Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins Recipe

The Perfect Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins Recipe for Cozy Mornings

Crafting the ultimate cinnamon sugar cruffins requires a dash of creativity and a sprinkle of passion.

Pastry lovers will adore this delightful fusion of croissant and muffin techniques.

Buttery layers melt into a heavenly swirl of warm spices that dance on your palate.

sweet aromas fill the kitchen, promising a decadent treat that beckons from the oven.

Crisp edges give way to soft, pillowy interiors that make every bite pure bliss.

Mastering this recipe brings a sense of culinary triumph that will impress even the most discerning dessert enthusiasts.

You can transform simple ingredients into an extraordinary masterpiece that celebrates the magic of baking.

Cinnamon Cruffins – Sweet and Fluffy Must-Haves

  • Crowd-pleasing pastries that kids and adults will love, creating sweet moments of shared enjoyment during breakfast or snack time.
  • Minimal prep and baking time mean you can satisfy your cinnamon sugar craving in under an hour, providing a speedy solution for sudden dessert desires.
  • Ideal for casual gatherings, weekend brunches, potlucks, or as a comforting homemade treat that brings warmth and happiness to any setting.

Ingredients for Cinnamon Cruffins

Base Ingredients:
  • Flour: A key component that provides structure and texture to the cruffins.
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with browning.
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the rich, tender texture.
  • Milk: Provides moisture and helps create a soft, tender crumb.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Melted Butter: Adds richness and enhances the flavor of the cruffins.
Spices and Seasonings:
  • Baking Powder: Helps the cruffins rise and become light and fluffy.
  • Cinnamon, Brown Sugar: Create a warm, sweet coating that makes the cruffins irresistibly delicious.
  • Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor.

Quick Guide for Cinnamon Cruffins

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Station

Set your oven to a toasty 375F (190C).

Grab a muffin tin and line it with paper liners for easy removal.

Make sure your baking area is clean and organized.

Step 2: Create the Dry Blend

In a spacious mixing bowl, grab your whisk and combine:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Granulated sugar
  • Baking powder
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Salt

Blend these ingredients until they’re evenly mixed and look like a soft, fragrant powder.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together:
  • Melted butter
  • Milk
  • Eggs

Stir until the mixture looks smooth and fully incorporated.

The butter should be completely blended with no visible oil separation.

Step 4: Combine and Create Batter

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture.

Use a gentle folding motion to combine.

Don’t overmix – stop when the batter looks just combined with a few small lumps remaining.

Step 5: Fill and Swirl

Carefully spoon the batter into each muffin liner, filling about two-thirds full.

For extra visual appeal, use a toothpick to create a gentle swirl on top of each cruffin.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the muffin tin into the preheated oven.

Bake for 20-25 minutes.

Watch for a beautiful golden-brown color and test with a toothpick – it should come out clean when inserted.

Step 7: Coat in Cinnamon Sugar Bliss

While the cruffins are still warm, roll them in a delightful mixture of:
  • Brown sugar
  • Ground cinnamon

The warmth will help the sugar coating stick perfectly, creating an irresistible sweet crunch.

Tricks for Cinnamon Cruffins Fans

  • Avoid overmixing the batter to keep cruffins light and fluffy, as excessive stirring can make them tough and dense.
  • Adjust the sugar ratio by reducing granulated sugar for a less sweet version or using alternative sweeteners like stevia for diabetic-friendly options.
  • Use high-quality non-stick muffin liners or generously grease the pan to ensure easy removal of cruffins without breaking.
  • Experiment with adding vanilla extract, nutmeg, or orange zest to the batter for unexpected depth and complexity in taste.
  • Rotate the muffin tin halfway through cooking to guarantee uniform golden-brown color and consistent texture across all cruffins.

Storing Fluffy Cruffins Well

  • Seal cruffins in an airtight container and keep them fresh for 2-3 days. Place a paper towel inside to absorb excess moisture and prevent sogginess.
  • Wrap each cruffin individually in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer bag. They'll stay delicious for up to 1 month. Label the bag with the date for easy tracking.
  • Store at room temperature in a sealed container for 1-2 days. Keep away from direct sunlight and heat to maintain their soft texture.
  • Warm cruffins in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a soft, fresh feel. Alternatively, use a toaster oven at 300F for 3-5 minutes to restore their original crispy exterior.

