Easy Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins Recipe

The Fluffiest Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins Recipe Ever Made

Sweet mornings start with a magical cinnamon sugar cruffins that blend the best of croissants and muffins into one irresistible treat.

Layers of buttery, flaky pastry swirl together with warm, golden cinnamon and delicate sugar crystals.

These delectable pastries emerge from the oven with a crisp exterior and soft, tender interior that melts in your mouth.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of rich, delicate textures and comforting spice.

Bakery-style cruffins are surprisingly simple to create at home with just a few basic ingredients.

Weekend baking reaches new heights of deliciousness with this simple yet elegant recipe.

You’ll fall in love with these heavenly pastries that promise to elevate your breakfast or brunch.

How to Store Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins

  • Store cooled cruffins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and maintain their delicate texture.
  • Wrap individual cruffins tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label the bag with the date to track freshness.
  • Preheat oven to 300F. Unwrap frozen or refrigerated cruffins and place on a baking sheet. Warm for 5-7 minutes until crispy and heated through.
  • Heat refrigerated cruffins for 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat, as this can make them tough and lose their flaky texture.

FAQs

  • Are cruffins a type of croissant or muffin?

Cruffins are a creative hybrid pastry that combines elements of both croissants and muffins. They’re made using a similar technique to croissants but baked in a muffin pan, creating a unique twisted shape with flaky layers.

  • Can I use homemade dough instead of crescent roll dough?

While crescent roll dough is convenient, you can substitute it with puff pastry or homemade laminated dough. Just ensure the dough is rolled thin and has similar layers for the best texture and flavor.

  • Why do I need to cut the dough lengthwise before shaping?

Cutting the dough lengthwise exposes the cinnamon sugar layers, creating beautiful swirls and ensuring each cruffin has a consistent distribution of flavor throughout its interior and exterior.

Why Easy Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins Are a Morning Must

  • Transform simple crescent roll dough into stunning pastry treats with minimal culinary skills needed.
  • Whip up these delightful cruffins in under 30 minutes, perfect for sudden cravings or last-minute gatherings.
  • Enjoy as a breakfast delight, afternoon snack, or dessert that appeals to kids and adults with its irresistible cinnamon-sugar charm.
  • Create bakery-style pastries using just a few common pantry staples, making this recipe incredibly accessible and budget-friendly.

Ingredients for Easy Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins

Main Dough Ingredients:
  • Crescent Roll Dough: Premade pastry dough that provides the base for creating flaky, layered cruffins.
Butter and Coating Ingredients:
  • Softened Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, spreadable layer for cinnamon sugar coating.
  • Granulated Sugar, Ground Cinnamon: Create a sweet and aromatic coating that gives cruffins their signature flavor and crispy exterior.
Preparation Ingredients:
  • Non-Stick Cooking Spray: Ensures the cruffins do not stick to the muffin pan during baking.
  • Flour or Sugar: Helps prevent the dough from sticking when rolling out the crescent roll sheets.

What You’ll Need for Cinnamon Sugar Cruffin Baking

  • Muffin Pan: 12-cup standard pan for shaping and baking cruffins.
  • Rolling Pin: Essential for rolling out crescent roll dough evenly and smoothly.
  • Small Bowl: For mixing and preparing cinnamon sugar mixture.
  • Whisk: Perfect for combining sugar and cinnamon thoroughly.
  • Cooling Rack: Helps cruffins cool evenly and prevents soggy bottoms.
  • Rimmed Baking Sheet: Catches excess cinnamon sugar when cooling cruffins.
  • Non-stick Cooking Spray: For greasing the muffin pan and preventing sticking.
  • Sharp Knife: Needed for cutting dough logs precisely.

Step-by-Step Guide to Easy Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Grab a 12-cup muffin pan and coat it with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Smooth Out the Dough

Dust your work surface with flour or sugar.

Unroll each crescent roll dough sheet and press together the perforated lines.

Use a rolling pin to stretch the dough into larger rectangles, making sure the seams disappear completely.

Step 3: Spread the Butter

Take softened butter and create a delicate layer across each dough rectangle.

Make sure to cover the entire surface evenly.

Step 4: Create Cinnamon Sugar Magic

In a small bowl, mix:
  • Granulated sugar
  • Ground cinnamon

Whisk the ingredients until well combined.

Set aside half the mixture for a final sprinkle after baking.

Dust the remaining cinnamon sugar generously over the buttered dough sheets.

Step 5: Roll and Slice the Dough

Starting from the long side, tightly roll each dough rectangle into a log.

Slice each log in half, creating two shorter logs.

Cut each log lengthwise to reveal the beautiful cinnamon swirls.

You’ll end up with 12 total pieces.

Step 6: Shape Into Muffin Curves

Wrap each dough piece around your finger, forming a muffin-like shape with the layered side facing outward.

Carefully place each piece into the prepared muffin pan.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Position the pan on the middle oven rack.

