Easy Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins Recipe

If you have a soft spot for the warm, cozy flavors of cinnamon and the irresistible flakiness of pastries, you are going to adore this recipe! Easy Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins combine the fun shape of a muffin with the buttery, cinnamon-sugar layers of a cruller or croissant, making them an absolute delight to bake and enjoy. These cruffins are simple to make with store-bought crescent roll dough, yet they deliver bakery-level charm and flavor right from your own kitchen. Whether it’s for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack, these cruffins will impress anyone lucky enough to get a bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s something truly wonderful about how a handful of simple ingredients can come together to create something so delicious. Each component in these Easy Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins plays a key role—from the tender, flaky dough to the sweet cinnamon sugar that gives each bite its signature flavor and crunch.

• Crescent roll dough (3 cans, 8 ounces each): The base that creates wonderfully light and flaky layers every time.
• Butter (1/2 cup, softened): Adds richness and helps the cinnamon sugar stick beautifully to the dough.
• Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Provides the perfect sweetness and slight crunch after baking.
• Ground cinnamon (2 tablespoons): Infuses the rolls with warm, aromatic notes essential to that classic cinnamon sugar taste.

How to Make Easy Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins

Step 1: Preparing Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and giving a 12-cup muffin pan a quick coat of non-stick spray. This ensures your cruffins will bake evenly and release easily without any stickiness. Having these ready upfront makes the process smooth and worry-free.

Step 2: Rolling Out the Dough

Next, lay each sheet of crescent roll dough on a lightly floured or sugared surface. Pinch the perforations to seal them so there are no holes. Use a rolling pin to gently roll each sheet bigger than the original size, making sure those perforations are well merged back together. This step helps create a perfect canvas for layering butter and cinnamon sugar.

Step 3: Spreading the Butter

With your dough sheets ready, spread a thin, even layer of softened butter over each one. The butter melts into the dough as it bakes and helps lock in moisture and flavor, giving this pastry that silky, tender crumb you’ll fall in love with instantly.

Step 4: Mixing and Applying Cinnamon Sugar

Combine your sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl, whisking them together until fully blended. Sprinkle half of this fragrant mixture evenly over each buttered dough sheet. Reserve the other half for sprinkling on top of your cruffins after baking for that perfect final touch.

Step 5: Rolling and Cutting the Dough Logs

Carefully roll up each dough sheet along the long edge into a tight cylinder, then slice each roll in half. Cut each half lengthwise to expose the delicate cinnamon sugar layers. When finished, you should have twelve beautiful, layered pieces ready to be shaped into cruffins.

Step 6: Forming and Baking the Cruffins

Wrap each dough piece around your finger, layering the cinnamon sugar side outward to create the classic “muffin” shape. Place each cruffin snugly into the greased muffin pan. Bake on the middle rack for 18 to 20 minutes, rotating the pan halfway to ensure even browning. You’ll know they’re done when they’re golden and irresistibly crispy on top.

Step 7: Finishing Touches

Let the cruffins cool in their pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack set over a baking sheet. While still warm, generously sprinkle the reserved cinnamon sugar over each cruffin. This final dusting creates a shining sugary crust that’s pure magic in every bite.

How to Serve Easy Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins

Garnishes

For a little extra wow factor, try dusting your cruffins with powdered sugar or a light drizzle of vanilla glaze. A few fresh berries on the side can brighten up the plate and add a pop of color that complements the cinnamon tones perfectly.

Side Dishes

These cruffins pair wonderfully with hot beverages like coffee, chai tea, or even a creamy latte. For a heartier brunch, serve alongside scrambled eggs, fresh fruit, or a yogurt parfait to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack cruffins on a tiered dessert stand for a festive brunch display or wrap them individually in parchment with a twist of ribbon for gift-giving or party favors. You can also fill the center with a spoonful of cream cheese or jam after baking for a delightful surprise inside.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store your cruffins in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh for up to two days and remain wonderfully soft and flavorful, so you can enjoy them whenever the craving hits.

Freezing

If you want to keep these cruffins on hand longer, freeze them in a sealed plastic bag or container. When wrapped tightly, they maintain quality for up to one month, making them a perfect make-ahead treat for busy mornings.

Reheating

To warm frozen or stored cruffins, pop them in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes or until heated through. This refreshes their crispy exterior and enhances that buttery cinnamon aroma you love.

FAQs

Can I use homemade dough instead of crescent roll dough?

Absolutely! Homemade dough can give your cruffins an even more personalized touch. Just make sure your dough is rolled thin enough to create those perfect flaky layers.

Is there a way to make these cruffins gluten-free?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free crescent roll dough alternative or make your own gluten-free dough. Keep in mind texture may vary slightly, but the cinnamon sugar goodness remains the same.

Can I make these cruffins vegan?

You can substitute vegan margarine for butter and look for dairy-free crescent dough options. The result will still be deliciously satisfying!

How do I prevent the cruffins from sticking to the muffin pan?

Be generous with your non-stick spray or use paper muffin liners. You can also lightly grease the pan with butter for extra assurance.

Can I add fillings to the cruffins?

Definitely. Try adding cream cheese, chocolate chips, or fruit preserves inside before rolling for a delightful twist that will elevate your cruffins even more.

Final Thoughts

Easy Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins are a delightful way to bring a little bakery magic into your own kitchen with minimal effort. Their buttery layers and sweet cinnamon sugar flavor make them a perfect treat for any time of day. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and watch how quickly these cruffins become a beloved favorite in your home. Happy baking and even happier tasting!

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