There’s something magical about the combination of croissants and muffins. Enter: the cruffin! These Perfect Cinnamon-Sugar Cruffins are flaky, sweet, and utterly irresistible. Whether you’re a pastry pro or a beginner, you’ll love how easy these are to make at home. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll be hooked!
The first time I made cruffins, I couldn’t believe how such a simple recipe could create something so bakery-worthy. They’re buttery, crisp on the outside, soft on the inside, and coated in a sweet cinnamon-sugar blanket. Oh, and did I mention they pair perfectly with a morning cup of coffee or tea? Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make: Made with store-bought puff pastry, so no need to stress about laminating dough.
- Visually stunning: These cruffins look like they came straight from a high-end bakery – perfect for Instagram or Pinterest!
- Customizable: You can fill them with jam, Nutella, or even cream cheese for a fun twist.
- Quick treat: From start to finish, they’re ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Optional: fillings like jam, Nutella, or cream cheese
Ingredient Substitution Options
- No puff pastry? Use crescent roll dough for a softer texture.
- Looking for a healthier option? Swap granulated sugar with coconut sugar or monk fruit sweetener.
- No butter? Use coconut oil for a delicious, dairy-free alternative.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep Your Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a muffin tin. Combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl, and set it aside.
2. Roll and Cut
Unroll the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Brush it with melted butter, then sprinkle generously with the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Roll the pastry up tightly (like a jelly roll), then cut it into 6 equal pieces.
3. Shape and Bake
Place each rolled piece into a muffin tin slot, spiral-side up, and gently fan out the layers for that signature cruffin look. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden and puffed.
4. Add the Finishing Touch
Once baked, brush the warm cruffins with a bit more melted butter and roll them in the remaining cinnamon-sugar mixture. Serve warm and enjoy!
Pro Tips and Variations
- For extra flakiness: Chill the rolled pastry pieces in the fridge for 10 minutes before baking.
- Make it indulgent: Pipe Nutella or jam into the cruffins after baking using a piping bag.
- Seasonal twist: Add pumpkin spice to the cinnamon-sugar mixture for a fall-inspired treat.
- Pin-worthy presentation: Dust with powdered sugar before serving for an elegant touch!
Serving and Storage Suggestions
Serving: These cruffins are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven while they’re still warm and crispy. Pair them with your favorite coffee or tea for a cozy breakfast or brunch treat.
Storage: Store leftover cruffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, pop them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5 minutes to revive their flakiness.
Pinterest-Worthy Styling Tips
- Lighting: Shoot your cruffins in natural light to capture the golden, flaky layers.
- Props: Add a cozy element with a linen napkin and a steaming cup of coffee in the background.
- Angles: Slice one cruffin open to showcase the airy, layered interior. This is *chef’s kiss* for Pinterest!
- Seasonal vibes: Sprinkle cinnamon sticks or fall leaves around the cruffins for autumn-themed boards.
FAQs About Cinnamon-Sugar Cruffins
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the cruffins, cover them tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Bake them fresh the next morning for best results.
Do I need to use a muffin tin?
While a muffin tin helps shape the cruffins, you can also bake them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. They’ll spread slightly but will still be delicious.
Can I freeze cruffins?
Absolutely! Freeze the baked cruffins in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven before serving.
Share Your Cruffin Creations!
I can’t wait to see your Perfect Cinnamon-Sugar Cruffins! Pin this recipe for later and tag me on Pinterest or Instagram when you bake them. Let’s spread the flaky, cinnamon-sugar love! ❤️
Happy baking!