Cinnamon Cruffins are the ultimate hybrid pastry, combining the buttery layers of a croissant with the comforting warmth of cinnamon rolls.
These flaky, sweet treats are surprisingly simple to make and are sure to impress anyone who tries them.
Whether you’re looking for a special breakfast treat or a delicious dessert, these cruffins are a perfect choice.
Cinnamon Cruffins
Flaky, buttery layers meet warm cinnamon sugar in these irresistible cruffins—perfect for impressing your guests or treating yourself!
Ingredients
- 3 (8-ounce) tubes refrigerated crescent roll sheets
- 6 tablespoons butter, softened and divided
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
1. Prepare Your Muffin Tin
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a standard muffin pan with non-stick cooking spray.
This step is crucial to ensure that the cruffins can be easily removed from the pan after baking without sticking.
2. Roll Out the Dough
On a lightly floured surface, roll out each tube of crescent roll dough into a 12″ x 16″ rectangle.
If using regular crescent rolls (which come in perforated sheets), make sure to pinch the seams together carefully to create a smooth, seamless sheet.
This will help the dough bake evenly and prevent it from separating during the rolling process.
3. Butter and Cinnamon Sugar Layer
Brush 3 tablespoons of softened butter evenly over each sheet of dough, covering the entire surface. In a small bowl, mix together the sugar and cinnamon.
Evenly sprinkle ¼ cup of the cinnamon sugar mixture over each buttered sheet of dough. Press the cinnamon sugar mixture gently into the dough with the back of a spoon or your hand to ensure it adheres well.
This step is important for ensuring the sugar mixture stays in place during the rolling and baking processes, giving you that delicious cinnamon-sugar swirl in every bite.
4. Roll and Cut the Dough
Starting from one of the longer sides, tightly roll up each dough sheet into a log, making sure to keep the roll as even as possible.
If the ends of your log are uneven after rolling, gently pat them toward the center to even out the log.
This helps ensure that your cruffins bake evenly. Once rolled, cut each log in half to create two shorter logs. Then, slice each half lengthwise to create four sections from each log.
You should now have 12 sections in total, each with a visible swirl of cinnamon sugar.
5. Shape the Cruffins
Take each dough section and, with the cut side facing out (so the layers are visible), gently roll it around your finger into a spiral shape.
Be careful not to stretch the dough too much as you do this, as it can cause the layers to break.
Once you’ve formed the spiral, carefully slide it off your finger, tuck the end piece into the top, and place the dough into the prepared muffin tin, making sure the cut side is still facing outward.
This will help create the characteristic cruffin shape with its flaky layers.
6. Bake to Perfection
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake the cruffins for 18-20 minutes, or until they turn a beautiful golden brown.
It’s important to watch them closely toward the end of the baking time, as they can go from perfectly baked to overdone quickly.
The cruffins should be puffed up and have a crisp, golden exterior. If you notice the tops browning too quickly, you can lightly cover them with foil to prevent over-browning while the centers finish baking.
7. Final Cinnamon Sugar Coating
After removing the cruffins from the oven, allow them to cool in the muffin tin for about 5 minutes. This brief cooling period allows the cruffins to set slightly, making them easier to handle.
While the cruffins are still warm, gently roll each one in the remaining cinnamon sugar mixture to give them a sweet, crunchy coating.
Be sure to roll them while they are warm so the sugar adheres well to the buttery surface. If desired, you can roll them in additional sugar for an extra-sweet finish.
8. Serve and Enjoy
Once the cruffins have been coated, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, or enjoy them warm. These cruffins are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days.
Reheat them in a warm oven for a few minutes to regain their flakiness before serving.
FAQs
1. How do I store Cinnamon Cruffins?
Store your cruffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them in a ziplock bag for up to a month. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes.
2. Can I use puff pastry instead of crescent roll dough?
Yes, puff pastry can be used for a flakier texture. However, you’ll need to adjust the baking time slightly, as puff pastry tends to bake faster.
3. Why are my cruffins not rising properly?
If your cruffins don’t rise as expected, it could be due to over-handling the dough or using cold dough straight from the fridge. Make sure to handle the dough as little as possible and allow it to come to room temperature before rolling.
4. Can I add other fillings to my cruffins?
Absolutely! You can customize your cruffins with various fillings like chocolate, fruit preserves, or even a cream cheese mixture. Just be careful not to overfill them, as this could cause the dough to tear.
5. What should I serve with Cinnamon Cruffins?
Cinnamon Cruffins are delightful on their own but pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea. You can also serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or a side of fresh fruit for a more indulgent treat.
