Delicious Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins

Whether for lazy weekend brunches or spontaneous cravings, these Cruffins have quickly become my go-to treat when I want something bakery worthy in my own kitchen. They come out flaky, golden, and filled with swirls of sweet cinnamon and sugar in every bite—for a fraction of the price and time of store bought pastries.

I started making these Cruffins during the holidays because my family loves cinnamon rolls but I wanted something less fussy. No one can believe they are homemade and my house smells incredible for hours after

Ingredients

• Puff pastry sheet: The star of the recipe. For the flakiest result, try to use all butter puff pastry found in the freezer section.
• Sugar: Adds the classic sweetness and helps create the caramelized swirl. Granulated white sugar works best.
• Ground cinnamon: Supplies the signature warming spice. Be sure you are using fresh, fragrant cinnamon for best results.
• Melted butter: Helps the cinnamon sugar stick and boosts richness. Choose unsalted butter with a golden color and fresh aroma.
• Powdered sugar: Adds the perfect finishing dusting. Use a fine mesh sifter for an even coat.
• Vanilla extract: This is optional but really amplifies the bakery flavor. Use pure extract and avoid imitation types.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare and preheat:

Preheat your oven to three hundred seventy five degrees Fahrenheit or one hundred ninety degrees Celsius. Arrange the racks in the center and grab a nonstick muffin tin. Grease each cup thoroughly with butter or spray to prevent sticking.

Roll out the dough:

Lightly dust your work surface with flour. Unfold the puff pastry sheet and gently roll it out to even out the seams, making sure it is smooth and slightly thinner. This helps with more defined swirls.

Mix and layer the filling:

In a small bowl, blend the sugar and ground cinnamon until fully combined. Spread this mixture evenly across the surface of the rolled out pastry. Make sure every corner is covered for maximum flavor.

Add butter and roll up:

Brush the entire surface with melted butter using a pastry brush to help the cinnamon sugar soak in. Starting at the long edge, tightly roll the dough up into a firm log. Take your time to keep the roll even.

Cut and shape:

With a sharp chef’s knife, slice the dough log into twelve equal rounds. If needed, measure and mark before slicing for uniform pieces. Place each piece cut side up in the greased muffin tin wells for the best layers.

Bake:

Slide the muffin tin into your preheated oven. Bake for twenty to twenty five minutes. You want the Cruffins to puff up and turn deep golden brown with crisp peaks. If unsure, give them a gentle tap to check for firm structure.

Cool and finish:

Allow the Cruffins to cool for about five minutes in the tray. When safe to handle, transfer to a wire rack or plate. Dust generously with powdered sugar. If you love a flavor boost, drizzle or brush with a hint of vanilla extract before serving.

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My favorite thing about these is unrolling the Cruffin—each spiral reveals even more sweet cinnamon goodness. My daughter always tries to steal the crispiest top and we end up sharing a laugh over who gets the biggest swirl.

Storage Tips

Let Cruffins cool completely before storing. To keep them fresh for a couple days, place in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want to keep them longer, freeze individually wrapped in plastic. For reheating, a few minutes in a warm oven brings back the just baked flakiness.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you crave new flavors, try adding orange zest to the sugar mix or using brown sugar for a caramel note. For a dairy free version, swap melted coconut oil for butter and ensure your puff pastry is plant based. You can sprinkle chopped nuts before rolling for extra crunch.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these Cruffins warm right out of the oven with a cup of strong coffee or hot chocolate. For a party platter, drizzle with a glaze of cream cheese icing or dip in melted chocolate. My kids also love them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert.

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Enjoy these Cruffins with your favorite drink—it feels like a bakery treat made just for you!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How can I make cruffins flakier?

Use cold puff pastry and avoid overworking the dough. Brush with melted butter just before adding the cinnamon sugar mixture for extra layers.

→ Can I add other spices to the filling?

Yes, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for depth, or orange zest for a bright twist.

→ How long should cruffins cool before serving?

Let them cool for 5-10 minutes so they set, but serve while still slightly warm for best texture and flavor.

→ Is it necessary to use a muffin tin?

A muffin tin helps achieve the signature tall, spiraled shape and ensures even baking for each cruffin.

→ How should leftover cruffins be stored?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or briefly refresh in the oven before serving.