Easy Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins You’ll Love
If you’re craving a delightful pastry that combines the flaky goodness of a croissant with the tender crumb of a muffin, you’re going to adore this recipe for Easy Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins. These treats boast layers of buttery dough dusted generously with cinnamon sugar, perfect for breakfast or an afternoon indulgence. Plus, they’re surprisingly simple to make at home, bringing bakery vibes straight to your kitchen with minimal fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and approachable: Designed for home bakers, even if you’re not a pro, this recipe keeps the process straightforward without compromising taste.
- Perfect balance of flavors: The warm cinnamon and sweet sugar complement the buttery pastry layers, delivering a mouthwatering experience every time.
- Versatile snack: Enjoy them fresh for breakfast, as a coffee companion, or a charming dessert anytime cravings hit.
- Minimal ingredients: Uses pantry staples you probably already have, making it budget-friendly and accessible.
- Great for sharing: These cruffins look impressive but are easy to make in batches, ideal for family or friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To bake the perfect batch of Easy Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins, you’ll only need a handful of everyday ingredients. Each element plays a key role—from creating flaky layers to infusing cozy cinnamon sweetness and achieving that golden finish.
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure and flakiness for the pastry base.
- Butter: Essential for rich flavor and tender, layered texture.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough subtly and caramelizes during baking.
- Cinnamon: Adds warmth and spice that defines the cruffin’s signature taste.
- Milk: Helps hydrate the dough and contributes to softness.
- Yeast: Vital for the dough’s rise and airy crumb.
- Salt: Enhances all flavors, balancing sweetness.
- Egg wash: Gives the cruffins a shiny, golden-brown crust.
Variations for Easy Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins
These Easy Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins are incredibly adaptable—perfect for putting a personal spin on a classic treat. Whether you want to swap ingredients for dietary needs or experiment with flavor twists, this recipe welcomes creativity without extra hassle.
- Nutty crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts between the dough layers for added texture.
- Chocolate drizzle: Drizzle melted dark or milk chocolate on top after baking for extra indulgence.
- Gluten-free version: Use a gluten-free flour blend, adjusting liquids slightly to maintain dough consistency.
- Vegan adaptation: Replace butter with vegan margarine and use plant-based milk and egg substitutes.
- Fruit-filled: Add a thin layer of jam or fruit preserves before rolling for a fruity surprise inside.
How to Make Easy Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Begin by activating your yeast in warm milk with a pinch of sugar until frothy, then mix it with flour, salt, and the rest of the sugar. Knead the dough until smooth and elastic, and let it rise until doubled in size. This foundational step ensures a light, airy texture.
Step 2: Roll and Layer with Butter
On a floured surface, roll the dough into a large rectangle. Spread softened butter evenly over the surface, fold the dough like a letter, and roll again. Repeat this folding and rolling process a few times to create distinct buttery layers.
Step 3: Add Cinnamon Sugar
Generously sprinkle a mixture of cinnamon and sugar over the flattened dough, pressing it lightly to adhere. This step infuses the layers with that signature sweet-spicy flavor that makes these cruffins irresistible.
Step 4: Shape the Cruffins
Cut the dough into strips and coil each strip into a muffin tin lined with parchment or greased. This shaping technique creates the beautiful, layered appearance reminiscent of a croissant’s flaky folds combined with muffin convenience.
Step 5: Proof and Bake
Allow the cruffins to rise again until puffy, then brush the tops with egg wash for a shiny, golden exterior. Bake them in a preheated oven until crisp and caramelized on top, then cool slightly before enjoying.
Pro Tips for Making Easy Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins
- Room temperature ingredients: Ensure butter and liquids aren’t too cold to help the dough blend smoothly.
- Use chilled butter for layering: Slightly firm butter helps form distinct layers in the dough during rolling.
- Don’t rush the rising: Let the dough rise fully to maximize fluffiness and flavor development.
- Even sugar distribution: Spread the cinnamon sugar mixture uniformly to avoid dry or overly sweet pockets.
- Watch baking time: Crisp exterior and golden color mean they’re ready—don’t overbake to keep tenderness inside.
How to Serve Easy Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins
Garnishes
A dusting of powdered sugar or a light drizzle of vanilla glaze adds a pretty finishing touch and an extra hit of sweetness that complements the cinnamon sugar perfectly.
