If you’ve ever daydreamed about the flaky layers of a croissant meeting the cozy flavor hug of a cinnamon roll, Cruffins are the magical hybrid you absolutely need in your life. This recipe makes it fabulously simple to bring bakery-quality Cruffins to your own kitchen. Not only do they look like a showstopper—tall, swirled, and dusted with powdered sugar—but they deliver that perfect balance of sweet cinnamon warmth and crisp, buttery pastry. Trust me, one bite and you’ll wonder how you ever lived without Cruffins on your breakfast table!
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Puff Pastry:
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed if frozen)
Cinnamon Sugar Mixture:
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Additional:
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
- butter or nonstick spray for greasing muffin tin
How to Make Cruffins
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F, which is the sweet spot for perfect rising and browning. Generously grease your muffin tin with butter or nonstick spray—don’t be shy! A little extra prevents sticking and gives your Cruffins that signature golden crust.
Step 2: Roll Out the Puff Pastry
Unfold your puff pastry sheet onto a lightly floured surface. Take just a minute to gently roll out the pastry to smooth out any folds or creases. It’s all about even baking and easy rolling later on, so don’t rush this relaxing step.
Step 3: Butter and Sprinkle
Brush the entire surface of your pastry with the melted butter—it acts like delicious glue for flavor. In a small bowl, mix together the sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle this blend evenly over the buttered pastry. Use every last bit; you want a swirl of cinnamon sweetness in every layer.
Step 4: Slice and Spiral
Grab a sharp knife or a pizza cutter and slice the pastry vertically into four even strips. Roll each strip up tightly into a neat spiral—think of making little cinnamon roll cylinders. Now, cut each rolled spiral in half crosswise to create eight perfect Cruffin portions, each with that iconic swirl exposed.
Step 5: Muffin Tin Magic
With the cut sides facing up, drop each roll into a muffin cup. This positioning helps them puff up into those iconic Cruffin towers as they bake, with every spiral and layer on display.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake your Cruffins for 18 to 22 minutes—keep an eye out, because every oven is unique. When they’re puffed up and a gorgeous golden brown, score! Your kitchen will smell like a dream. Let them cool slightly in the pan for easy removal.
Step 7: Finish and Enjoy!
Transfer your Cruffins to a wire rack and, if you want to go full bakery mode, dust with powdered sugar. Now comes the best part—dig in while they’re still warm and wonderfully fragrant!
How to Serve Cruffins
Garnishes
To turn your Cruffins into true morning stunners, go classic with a generous dusting of powdered sugar on top. For special occasions or extra flair, a drizzle of vanilla glaze, a sprinkling of chopped nuts, or even a pop of edible flowers can really amp up the show. If you’re feeling playful, a spoonful of fruit jam inside each Cruffin is a sweet surprise for lucky eaters.
Side Dishes
Cruffins love good company! Pair them with bowls of fresh fruit like berries or citrus for a refreshing contrast. On cooler mornings, a mug of creamy coffee, spiced chai, or hot chocolate really makes the cinnamon flavors sing. If you’re turning brunch into a spread, scrambled eggs or yogurt parfaits balance out the sweetness beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack your Cruffins high on a cake stand for a wow-worthy brunch centerpiece, or tuck them into mini parchment wrappers for an adorable coffee shop vibe. For parties, serve them on a wooden board with a selection of jams and spreads so guests can customize their own.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow have leftover Cruffins (lucky you!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They’ll stay soft and delicious, ready for a quick breakfast or snack—just cover them well to keep that signature flakiness.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze Cruffins! Once baked and completely cooled, wrap each Cruffin tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a resealable freezer bag. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to two months. When a craving hits, you’re only minutes away from fresh-baked goodness!
Reheating
To enjoy that just-baked warmth again, pop your Cruffins in a preheated oven at 325°F for about 5 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, a quick burst in the microwave works too, but the oven really revives that crisp, flaky exterior.
FAQs
Can I make Cruffins with homemade puff pastry?
Absolutely! If you’re up for the adventure, homemade puff pastry gives the Cruffins an extra level of flakiness. Just be sure it’s rolled thin and kept cold before assembly for best results.
How do I keep my Cruffins from sticking to the muffin tin?
Be generous with your butter or nonstick spray and make sure you coat every nook of the muffin tin. If you’re extra cautious, parchment paper muffin liners are a fantastic safety net.
What’s the best way to get an even cinnamon swirl?
Roll the dough out evenly and sprinkle the cinnamon sugar as consistently as possible over the surface. As you roll each strip, press gently so the filling sticks well and makes a beautiful spiral in every Cruffin.
Can I add fillings like Nutella or fruit preserves?
Definitely! Spread a thin layer of Nutella, jam, or even lemon curd onto the buttered pastry before adding the cinnamon sugar for fun flavor twists. Just avoid overfilling to prevent leaks during baking.
How long do Cruffins stay fresh?
Cruffins are best on the day they’re made, but properly stored, they’ll stay tasty for up to two days at room temperature. For longer storage, freeze and reheat as needed!
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you’ve had warm, homemade Cruffins, you’ll find any excuse to whip up another batch. They’re simple, stunning, and oh-so-satisfying. Give them a try—your taste buds and your breakfast crew will thank you!
Print
Cruffins Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 cruffins
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cruffins are a delightful pastry hybrid that combines the flakiness of a croissant with the shape of a muffin. These cinnamon sugar cruffins are easy to make and perfect for a special breakfast treat.
Ingredients
Puff Pastry:
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed if frozen)
Cinnamon Sugar Mixture:
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Additional:
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
- butter or nonstick spray for greasing muffin tin
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare Muffin Tin: Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease a standard muffin tin with butter or nonstick spray.
- Prepare the Puff Pastry: Roll out the puff pastry on a floured surface, brush with melted butter, and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Cut and Roll: Cut the pastry into strips, roll into spirals, and cut each into halves. Place in muffin cups.
- Bake: Bake for 18–22 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve: Cool slightly in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.
Notes
- For a variation, try spreading jam, Nutella, or lemon curd on the puff pastry before rolling.
- Best served fresh but can be reheated in the oven for a few minutes.
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