Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins Recipe

Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins Recipe to Try Today

Baking delightful cinnamon sugar cruffins can turn any mundane morning into a sweet celebration of pastry magic.

Crisp layers swirl together with delicate buttery essence, creating a treat that dances between croissant and muffin.

Passionate home bakers love discovering unexpected flavor combinations that surprise and delight.

Spiraling dough catches pockets of cinnamon-infused sugar, promising decadent moments of pure indulgence.

Whispers of warm spice and golden-brown edges beckon you closer to this irresistible creation.

Pastry enthusiasts quickly fall in love with these delectable twists that blend comfort and creativity.

You won’t be able to resist making these heavenly cruffins that bring joy to every single bite.

Why Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins Are Worth Every Bite

  • Transform store-bought puff pastry into a stunning bakery-style treat in just 30 minutes from start to finish.
  • Impress family and friends with a stunning pastry that looks like it came from a professional bakery but requires zero advanced baking techniques.
  • Perfect for weekend brunches, afternoon tea, dessert, or a sweet morning indulgence that pairs beautifully with coffee or tea.

Everything You’ll Need for Cinnamon Cruffins

Main Ingredients:

Pastry Ingredients:
  • Puff Pastry: Delicate, buttery base that creates light and flaky layers for the cruffins. Store-bought works perfectly, choose an all-butter variety for best flavor.
  • Butter: Essential for brushing pastry and adding rich, golden color. Use unsalted butter for better control of saltiness.
Coating Ingredients:
  • Granulated Sugar, Cinnamon: Classic sweet and warm combination that creates a delicious exterior coating. Use fresh ground cinnamon for maximum flavor punch. Ground cinnamon works best for even distribution.
Preparation Essentials:
  • Cupcake Liners or Muffin Tin: Provides structure and prevents sticking during baking. Nonstick muffin tins work exceptionally well for easy removal.

How to Roll, Shape, and Bake Cruffins Just Right

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Set your oven to 375°F or 190°C. Grab a 12-cup muffin tin and coat it with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare Pastry Magic

Dust your countertop with flour. Gently unroll the puff pastry sheet and smooth it out. Use a pastry brush to spread melted butter across the entire surface, creating a golden canvas.

Step 3: Create Cinnamon Sugar Dust

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

Stir until the mixture looks like sparkling sand.

Step 4: Layer the Flavor

Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the buttered pastry, ensuring every inch gets a delicious coating.

Step 5: Roll and Transform

Starting from one long edge, tightly roll the pastry into a compact log. Using a sharp knife, slice the log down the center lengthwise to reveal beautiful swirled layers.

Step 6: Shape Delightful Spirals

Take each pastry half and curl it into a spiral shape, with the cut layers facing outward. Carefully place each spiral into a muffin tin cavity.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the muffin tin into the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cruffins puff up and turn a gorgeous golden brown.

Step 8: Final Sugary Touch

While the cruffins are still warm, brush them with melted butter. Roll each one in the remaining cinnamon sugar mixture for a delectable coating.

Step 9: Serve and Savor

Transfer the cruffins to a serving plate. Enjoy them warm alongside a steaming cup of coffee or tea for a truly blissful moment.

Tricks to Get That Perfect Swirl and Crunch

  • Minimize Butter Mess: Brush pastry with melted butter using a silicone pastry brush for clean, even coverage without drips.
  • Prevent Sticky Dough: Dust work surface lightly with flour to stop puff pastry from sticking and tearing during rolling.
  • Achieve Consistent Spirals: Use a ruler or measuring tape to cut log halves precisely for uniform cruffin sizes and even baking.
  • Layer for Maximum Flakiness: Roll pastry tightly and ensure cut-side faces out when shaping spirals to create beautiful, distinct layers.
  • Temperature Control Tip: Let cruffins cool slightly before coating in cinnamon sugar to help mixture adhere without burning your fingers.

How to Keep Cruffins Fresh and Sweet

  • Store leftover cruffins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep them at the front of the shelf to maintain their delicious texture.
  • Warm cruffins at 300F (150C) for 5-7 minutes to restore their crispy exterior and soft interior. Wrap loosely in aluminum foil to prevent over-browning.
  • Seal cruffins in freezer-safe bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Allow refrigerated cruffins to sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to soften slightly and enhance their flavor.

Drinks That Go Well with Cinnamon Cruffins

  • Rich espresso or cappuccino balances the sweet cruffin's delicate layers, creating a luxurious morning indulgence.
  • Vanilla bean ice cream adds creamy coolness against the warm, spicy cinnamon sugar, elevating the dessert's texture and taste.
  • Chai tea's warming spices mirror the cinnamon's depth, providing a sophisticated and comforting drinking experience alongside the cruffin.
  • Late harvest Riesling's gentle sweetness and subtle fruit notes beautifully complement the pastry's buttery, caramelized cinnamon profile.

