Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins Recipe

Meet your new favorite treat: Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins! This recipe is pure magic when you want something sweet, buttery, and wonderfully flaky—without spending half your evening in the kitchen. Cruffins are a cross between a croissant and a muffin, and they deliver everything you crave: layers of soft pastry, swirls of warm cinnamon, and a sugary crunch all wrapped up in a perfectly handheld muffin form. With store-bought crescent roll dough and a handful of pantry staples, you’ll whip up bakery-style goodness that’s ideal for breakfasts, afternoon treats, or even impressive last-minute desserts.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Fuss-Free: No need to knead or wait for dough to rise—canned crescent roll dough does all the heavy lifting, letting you focus on the fun part.
• Big on Flavor: Buttery layers, the gentle warmth of cinnamon, and just the right amount of caramelized sugar in every bite.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Serve these at brunch, bring them to a potluck, or keep them as an afternoon pick-me-up. Expect empty plates!
• Perfect for Busy Days: From start to finish, you’ll spend less than an hour in the kitchen—most of it hands-off while the oven does its magic.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Crescent Roll Dough: The shortcut hero—pre-made for flakiness and layers, with no rolling pin hassle. Tip: Use a little flour to keep it from sticking when you roll it out!
• Butter: Melted, for brushing onto the dough and dipping before baking—this is what gives the cruffins their unrivaled richness.
• Sugar & Light Brown Sugar: Both for sweetness—the combo brings depth, with brown sugar lending that irresistible caramel note.
• Ground Cinnamon: The star of the show, adding warmth and cozy spice—don’t skimp here!
• Flour: For dusting your surface so the dough is easy to handle and doesn’t stick.
• Cooking Spray or Butter: For greasing the muffin tin, ensuring every cruffin pops out with beautiful, crisp edges.

Note: You can sprinkle extra cinnamon sugar on top for more texture and flavor.

Variations

Looking to shake things up? Cruffins are all about improvisation! Try these tasty riffs:

• Chocolate Lovers: Add mini chocolate chips before rolling for a gooey surprise.
• Fruit Swirl: A thin layer of your favorite fruit preserves or jam gives a pop of tartness.
• Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans, walnuts, or even toasted almonds over the cinnamon sugar.
• Frosted Finish: Drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk, or even spread a dab of cream cheese frosting.

Don’t be afraid to mix in your personal favorites—the dough is your blank canvas!

How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins

Step 1: Prep and Preheat

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C). Grab your muffin tin and generously coat each cup with cooking spray or melted butter so those cruffins slide out perfectly.

Step 2: Unroll the Dough

Open both cans of crescent roll dough. On a floured surface, lay them out and gently pinch the seams closed so they form two big rectangles with no perforations.

Step 3: Layer on the Goodness

Brush one rectangle with a little melted butter. Sprinkle half the cinnamon-sugar mixture all over.

Step 4: Stack and Slice

Lay the second rectangle of dough on top, pressing lightly to make a sandwich. Pat the top with a bit more flour.

Slice the sandwiched dough vertically into long strips (about 1–1.5 inches wide is ideal).

Step 5: Roll and Dip

Take each strip and roll it up, cinnamon-roll style. Dip each rolled cruffin briefly in the remaining melted butter, then roll in the leftover cinnamon sugar for a craggy, crispy coating.

Step 6: Muffin Tin Time

Nestle each roll into a prepared muffin tin space. Let the loose ends face upward for that signature “cruffin” spiral.

Step 7: Bake!

Slide the tin into your oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the cruffins are golden brown and crisp on the outside.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Let them cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer to a rack or plate. They’re best warm, but good luck waiting!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Seal the Dough Well: Press those seams closed completely to prevent the filling from leaking out and ensure maximum flakiness inside.
• Don’t Overbake: Pull the cruffins once they’re golden, not dark brown—keeping them just right means soft, tender centers.
• Work Quickly with Warm Butter: Brushing on butter while it’s still warm means it seeps into all the layers, creating that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Double Batch for a Crowd: These go fast! Consider doubling the recipe for larger gatherings.

How to Serve

Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins are incredibly versatile. Serve them:

• Warm: Right out of the oven is best—layers are steaming, and the coating’s extra crisp.
• Dusted with Powdered Sugar: For added sweetness and that bakery look.
• As Part of a Brunch Spread: Pair with fresh fruit, scrambled eggs, and maybe a cup of coffee or tea.
• With a Sweet Drizzle: Honey or a light vanilla glaze turns them into a dessert-worthy finale.

Pair with a steaming mug of chai, a rich hot chocolate, or your favorite coffee for an unbeatable combo.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store cruffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They’ll keep in the fridge for 3–4 days, but the texture is best at room temp.

Freezing

Cruffins freeze beautifully! Place completely cooled cruffins in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months. To serve, just thaw at room temperature or warm gently (see below).

Reheating

Reheat in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5 minutes or until warmed through. A microwave works in a pinch—just 10–15 seconds will do the trick for each cruffin.

FAQs

Can I use puff pastry instead of crescent roll dough?
Absolutely! Puff pastry creates an even flakier texture, though the flavor will be slightly different. Be sure to adjust your rolling and baking time as puff pastry can brown quickly.

How can I keep the cruffins soft for longer?
Store them tightly covered once cooled to help maintain moisture. If they start to get a bit dry, a quick warm-up in the microwave with a cup of water inside (for steam) can help freshen them.

Do I have to use a muffin tin?
A muffin tin gives these treats their distinctive shape and prevents spreading, but in a pinch, you can use a ramekin or mini loaf pan—just watch the bake time.

Is it possible to prepare these ahead for a party?
Certainly! Assemble and roll out your cruffins, then place them in the muffin tin, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, bake as directed for fresh, warm pastries.

Final Thoughts

If you’re in the mood for something special but dread complicated baking, give these Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins a try. With just a few easy steps and familiar ingredients, you’ll get layers of golden, sugary delight that are sure to become a household favorite. Don’t be shy—experiment, make them your own, and enjoy every sweet, buttery bite!

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