Easy Cinnamon Cruffins Recipe

The Best Easy Cinnamon Cruffins Recipe for Fluffy Homemade Treats

Crafting a delectable cinnamon cruffins masterpiece might sound intimidating, but trust me, it’s simpler than you think.

Pastry enthusiasts will adore this delightful fusion of croissant and muffin magic.

Each bite promises a whirlwind of buttery, sweet sensations that dance across your palate.

Bakery-level skills aren’t required to create these spectacular treats at home.

Soft, flaky layers promise a culinary adventure that will impress even the most discerning dessert lover.

Warm spices and golden, crisp edges await you in this delightful recipe that transforms ordinary mornings into extraordinary moments.

You’ll want to roll up your sleeves and dive right into this irresistible baking experience.

Why Cinnamon Cruffins Are a Morning Favorite

  • Quick and Simple Baking Magic: Transform store-bought crescent dough into delightful pastries with minimal effort.
  • Speedy Weekend Treat: Whip up these cruffins in under 30 minutes, perfect for spontaneous breakfast or brunch cravings.
  • Family-Friendly Baking Adventure: Engage kids in rolling, twisting, and creating these fun spiral pastries that guarantee smiles and messy kitchen moments.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Impress guests with bakery-style cruffins that look complicated but require basic ingredients and straightforward techniques.

Cinnamon Cruffins: What You’ll Need

Base Dough:
  • Crescent Dough: Soft, flaky pastry base that creates the light and airy texture of cruffins. Best when using refrigerated tube dough for consistent results.
Filling Ingredients:
  • Granulated Sugar, Ground Cinnamon: Classic sweet and warm spice combination that provides rich flavor and aromatic essence to the pastry.
  • Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, spreadable layer that helps cinnamon sugar adhere to the dough.
Glaze Ingredients:
  • Powdered Sugar: Creates smooth, sweet coating with a classic white finish. Fresh and sifted for best texture.
  • Milk: Thins the powdered sugar to create a drizzle-friendly consistency. Whole milk recommended for richer taste.

Cinnamon Cruffins Baking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough Base

Gently unroll the crescent dough onto a clean, lightly floured surface.

Carefully press all the seams together to create a smooth, unified sheet of dough that will be the foundation of your delicious cruffins.

Step 2: Build Flavor Layers

Generously brush the entire surface of the dough with melted butter, ensuring complete coverage.

In a separate small bowl, combine:
  • Granulated sugar
  • Ground cinnamon

Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly across the buttered dough, creating a tantalizing flavor profile.

Step 3: Create the Swirl

Starting from the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a compact log.

Using a sharp knife, carefully slice the log lengthwise down the center to expose the beautiful cinnamon-swirled layers inside.

Step 4: Shape and Transform

Gently twist each dough strip and carefully coil it into the cups of a muffin tin.

The unique spiral shape will give your cruffins their signature look.

Place the muffin tin in a preheated oven at 375°F and bake for 15-18 minutes until the cruffins turn a gorgeous golden brown and become perfectly puffed.

Step 5: Add the Finishing Touch

Whisk together powdered sugar and milk until you create a smooth, silky glaze.

Once the cruffins have cooled slightly, drizzle the glaze over the top, allowing it to cascade down the delicate folds of your freshly baked treats.

Cruffin Baking Tips Made Simple

  • Use a light dusting of flour to prevent the dough from sticking and ensure smooth rolling without tearing.
  • Apply melted butter evenly with a pastry brush to create a consistent layer that helps the cinnamon-sugar mixture adhere perfectly.
  • Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice the log cleanly, maintaining defined layers and creating visually appealing cruffins.
  • Allow cruffins to cool slightly before glazing to prevent the sugar from becoming too runny and ensure a beautiful, structured finish.
  • Experiment with different spice blends like cardamom or nutmeg, or add chopped nuts for extra texture and flavor variation.

Cinnamon Cruffins That Stay Soft and Fluffy

  • Store leftover cruffins in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Seal tightly to maintain freshness and prevent drying out.
  • Wrap individual cruffins in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Keep frozen for maximum 2 weeks. Label with date for easy tracking.
  • Warm cruffins at 300°F for 5-7 minutes to restore crispy texture. Avoid microwave to prevent soggy pastry.
  • Let frozen cruffins thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving. Enjoy them slightly warm for best taste and texture.