Cruffin Pairings to Try

  • Pair with Creamy Cappuccino: Rich espresso with frothy milk perfectly complements the sweet cinnamon notes, creating a luxurious breakfast or afternoon treat.
  • Coffee Companion Contrast: The bold coffee cuts through the cruffin's sweetness, balancing each delightful bite with a warm, aromatic counterpoint.
  • Chill with Vanilla Horchata: Smooth, cool Mexican rice drink provides a refreshing complement that echoes the cinnamon's warmth while soothing the pastry's richness.
  • Dessert Wine Match: Late harvest Riesling with its honeyed sweetness enhances the cruffin's sugary layers, offering a sophisticated adult pairing experience.

Sweet Spins for Cinnamon Cruffins

  • Gluten-Free Cruffins: Replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the same soft texture and sweet cinnamon flavor.
  • Vegan Cinnamon Treats: Swap eggs with mashed bananas or applesauce and use plant-based milk and vegan butter to create a dairy-free, egg-free alternative that's equally delicious.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia instead of granulated sugar, and reduce brown sugar coating for a diabetic-friendly cruffin with less refined sugar.
  • Nutty Protein Boost: Add chopped almonds or walnuts to the batter for extra crunch and nutritional value, creating a more substantial breakfast or snack option.

FAQs

  • What are cruffins?

Cruffins are a delightful hybrid pastry combining the flaky layers of a croissant with the shape and texture of a muffin, creating a unique and delicious baked treat.

  • Are cruffins difficult to make at home?

Not at all! This recipe uses simple ingredients and basic baking techniques, making it easy for home bakers of all skill levels to create these tasty pastries.

  • Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

While you can substitute some whole wheat flour, it might change the texture and make the cruffins slightly denser. For the best results, stick to all-purpose flour or use a mix of 75% all-purpose and 25% whole wheat.

  • How do I get the most flaky texture in my cruffins?

The key is to mix the batter gently and avoid overmixing. Stir just until the ingredients are combined to keep the texture light and fluffy.

Print
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Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins Recipe

Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins Recipe


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4.8 from 21 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Irresistible cinnamon sugar cruffins blend pastry magic from French and American bakeries, creating a delightful crossover between croissants and muffins. Buttery layers folded with sweet cinnamon promise a mouthwatering experience you’ll savor from first delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

  • 2 cups (480 ml) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) baking powder
  • 2 teaspoons (10 ml) ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) salt

Wet Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup (113 g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 3/4 cup (180 ml) whole milk
  • 2 large eggs

Coating:

  • 1/4 cup (50 g) brown sugar

Instructions

  1. Warm the oven to 375F (190C) and prepare a muffin tin with paper liners, ensuring even spacing.
  2. Combine dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl, creating a uniform powder mixture with flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
  3. Whisk melted butter, milk, and eggs in a separate container until smooth and well-integrated.
  4. Gently fold liquid ingredients into dry mixture, stirring minimally to prevent overmixing and maintain a light texture.
  5. Distribute batter evenly into muffin cups, filling approximately two-thirds of each liner and creating decorative swirls on top if desired.
  6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, monitoring until tops turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean without wet batter.
  7. Remove cruffins from oven and allow to cool slightly, maintaining their delicate structure.
  8. Roll warm cruffins in a fragrant blend of brown sugar and ground cinnamon, ensuring complete coverage for maximum flavor intensity.

Notes

  • Butter Alternative: Use coconut oil or plant-based margarine for a dairy-free version that maintains the rich, tender texture of these cruffins.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap regular flour with a gluten-free blend to make these treats accessible for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Spice Variation: Experiment with nutmeg or cardamom alongside cinnamon to create a more complex, warming flavor profile that elevates the basic recipe.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the dry and wet ingredients separately the night before, then quickly mix and bake in the morning for fresh, warm cruffins with minimal morning effort.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 310
  • Sugar: 22 g
  • Sodium: 130 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 39 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 60 mg
Clara Thompson

Clara Thompson

Recipe Developer & Food Educator

Expertise

Plant-based and vegetarian recipe development, Nutritional analysis and meal planning, Culinary education and workshop facilitation, Content writing with a focus on healthy living​

Education

Diploma in Culinary Arts, Mt. San Jacinto College, CA
Focus: Comprehensive culinary training with an emphasis on sustainable cooking practices.

Certificate in Nutrition and Healthy Living, Cornell University (Online Program)
Focus: Understanding the principles of nutrition to create balanced and health-conscious recipes.


Clara lives where fresh ideas and fresh ingredients meet. She pairs her culinary know-how with her passion for healthy, planet-friendly cooking.
For Clara, good food should taste great, nourish your body, and feel easy to make. Her recipes highlight whole foods, colorful produce, and a deep respect for seasonal eating.

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