Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins are a delightful fusion of croissants and muffins, combining the flaky layers of croissants with the handheld convenience of muffins. Rolled in cinnamon sugar, these buttery, golden-brown pastries are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an indulgent snack.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flaky and Buttery: The rich, laminated layers give these cruffins a delicate and crispy texture.
- Quick and Easy: With pre-made puff pastry, you can achieve bakery-quality results in your own kitchen.
- Versatile Treat: Great as a sweet breakfast or a decadent dessert.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Beautifully presented, these cruffins will impress family and guests alike.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Puff pastry sheets (thawed)
- Unsalted butter (melted)
- Granulated sugar
- Ground cinnamon
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a muffin tin generously.
- Roll out the puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface to smooth out any creases.
- Brush the puff pastry with melted butter and sprinkle generously with a mixture of cinnamon and sugar.
- Roll the puff pastry tightly into a log, then slice the log into equal pieces (about 1.5 inches thick).
- Place each piece into a muffin tin cavity with the swirled side facing up.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cruffins are puffed and golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before rolling in additional cinnamon sugar for a finishing touch.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12 cruffins
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Filled Cruffins: Add a dollop of jam, Nutella, or pastry cream inside each cruffin before baking for a surprise filling.
- Chocolate Twist: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips or cocoa powder with the cinnamon sugar.
- Savory Cruffins: Swap cinnamon sugar for grated cheese, garlic, and herbs for a savory version.
- Glazed Cruffins: Drizzle a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and milk over the cruffins for extra sweetness.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store cruffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore crispness.
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked cruffins in a tightly sealed container for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 3-5 minutes to the baking time.
FAQs
1. Can I make the dough from scratch?
Yes, you can use homemade croissant dough, but it will take additional time and effort. Pre-made puff pastry is a great shortcut.
2. Can I use frozen puff pastry?
Absolutely! Just ensure the puff pastry is fully thawed before rolling and shaping.
3. Why did my cruffins not puff up?
Make sure your oven is preheated properly and avoid overfilling the muffin tin, which can prevent the layers from rising.
4. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the cruffins and refrigerate them unbaked for up to 12 hours. Bake when ready to serve.
5. Can I skip the cinnamon sugar coating?
Yes, you can skip it or substitute it with powdered sugar, glaze, or another topping of your choice.
6. What’s the best way to slice the dough?
Use a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss for clean cuts without squishing the layers.
7. Can I use other spices?
Yes, nutmeg, cardamom, or pumpkin spice can be added to the cinnamon sugar for a flavor twist.
8. Are these suitable for vegans?
Use vegan puff pastry and substitute butter with a plant-based alternative for a vegan-friendly version.
9. What if I don’t have a muffin tin?
You can bake the cruffins on a lined baking sheet, but they may spread out more and lose their shape slightly.
10. Can I add toppings after baking?
Yes, drizzle caramel, melted chocolate, or add a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an extra treat.
Conclusion
Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins are the perfect treat for anyone who loves buttery pastries with a hint of sweetness. Their flaky layers, warm cinnamon sugar coating, and beautiful presentation make them a standout addition to any table. Simple to make yet irresistibly delicious, these cruffins are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Bake a batch today and enjoy every decadent bite!
Print
Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 cruffins 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Fusion
Description
Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins are a decadent blend of croissants and muffins, featuring buttery, flaky layers rolled in a generous coating of cinnamon sugar. These light and airy pastries are surprisingly simple to make with pre-made puff pastry and are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an indulgent snack.
Ingredients
For the Cruffins:
- 1 package (2 sheets) puff pastry, thawed
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Muffin Tin:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line it with cupcake liners.
- Prepare the Puff Pastry:
- Lightly flour your work surface and roll out one sheet of puff pastry to smooth it slightly.
- Brush the entire surface with melted butter.
- Add Cinnamon Sugar:
- In a small bowl, mix granulated sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle an even layer of the mixture over the buttered puff pastry.
- Roll and Cut:
- Starting from one side, roll the pastry tightly into a log.
- Use a sharp knife to cut the log in half lengthwise to reveal the layers.
- Shape the Cruffins:
- Take one half of the log and roll it into a spiral, cut-side facing out. Place the spiral into a muffin tin. Repeat with the other pieces.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cruffins are puffed and golden brown.
- Coat with Cinnamon Sugar:
- While the cruffins are still warm, brush them lightly with melted butter and roll them in the remaining cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Serve:
- Serve warm for the best flaky texture. Enjoy with coffee or tea for a delightful treat!
Notes
- If your puff pastry gets too warm while working, chill it for a few minutes in the fridge to make it easier to handle.
- For an extra indulgence, drizzle cruffins with cream cheese glaze or caramel sauce.