Delicious Cruffins with Cinnamon have completely transformed my weekend baking routine! These heavenly hybrid pastries combine the buttery layers of a croissant with the shape and cinnamon-sugar coating of a muffin. The first time I pulled a batch from my oven, the aroma of warm cinnamon filled my kitchen and instantly transported me back to my grandmother’s bakery visits. There’s something magical about breaking into that first cruffin—hearing the delicate crackle of the flaky exterior while revealing the soft, swirled interior. If you’ve been enjoying my cinnamon roll cookies, these cruffins will absolutely steal your heart!
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Recipe
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Delicious Cruffins with Cinnamon
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 cruffins
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These delicious cinnamon cruffins combine the best of a croissant and a muffin—crispy on the outside, soft and buttery inside, and swirled with sweet cinnamon sugar. They look bakery-fancy but are surprisingly easy using store-bought dough. Perfect for brunch, dessert, or impressing weekend guests!
Ingredients
🟡 Ingredients:
1 can refrigerated crescent roll or puff pastry dough
3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a muffin tin.
2. Unroll dough on a lightly floured surface and press seams together.
3. Brush entire surface with melted butter.
4. Mix cinnamon and sugar in a small bowl, then sprinkle evenly over dough.
5. Roll up dough tightly (like a jelly roll) from the short side.
6. Cut roll lengthwise to expose layers, then roll each half into a spiral, cinnamon side out.
7. Place spirals cut-side up in muffin tin.
8. Bake for 18–22 minutes until golden and crisp.
9. Cool slightly, then dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
For extra decadence, add a cinnamon glaze or cream cheese drizzle.
Store in an airtight container up to 3 days—reheat in oven for crispiness.
Use puff pastry for flakier layers, crescent dough for softness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-American
Why You’ll Love These Delicious Cruffins with Cinnamon
Perfect Balance of Textures
The shatteringly crisp exterior gives way to pillowy-soft, buttery layers inside—it’s texture heaven in every bite! I still remember the first time I made these for my sister’s birthday brunch; everyone fell silent as they took their first bites, then erupted in delighted “mmms.” The laminated dough creates those distinct layers that pull apart so satisfyingly between your fingers. And when you add that warm cinnamon sugar coating that slightly caramelizes on the edges? Pure magic. The contrast between the crunchy, sugar-coated exterior and the tender interior is what makes these cruffins absolutely irresistible.
Impressive Yet Achievable
Don’t let their bakery-worthy appearance fool you—these cruffins are surprisingly doable at home! While they do require some patience during the folding and chilling process, the techniques are straightforward. I was intimidated the first time too, but breaking it down into manageable steps makes all the difference. The dough is forgiving, and even if your folds aren’t perfect, the result will still be delicious. Plus, the “wow factor” when you serve these beautiful spiral pastries makes any effort worthwhile. Your friends will think you’ve been taking professional pastry classes!
Essential Tips & Tricks
Mastering the Lamination Process
The key to perfect cruffins lies in the cold butter and proper lamination technique. Keep everything chilled—I even put my rolling pin in the freezer for 15 minutes before starting! Work quickly when the dough is out of the refrigerator, and don’t skip the chilling time between folds. If the butter starts to soften or leak through the dough, immediately return it to the refrigerator. Those distinct layers happen when cold butter creates steam pockets during baking. For an extra-special touch, try infusing your butter with vanilla beans or cinnamon sugar before incorporating it into the dough.
Perfecting the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating
For that irresistible coating, timing is absolutely crucial. Brush the cruffins with melted butter immediately after they come out of the oven, then quickly roll in the cinnamon-sugar mixture while still hot. This ensures maximum adhesion and creates a slight caramelization that adds depth of flavor. I like to use a mixture of regular and turbinado sugar for added crunch and visual appeal. Don’t be shy with the cinnamon—I use a full tablespoon for that warm, aromatic flavor. For an extra dimension, add a pinch of cardamom or nutmeg to your cinnamon-sugar mix.
Serving Ideas & Creative Variations
Delectable Filling Options
Transform your basic cruffins into extraordinary treats with unexpected fillings! My personal favorite is piping in a rich vanilla pastry cream after baking, but the possibilities are endless. Try lemon curd for a bright, tangy contrast to the cinnamon, or chocolate ganache for an indulgent twist. Apple butter creates a delightful fall variation, while maple cream cheese gives a nod to cinnamon roll cookies in cruffin form. For a sophisticated touch, try a coffee-infused pastry cream or dulce de leche. Just be sure to let the cruffins cool slightly before filling them.
Perfect Pairings and Presentation
Serve these delicious cruffins with cinnamon alongside a frothy cappuccino for the ultimate weekend indulgence. For special brunches, create a cruffin board with various fillings and toppings for guests to customize their own. A light dusting of powdered sugar just before serving adds an elegant touch. For dessert, try serving warm cruffins with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce. Stack them on a cake stand for an impressive centerpiece, or package individual cruffins in parchment paper tied with twine for delightful homemade gifts.
Storage & Troubleshooting Guide
Keeping Cruffins Fresh
These pastries are at their absolute best when freshly baked, but proper storage can maintain their quality. Store unfilled cruffins at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days. To refresh day-old cruffins, warm them in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes—this revives that wonderful crisp exterior! For longer storage, freeze completely cooled cruffins in a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature and then reheat as directed above. Filled cruffins should be refrigerated and consumed within 24 hours for optimal taste and texture.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If your cruffins aren’t rising properly, the yeast might be old or the environment too cold—try creating a warm spot by turning your oven light on (not the oven itself). Butter leaking during baking usually means it got too warm during lamination—next time, be more vigilant about chilling between folds. Soggy bottoms can be prevented by using proper muffin tins and ensuring your oven is fully preheated. If your cruffins are browning too quickly, tent them with foil halfway through baking. Remember that even imperfect cruffins are delicious—embrace the homemade charm!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the dough for these delicious cruffins with cinnamon ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the dough through the final folding, then wrap tightly and refrigerate overnight. Allow it to sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before shaping and proceeding with the recipe.
Can I use store-bought puff pastry instead of making the dough from scratch?
While it won’t have the exact same texture as traditional cruffins, you can use all-butter puff pastry in a pinch. Roll it out, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar, fold, cut, and twist into muffin tins.
Why did my cruffins deflate after baking?
This typically happens when the oven temperature fluctuates or when cruffins are removed too early. Ensure your oven is properly calibrated and that cruffins reach a golden brown color before removing.
How do I know when my cruffins are properly proofed before baking?
Properly proofed cruffins will have nearly doubled in size and feel light and puffy. When gently pressed with a fingertip, the dough should spring back slowly but not completely.
Can I make mini cruffins instead of standard size?
Absolutely! Use a mini muffin tin and reduce the baking time to 12-15 minutes. They make adorable bite-sized treats perfect for brunch gatherings or tea parties.
Final Thoughts
These Delicious Cruffins with Cinnamon have become my signature weekend baking project—the perfect balance of impressive yet achievable. There’s something truly magical about creating those beautiful swirled pastries in your own kitchen, filling the house with that intoxicating cinnamon aroma. Whether you’re baking them for a special brunch or simply treating yourself to something extraordinary, these cruffins deliver both visual drama and incredible flavor. I’d love to see your cruffin creations—tag me on Pinterest with your results!