Side Dishes
Pair your cruffins with a fresh fruit salad or a steaming cup of coffee or tea to balance flavors and make your snack or breakfast feel complete.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve cruffins in colorful muffin liners or stack them on a rustic wooden board alongside small bowls of honey, jam, or whipped cream for guests to customize their experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Easy Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to keep them tender and flavorful without drying out.
Freezing
Wrap individual cruffins tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag to freeze for up to one month, so you can enjoy these treats any time without baking from scratch.
Reheating
Reheat cruffins in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes or until warm and crisp again. Avoid the microwave to maintain that flaky texture.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought croissant dough instead of making my own?
Absolutely! Using store-bought puff pastry or croissant dough can simplify the process and still yield delicious results for Easy Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins.
How long does it take to make these cruffins from start to finish?
Including rising time, expect about 2 to 3 hours before you can indulge in fresh cruffins, although most of this is passive rising time.
Can I make these cruffins gluten-free?
Yes, by substituting a gluten-free flour blend that’s suitable for yeast dough, you can adapt the recipe to gluten-free diets with careful adjustments for dough hydration.
Are these cruffins suitable for meal prep or snacks on the go?
Definitely! Their sturdy yet tender texture makes them perfect for packing as on-the-go breakfasts or satisfying snacks anytime during the day.
Do I need any special equipment to make Easy Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins?
Not really! A rolling pin, muffin tin, and basic baking tools are all you need, making this recipe very approachable even for beginners.
Final Thoughts
Ready to treat yourself with something truly special yet easy? These Easy Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins combine the best of flaky pastry and sweet muffins, perfect for any time you want a cozy, homemade delight. Give this recipe a try, and soon you’ll have a new favorite breakfast or snack that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
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Easy Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins
Easy Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins are a delightful hybrid pastry combining the flaky layers of a croissant with the tender crumb of a muffin. These treats are generously dusted with cinnamon sugar, perfect for breakfast, snacks, or an indulgent dessert. Simple to make with minimal ingredients, they provide bakery-quality indulgence right at home.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes (including rising times)
- Yield: 12 cruffins
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American bakery-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- All-purpose flour – 3 cups
- Warm milk – 1 cup
- Active dry yeast – 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet)
- Granulated sugar – 1/4 cup (plus a pinch for activating yeast)
- Salt – 1 teaspoon
- Butter (unsalted, softened for dough) – 4 tablespoons
Layering Ingredients
- Butter (cold, for layering) – 1/2 cup
- Cinnamon – 2 tablespoons
- Granulated sugar – 1/4 cup (for cinnamon sugar mixture)
Finishing
- Egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Activate the yeast by mixing it with warm milk and a pinch of sugar. Let it sit until frothy, about 5-10 minutes. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, remaining sugar, and softened butter. Add the yeast mixture and knead until you have a smooth, elastic dough. Cover and let rise until doubled in size, about 1 to 1.5 hours.
- Roll and Layer with Butter: On a floured surface, roll the risen dough into a large rectangle. Evenly spread the cold butter over the dough’s surface. Fold the dough like a letter, then roll it out again into a rectangle. Repeat this folding and rolling process 2 to 3 times to create distinct buttery layers.
- Add Cinnamon Sugar: Mix cinnamon and sugar together, then generously sprinkle the mixture over the flattened dough. Press lightly so the cinnamon sugar adheres to the surface and infuses the layers with sweet-spicy flavor.
- Shape the Cruffins: Cut the dough into strips about 1 to 1.5 inches wide. Coil each strip into a muffin tin lined with parchment paper or greased, creating a layered spiral that resembles flaky croissant folds inside a muffin shape.
- Proof and Bake: Allow the shaped cruffins to rise again until puffy, approximately 30-45 minutes. Brush the tops with egg wash to achieve a shiny golden crust. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes or until the tops are caramelized and crisp. Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Use room temperature softened butter for the dough and chilled butter for layering to achieve the best flakiness.
- Allow the dough to rise fully for maximum fluffiness and flavor development; don’t rush this step.
- Distribute the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly to avoid dry or overly sweet spots.
- Watch the baking time carefully; a golden-brown crust with a crisp exterior is the sign they are done.
- Reheat cruffins in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore flakiness; avoid microwaving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cruffin
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: cinnamon sugar cruffins, easy cruffins, cinnamon muffin croissant, breakfast pastry, layered pastry, homemade cruffins