Cinnamon Sugar Cruffin Recipe

If you’ve ever wanted to combine the flaky layers of a croissant with the sweet, comforting flavor of cinnamon sugar, then this Cinnamon Sugar Cruffin Recipe is exactly what you need to try next. I first made these for a brunch with friends, and let me tell you—there was barely a crumb left by the end of the morning. Their crisp, buttery layers dusted with cinnamon sugar make for an irresistible treat that works perfectly for breakfast, snack-time, or even a cozy dessert.

What I love most about this Cinnamon Sugar Cruffin Recipe is how approachable it is, despite feeling wonderfully fancy. Using refrigerated crescent roll dough keeps things quick and easy, yet you still get that beautiful, layered texture that’s usually reserved for more involved pastries. This recipe is a great excuse to get creative in the kitchen while still keeping things stress-free, and once you master it, you’ll find yourself sharing these with anyone who visits.

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Ingredients & Why They Work

When making this Cinnamon Sugar Cruffin Recipe, you want ingredients that come together seamlessly without fuss but deliver maximum flavor and texture. Each component has a role to play, and I’ll share a few notes on how to choose the best versions to get delicious results.

• Crescent roll dough: Look for refrigerated tubes that are smooth and not overly perforated to hold together well when rolled.
• Unsalted butter: Using unsalted allows you to control the salt level and adds a rich, creamy layer that’s essential for flakiness.
• Granulated sugar: Regular granulated sugar is perfect for that classic crunchy sweetness; make sure it’s fresh for the best texture.
• Ground cinnamon: Choose fresh, high-quality cinnamon—it makes a noticeable difference in aromatic warmth.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love making this Cinnamon Sugar Cruffin Recipe my own by adding little personal touches — it’s a fun way to get creative while keeping the heart of the recipe intact. Feel free to experiment with flavors or textures depending on what you’re craving or what you have on hand.

• Variation: I sometimes swap out part of the granulated sugar for brown sugar to give an even deeper caramel tone, especially around the holidays—it’s a small change that feels festive.
• Spicy Upgrade: Adding a pinch of nutmeg or ground cardamom into the cinnamon sugar mixture introduces warmth and complexity if you like your pastries with a little extra flavor punch.
• Dietary Modification: For a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative—just make sure it melts well so you still get that golden crispiness.
• Sweet Touch: Drizzling a vanilla glaze over the warm cruffins right after baking makes for an irresistible finish.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cinnamon Sugar Cruffin Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Dough and Work Surface

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing your muffin tin with spray or butter so nothing sticks. Then, lightly flour your countertop and roll out each crescent roll sheet into a 12 by 16-inch rectangle. If your dough has perforations, pinch those seams tightly—trust me, it makes the rolling smoother and keeps the layers intact.

Step 2: Butter and Sugar Magic

Spread about 2 tablespoons of softened butter evenly across each dough sheet—don’t skimp here because this butter is what creates those flaky layers. Next, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle about a quarter cup of that mixture on top of the buttered dough. Gently press it in a bit so it sticks without tearing the dough.

Step 3: Roll and Slice

Roll the dough tightly from the long side into a log shape—try to get it snug without squishing the cinnamon sugar out the sides. Cut this log in half, then cut each half lengthwise to get four strips per tube. Once you’ve done this with all three tubes of dough, you’ll have 12 pieces ready to shape.

Step 4: Shape the Cruffins

Take each strip and roll it from one end to create a cinnamon roll shape with the layers facing outward. Tuck the end of the dough underneath so it holds its shape. Place each shaped piece upright in the muffin tin. This layering trick is what really gives the cruffins their signature flaky, layered look.

Step 5: Bake and Finish

Pop the muffin tin in the oven and bake for about 18 to 20 minutes, until the cruffins are puffed and golden brown. When they come out, and they’ll smell heavenly by this point, immediately roll each one in the remaining cinnamon sugar mixture. This coats them in a lovely sweet crust that seals in the buttery goodness.

How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Cruffin Recipe

Garnishes

I often keep it simple with just a dusting of extra cinnamon sugar right out of the oven, but sometimes I sprinkle a little powdered sugar for a snowy effect. For a special touch, a drizzle of warm glaze or a dollop of whipped cream adds a lovely contrast to the crispness.

Side Dishes

Pair your cruffins with fresh fruit like berries or slices of apple to cut through the sweetness and add freshness. For brunch, they go beautifully with a rich latte or a cup of chai tea to complement the cinnamon flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

I’ve assembled these cruffins in a tiered pastry stand when serving guests—it looks stunning! Wrapping each in parchment paper tied with a cinnamon stick makes for an adorable gift or party favor too.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover cruffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. The texture is still fantastic, though they soften a tiny bit from the sugar crust, which is why quick storage is best.

Freezing

Freezing works very well if you want to prep in advance. After baking and cooling, I wrap each cruffin tightly in plastic wrap then place them in a freezer bag. They keep for about a month — just thaw overnight on the counter before reheating.

Reheating

To bring back that fresh-baked crispness, I warm cruffins in a 325°F oven for about 5 to 7 minutes. Microwaving is faster but makes them softer, so if you prefer crispy edges, the oven is your best friend.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Cinnamon Sugar Cruffin Recipe is a sweet little kitchen adventure that’s well worth the effort, especially when you’re craving something warm, flaky, and comforting. I love how it always feels like a treat but comes together so easily that I don’t hesitate to make it for myself or friends. Once you try it, you’ll see why it quickly became one of my go-to recipes for special breakfasts or whenever I need a bite of cinnamon-spiced happiness.

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