If you love the idea of a cinnamon roll and a muffin coming together in a beautiful, flaky, buttery marriage, then you are going to adore this Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins Recipe. These delightful treats combine the crisp layers of croissant dough with the comforting warmth of cinnamon sugar, all baked up in a convenient muffin shape that’s perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. The combination of buttery dough and sweet-spiced sugar creates a magical blend of textures and flavors that truly melt in your mouth. Once you try this Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins Recipe, it’s bound to become one of your favorite homemade indulgences to whip up again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t be intimidated by fancy baking; this Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins Recipe is all about simple, staple ingredients that come together to create something extraordinary. Each item plays an important role, from the flaky crescent dough providing layers of buttery texture to the cinnamon and sugars infusing warm, cozy sweetness.
- Crescent roll dough (2 cans): The flaky and buttery base of the cruffins that creates beautifully layered pastries.
- Flour (2-3 Tbsp): Essential for rolling out the dough smoothly without sticking.
- Sugar (2 Tbsp): Classic granulated sugar adds just the right sweet crunch inside and out.
- Light brown sugar (1 Tbsp): Adds moist sweetness and a subtle depth of caramel flavor.
- Ground cinnamon (1 tsp): Brings that signature warm and comforting spice that pairs perfectly with the sugars.
- Butter, melted (2 Tbsp): Moistens the dough and helps the cinnamon sugar adhere to every delightful layer.
How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures a steady, even heat so your cruffins bake to golden perfection with a perfectly flaky texture. A properly preheated oven is key for those beautiful puffed layers.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
Open your two cans of crescent roll dough and carefully unroll each sheet onto a surface lightly dusted with flour. Press the seams together gently but firmly to form two smooth, continuous dough sheets without any visible perforations—no breaks in the layers here! This step gives your cruffins their signature flaky structure.
Step 3: Mix the Cinnamon Sugar
In a small bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, light brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until fully combined. This simple yet essential mixture is the heart of the sweet, spiced flavor that makes the Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins Recipe so irresistible.
Step 4: Add the Filling
Brush a thin, even layer of melted butter over one of the dough sheets. This butter is the glue that helps the cinnamon sugar cling delightfully to the dough. Then sprinkle half of your cinnamon sugar mixture evenly on top of the buttered dough, making sure every inch is covered with that sugary cinnamon goodness.
Step 5: Layer the Dough Sheets
Place the second dough sheet gently on top of your cinnamon sugar-coated sheet, aligning the edges neatly to keep everything tidy. This layered sandwich will soon become those delicious, flaky cruffins you’re craving.
Step 6: Slice and Roll
Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, slice your dough stack into long, even strips. Then, take each strip and roll it up tightly, twisting the dough just enough to create that charming cinnamon roll spiral effect which is a hallmark of this Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins Recipe.
Step 7: Dip and Coat
Dip each rolled strip into the remaining melted butter, then roll it in the leftover cinnamon sugar mixture. This extra step ensures each cruffin has a perfectly crispy, sweet, cinnamon-coated exterior that adds an irresistible crunch with every bite.
Step 8: Arrange in Muffin Tin
Grease your muffin tin with cooking spray, then nestle each rolled strip snugly into an individual muffin cup. The muffin tin helps your cruffins hold their shape as they bake up into golden, pillowy morsels.
Step 9: Bake to Perfection
Bake your cruffins in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes until they have puffed beautifully and turned a golden brown on top. The aroma at this point is just heavenly and promises a wonderful sweet treat ahead.
Step 10: Cool and Enjoy
Remove the muffin tin from the oven and allow the cruffins to cool for a few minutes. Serving them warm will provide the best texture—soft and flaky inside with that crisp sugary shell outside. Prepare to fall in love with every bite of this Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins Recipe!
How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins Recipe
Garnishes
For an elegant touch, dust your cruffins lightly with powdered sugar or drizzle a thin glaze made from powdered sugar and milk for extra sweetness. Fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream can add a refreshing contrast to the warm cinnamon flavors. Garnishes enhance the beauty and elevate the flavor without overpowering that classic cinnamon sugar magic.