Sweet Pairings for Cinnamon Cruffins

  • Savor Creamy Companions: Pair these warm, buttery cruffins with a rich vanilla bean latte that complements their sweet cinnamon profile and balances the pastry's delicate texture.
  • Create Fruity Contrast: Serve alongside a chilled mixed berry smoothie to add a bright, tangy counterpoint that cuts through the cruffin's rich, sugary layers and refreshes the palate.
  • Enhance Breakfast Harmony: Combine with Greek yogurt topped with fresh strawberries, offering a cool, creamy protein-rich side that softens the pastry's sweet intensity and provides nutritional balance.
  • Indulge Decadent Moments: Match with a smooth caramel macchiato, where the espresso's depth and caramel's sweetness echo the cruffin's cinnamon undertones, creating a luxurious morning or afternoon treat.

Fun Ways to Change Cinnamon Cruffins

  • Vegan Cruffins: Replace crescent dough with vegan puff pastry and use coconut oil instead of butter. Swap dairy milk with almond milk for glaze.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Utilize gluten-free crescent roll dough or make your own using gluten-free flour blend. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
  • Chocolate Lovers' Version: Sprinkle cocoa powder with cinnamon-sugar mixture. Add mini chocolate chips inside the roll for extra richness.
  • Low-Sugar Alternative: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia instead of regular sugar. Replace traditional glaze with a lighter cream cheese drizzle made with reduced sugar.

FAQs

  • What are cruffins?

Cruffins are a delightful pastry hybrid combining croissant and muffin techniques, creating a flaky, buttery treat with a spiral shape and cinnamon flavor.

  • Can I use different types of dough?

Premade crescent roll dough works best, but puff pastry can be a good alternative for similar results with a flaky texture.

  • How do I prevent the dough from sticking?

Lightly flour your work surface and use a non-stick muffin tin or spray the tin with cooking spray to ensure easy removal of cruffins.

  • Are these cruffins difficult to make?

Not at all! These cruffins are beginner-friendly and require minimal baking skills, making them perfect for home bakers who want a quick and impressive pastry.

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Easy Cinnamon Cruffins Recipe

Easy Cinnamon Cruffins Recipe


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4.5 from 22 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Cinnamon cruffins merge the delicate layers of croissants with muffin magic, creating a pastry dream. Sweet spirals of buttery dough embrace warm cinnamon, promising pure breakfast bliss for eager palates.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 can (8 ounces/226 grams) crescent roll dough
  • 1/4 cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) unsalted butter, melted

Spice Ingredients:

  • 1 teaspoon (5 grams) cinnamon

Optional Glaze Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup (60 grams) powdered sugar
  • 12 tablespoons (180 milliliters) milk

Instructions

  1. Gently unroll the crescent dough onto a lightly dusted work surface, carefully pressing the perforated seams together to create a seamless pastry canvas.
  2. Lavishly coat the entire dough surface with a generous layer of melted butter, ensuring complete and even coverage.
  3. Combine cinnamon and sugar in a small mixing bowl, then generously sprinkle the fragrant mixture across the buttered dough, creating an even, aromatic layer.
  4. Carefully roll the dough tightly from the longest edge, creating a compact, swirled log that showcases the cinnamon-sugar layers.
  5. Using a sharp knife, slice the log precisely down the center lengthwise, revealing the intricate interior spiral.
  6. Gently twist each dough strip and delicately coil it into a muffin tin cavity, crafting a whimsical cruffin shape with elegant spirals.
  7. Position the muffin tin in a preheated oven at 375°F, allowing the cruffins to bake for 15-18 minutes until they transform into golden, puffy pastries.
  8. While the cruffins cool slightly, whisk powdered sugar and milk until a smooth, glossy glaze forms.
  9. Drizzle the velvety glaze over the warm cruffins, creating an enticing, sweet finish that complements the cinnamon-infused layers.

Notes

  • Flour surface lightly to prevent sticking and make rolling easier without excess flour.
  • Use room temperature butter for smoother, more even coating on the dough surface.
  • Slice the log carefully and gently to maintain the beautiful layered cinnamon swirl pattern.
  • Adjust baking time slightly depending on your oven’s performance to achieve perfect golden-brown color without burning.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 200 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 20 mg
Katherine Pierce

Katherine Pierce

Recipe Curator & Food Educator

Expertise

  • Curating diverse recipe collections
  • Educating on global culinary traditions
  • Developing informative food content

Education

Boston University Metropolitan College
Certificate Program in the Culinary Arts
Focus: French and international cuisine techniques, Hands-on culinary training with industry professionals, Food industry insights and operations


Katherine grew up believing every dish has a story. She studied the art of food at Boston University and explored the history behind it. She loves pulling easy recipes from every corner of the world and putting them at your fingertips.
When Katherine’s not writing or testing new flavors, she’s teaching cooking classes, baking colorful mooncakes, or dreaming up new ways to mix old favorites with new twists.

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