creates that perfect golden, caramelized finish.
How do I prevent the cruffins from sticking to the muffin tin?
Greasing the muffin tin well or using paper liners will ensure your cruffins release easily after baking without breaking apart.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited as I am about trying this Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins Recipe. It’s an easy, delightful way to bring a bit of bakery magic into your kitchen with simple ingredients and fun steps. These cruffins are truly a crowd-pleaser, ideal for cozy mornings or special gatherings. So grab your dough and cinnamon sugar and get ready to bake something utterly scrumptious—you won’t regret it!
Print
Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins combine the flaky texture of croissants with the shape and convenience of muffins. Made from crescent roll dough, they are rolled with a delicious cinnamon sugar filling, baked until golden and coated in buttery cinnamon sugar for a sweet, indulgent breakfast or snack treat.
Ingredients
Dough
- 2 cans crescent roll dough
- 2–3 Tbsp flour, for rolling
- 2 Tbsp butter, melted
Cinnamon Sugar Filling and Coating
- 2 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp light brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure an even baking temperature for your cruffins.
- Prepare Dough: Open both cans of crescent roll dough and carefully unroll them on a floured surface. Press the seams together so the dough forms two fully connected sheets with no visible perforations.
- Mix Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, light brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until well combined to create the filling mixture.
- Add Filling: Brush a thin, even layer of the melted butter over one sheet of dough. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the buttered surface.
- Layer Dough: Place the second sheet of crescent dough directly on top of the sugar-coated layer, aligning edges to create a neat stack.
- Slice and Roll: Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the stacked dough into long strips. Roll each strip up tightly into a spiral, resembling a cinnamon roll shape.
- Dip and Coat: Dip each rolled dough strip into the remaining melted butter, then roll it in the leftover cinnamon sugar mixture to coat the exterior fully.
- Arrange in Muffin Tin: Grease a muffin tin with cooking spray. Place each coated rolled dough strip into individual muffin cups, ensuring they are spaced evenly.
- Bake Cruffins: Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the cruffins have risen, puffed, and turned golden brown on top.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the muffin tin from the oven and allow the cruffins to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them warm for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use fresh cinnamon for the most aromatic flavor.
- Ensure the dough sheets are firmly pressed together to prevent separating while rolling.
- For a crispier exterior, brush additional melted butter and sprinkle cinnamon sugar after baking while still warm.
- Serve warm or at room temperature; leftovers can be reheated in the oven for a crisp finish.
- Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter for clean, even slices to make rolling easier.