Try These Cruffin Flavor Upgrades

  • Gluten-Free Cruffins: Replace traditional puff pastry with a gluten-free alternative made from rice flour or almond flour to accommodate celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
  • Vegan Cinnamon Swirl Version: Swap butter with coconut oil or plant-based margarine and use vegan puff pastry to create a dairy-free and egg-free option for plant-based diets.
  • Low-Sugar Alternative: Substitute granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia to reduce overall sugar content while maintaining the classic cinnamon flavor profile.
  • Nutty Protein Boost: Sprinkle chopped almonds or walnuts between pastry layers to add extra crunch and nutritional value for those seeking more protein in their breakfast pastry.

Cinnamon Cruffins: All Your Questions Answered

  • What are cruffins?

Cruffins are a delicious pastry hybrid that combines a croissant’s flaky texture with a muffin’s shape, created by rolling and spiraling puff pastry.

  • Do I need special skills to make cruffins?

No, this recipe is beginner-friendly. With basic pastry rolling and cutting techniques, anyone can create these delightful treats at home.

  • Can I use homemade puff pastry instead of store-bought?

Absolutely! Homemade puff pastry can work wonderfully, though it requires more time and skill to prepare compared to pre-made sheets.

  • Why do I cut the pastry log lengthwise before shaping?

Cutting lengthwise exposes the beautiful layers inside the pastry, allowing you to create a more intricate spiral shape with visible swirls of cinnamon sugar when baked.

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Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins Recipe

Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins Recipe


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4.7 from 15 reviews

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

Description

Craving a pastry marvel? Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins blend croissant flakiness with muffin charm, delivering buttery layers dusted with sweet cinnamon magic that will delight pastry enthusiasts and elevate breakfast moments.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 package (2 sheets) puff pastry, thawed
  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) unsalted butter, melted

Sugar and Spice:

  • ½ cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons (10 grams) ground cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Prepare the pastry workspace by lightly dusting a clean surface with flour, ensuring a smooth rolling environment for the delicate puff pastry sheet.
  2. Gently brush the entire pastry surface with a generous layer of melted butter, creating a golden foundation for the cinnamon sugar coating.
  3. Create a fragrant cinnamon sugar blend by thoroughly mixing granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a small mixing bowl.
  4. Evenly distribute the aromatic cinnamon sugar mixture across the butter-glazed pastry, ensuring complete and consistent coverage.
  5. Carefully roll the pastry from one edge, forming a tight, compact log that reveals intricate layered spirals when sliced.
  6. Using a sharp knife, precisely cut the rolled log in half lengthwise, exposing the beautiful cinnamon-swirled interior.
  7. Transform each pastry half into a spiral shape, positioning the cut side outward to maximize visual and textural appeal.
  8. Nestle each spiral into a prepared muffin tin, allowing space for dramatic rising and expansion during baking.
  9. Transfer the muffin tin to a preheated oven and bake until the cruffins achieve a stunning golden-brown complexion and puffy texture.
  10. While still warm, delicately brush the cruffins with additional melted butter and generously coat them in the remaining cinnamon sugar mixture.
  11. Serve immediately to appreciate the optimal flaky, crisp texture, pairing wonderfully with a steaming cup of coffee or tea.

Notes

  • Ensure puff pastry is cold and firm for easier handling and cleaner cuts when rolling and shaping.
  • Use unsalted butter to control the saltiness and achieve a more balanced cinnamon sugar flavor.
  • For a gluten-free version, swap traditional puff pastry with gluten-free puff pastry available in specialty stores.
  • Prevent soggy bottoms by placing the muffin tin on the middle oven rack and avoiding overcrowding.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 8 g
  • Sodium: 120 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 15 mg
Jamie Granger

Jamie Granger

Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

  • Fusion Cuisine Development
  • Recipe Development and Food Styling
  • Culinary Writing and Content Creation
  • Nutrition and Healthy Cooking​

Education

Culinary Institute of America

  • Degree: Associate in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Emphasis on flavor development, classic and contemporary culinary techniques, menu design, and global cuisine preparation; combined with food-service management, communication, and finance training; and immersive hands‑on restaurant operations through paid industry internships.

Jamie Granger turns ingredients into memories. With her recipes, she brings a fusion-forward flair to every creation. 

Her dishes reflect the places she’s explored, the chefs she’s learned from, and the deep connection she has to food as a form of expression. 

At Pass and Provision, Jamie develops recipes that balance flavor, health, and beauty, meals that don’t just satisfy your appetite but speak to your curiosity.

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