Side Dishes
Cruffins are versatile and pair wonderfully with morning coffee or tea, making them a perfect breakfast companion. For a heartier meal, serve alongside scrambled eggs or a fresh fruit salad; the crisp fruit balances the sweet pastry. Even a small bowl of yogurt and honey can complement the cinnamon spice delightfully.
Creative Ways to Present
Push the presentation a little further by placing your cruffins on decorative trays or inside rustic paper-lined baskets for casual gatherings. You could also serve them as mini cakes by adding a swirl of cream cheese frosting on top. Wrapping individual cruffins in wax paper tied with twine makes a charming gift for friends or family!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover cruffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They stay fresh and delicious, but for best texture, avoid refrigerating as it can make the pastry tough.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins Recipe later, freeze the baked cruffins in a freezer-safe container wrapped tightly in plastic wrap. They hold up well and can keep their flaky texture when reheated properly. Freeze for up to one month.
Reheating
To bring back that just-baked warmth, reheat cruffins in a preheated oven at 325°F (165°C) for about 5 to 7 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it softens the crispiness; the oven keeps the exterior delightfully crunchy while warming the inside perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use homemade croissant dough for this recipe?
Absolutely! While this Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins Recipe uses crescent roll dough for convenience, homemade croissant dough would make the treat even flakier and richer. Just be sure to handle the dough gently when layering and rolling.
What if I don’t have light brown sugar? Can I substitute it?
Yes, you can substitute dark brown sugar or simply use all granulated sugar. The brown sugar adds moisture and a subtle molasses flavor, but it’s not essential if you don’t have it on hand.
How can I make these gluten-free?
For a gluten-free version, look for gluten-free crescent roll dough alternatives or make your own dough with gluten-free flour blends. Keep in mind the texture might differ slightly but the flavor will still be amazing.
Is there a way to make these vegan?
Yes! Use a vegan crescent roll dough option or make your own with plant-based ingredients. Substitute the butter with vegan margarine or coconut oil. The cinnamon sugar mixture itself is naturally vegan.
Can I prepare these the night before and bake fresh in the morning?
Definitely! Prepare the cruffins up to the point where they go into the muffin tin, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. Bake fresh in the morning, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time as needed.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins Recipe is one of those simple pleasures that feels special every single time. It brings together familiar flavors in a new, fun form that’s easy to make and share. Whether you’re making them for a lazy weekend brunch or an impromptu gathering, these cruffins are sure to delight and impress. Trust me—you’re going to want to keep this recipe handy for all those times you crave something warm, sweet, and utterly irresistible.
Print
Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins are a delightful hybrid of croissants and muffins, featuring flaky crescent roll dough layered with a sweet cinnamon sugar filling. These easy-to-make pastries are baked until golden and perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack.
Ingredients
Dough
- 2 cans crescent roll dough
- 2–3 Tbsp flour, for rolling
Filling and Topping
- 2 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp light brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 Tbsp butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure 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 sheets are fully connected with no perforations visible.
- Mix Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, whisk together the sugar, light brown sugar, and ground cinnamon, creating a homogeneous mixture for the filling.
- Add Filling: Brush a thin, even layer of melted butter over one sheet of the dough. Evenly sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture over the buttered surface.
- Layer Dough: Place the second sheet of crescent dough directly on top of the sugar-coated sheet, aligning the edges for a neat stack.
- Slice and Roll: With a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the stacked dough into long strips. Take each strip and roll it up tightly, resembling a cinnamon roll.
- Dip and Coat: Dip each rolled strip into the remaining melted butter, then roll it in the remaining cinnamon sugar mixture to coat the exterior.
- Arrange in Muffin Tin: Grease a muffin tin with cooking spray and place each prepared cruffin roll into a muffin cup.
- Bake Cruffins: Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the cruffins are puffed and golden brown on top.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the tin from the oven and let the cruffins cool slightly. Serve warm for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Ensure the dough seams are properly sealed to prevent filling leakage during baking.
- You can substitute regular butter with a dairy-free alternative for a lactose-free option.
- Serve cruffins warm for the most enjoyable texture, optionally with a drizzle of icing or a dusting of powdered sugar.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days; reheat before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