Bake for 18-20 minutes, rotating halfway through.

Look for a golden brown color and crispy top as your signal of doneness.

Step 8: Final Cinnamon Dusting

Once baked, let the cruffins rest in the pan briefly.

Transfer to a cooling rack placed over a rimmed baking sheet.

Immediately sprinkle the reserved cinnamon sugar mixture over each cruffin.

Step 9: Enjoy Warm or Cool

Serve these delightful cruffins warm or at room temperature.

They’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet afternoon treat.

Tricks for Pillowy Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins

  • Spread softened butter evenly across each dough sheet to ensure rich, consistent flavor throughout every cruffin layer.
  • Generously grease the muffin pan with non-stick cooking spray to guarantee easy removal and perfect cruffin shape.
  • Tightly roll the dough to create beautiful, intricate layers that showcase beautiful cinnamon sugar swirls when cut.
  • Halfway through baking, turn the muffin pan to promote uniform golden-brown coloring and consistent texture across all cruffins.
  • Apply remaining cinnamon sugar right after baking while cruffins are still warm to help sugar adhere and create a delightful crispy coating.

Sweet Twists on Classic Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins

  • Gluten-Free Cruffins: Replace crescent roll dough with gluten-free puff pastry or gluten-free crescent roll dough for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
  • Vegan Cinnamon Swirl Version: Swap butter with plant-based margarine and use vegan crescent roll dough from brands like Immaculate Baking or Pillsbury.
  • Keto-Friendly Alternative: Substitute crescent roll dough with low-carb almond flour or coconut flour-based dough, using sugar-free sweetener instead of traditional sugar.
  • Nutty Chocolate Cruffins: Sprinkle chopped nuts or mini chocolate chips between cinnamon sugar layers for extra texture and flavor complexity.

Delicious Ways to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins

  • Sweet Breakfast Companion: Pair these cruffins with a steaming cup of hot coffee or rich hot chocolate for a delightful morning treat that feels like a warm hug.
  • Dessert Transformation: Drizzle melted chocolate, caramel sauce, or cream cheese glaze over the cruffins to elevate them into an elegant after-dinner dessert that will impress guests.
  • Brunch Centerpiece: Arrange the cruffins on a beautiful platter with fresh berries, whipped cream, and a light dusting of powdered sugar to create a stunning centerpiece for weekend brunch gatherings.
  • Picnic Perfect: Pack these portable pastries in a container for a delicious outdoor snack during park outings, road trips, or casual picnics with friends and family.
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Easy Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins Recipe

Easy Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins Recipe


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4.7 from 25 reviews

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

Description

Cinnamon sugar cruffins blend croissant and muffin magic into one irresistible pastry. Flaky layers and sweet cinnamon coating create a delightful breakfast or dessert treat you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 3 (8 ounces/226 grams) cans of crescent roll dough

Coating Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup (113 grams) butter, completely softened
  • 1/2 cup (100 grams) granulated sugar

Spice:

  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F and generously coat a 12-cup muffin pan with non-stick cooking spray to ensure effortless release of the cruffins.
  2. Unroll crescent roll dough sheets on a lightly floured surface, meticulously pinching together perforated lines. Gently roll each sheet to create slightly larger, seamless rectangles that eliminate visible seams.
  3. Delicately spread a thin, even layer of softened butter across each dough rectangle, ensuring complete coverage.
  4. Whisk together cinnamon and sugar in a small bowl, creating a fragrant mixture. Divide the blend into two portions: one for sprinkling on dough, another for post-baking garnish.
  5. Liberally dust each buttered dough sheet with the cinnamon-sugar mixture, completely coating the surface to maximize flavor intensity.
  6. From the long edge, tightly roll each dough rectangle into a compact log. Slice each log in half, then cut each segment lengthwise to reveal intricate cinnamon-sugar layers.
  7. Carefully wrap each cut piece around your finger, forming a muffin-like shape with exposed layered edges. Nestle each piece into the prepared muffin pan.
  8. Bake on the middle oven rack for 18-20 minutes, rotating pan midway to ensure uniform golden-brown coloration and crisp texture.
  9. Allow cruffins to rest in the pan briefly, then transfer to a cooling rack positioned over a rimmed baking sheet.
  10. Immediately shower warm cruffins with reserved cinnamon-sugar mixture, creating a delectable, sparkling finish.
  11. Serve either warm or at room temperature for optimal enjoyment.

Notes

  • Customize dough for dietary needs by using gluten-free crescent roll dough or vegan butter alternatives to accommodate different dietary restrictions.
  • Prevent dough from sticking by thoroughly flouring the work surface and rolling pin, ensuring smooth rolling and clean cuts.
  • Create uniform cruffins by using a ruler or measuring tape to ensure consistent log sizes and precise cutting for even baking.
  • Experiment with flavor variations by substituting cinnamon sugar with other spice blends like pumpkin pie spice or cardamom for unique taste profiles.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 330 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 24 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 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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