Quick Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins

This quick cinnamon sugar cruffins recipe transforms store-bought dough into delectable pastries that rival bakery treats in just 40 minutes. The flaky, buttery layers infused with warm cinnamon create an irresistible breakfast or snack that looks impressive despite minimal effort.

I first made these cruffins when my nieces came for a weekend visit, and they've become our special tradition whenever they stay over. The look of delight on their faces as they pulled apart the flaky layers made these an instant family favorite.

Ingredients

• Refrigerated crescent roll dough or puff pastry: The foundation of our cruffins that provides those beautiful flaky layers without the hours of work. Choose all butter varieties for the richest flavor.
• Unsalted butter: Creates richness and helps achieve that golden exterior. Make sure it's completely melted for even distribution.
• Granulated sugar: Provides the sweetness and helps create a slight caramelization. Use fine granulated for best incorporation.
• Ground cinnamon: The star flavor that makes these cruffins irresistible. Look for fresh aromatic cinnamon for the most impact.
• Vanilla extract: Optional but adds depth to the overall flavor profile. Pure extract rather than imitation makes a noticeable difference.
• A pinch of salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness. Even in sweet recipes, salt is crucial for flavor development.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat and Prepare:

Heat your oven to 375°F and get your muffin tin ready with paper liners or a light coating of cooking spray. This preparation ensures your cruffins will release easily after baking and helps establish an even cooking temperature.

Prepare the Dough:

Unroll your crescent or puff pastry dough onto a clean surface. If using crescent dough, press those perforations together carefully to create one solid sheet. The goal is to create a uniform rectangle without any gaps where filling might escape during baking.

Mix the Cinnamon Sugar:

Combine your granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt in a small bowl until completely integrated. This mixture should have a uniform color with no streaks of plain sugar or cinnamon clumps. The salt might seem odd in a sweet recipe, but it actually amplifies the sweetness and spice flavors.

Apply the Butter:

Brush melted butter across the entire surface of your dough using gentle strokes to ensure complete coverage. This layer of butter serves multiple purposes it helps the cinnamon sugar adhere to the dough, adds richness, and creates those beautiful flaky layers as it bakes.

Add the Cinnamon Sugar:

Sprinkle your cinnamon sugar mixture evenly across the buttered dough, going all the way to the edges. Use a generous amount for maximum flavor impact. The sugar will melt slightly during baking, creating a delicious caramelized effect.

Roll the Dough:

Starting from one of the long edges, tightly roll the dough into a log shape. Keep the roll as tight as possible by gently pulling back on the dough as you roll. This tension creates those beautiful spiral layers in the final product.

Slice into Portions:

Using a sharp knife, cut your log into 12 equal slices. A gentle sawing motion works best to avoid compressing the layers. If the dough gets too soft during this process, pop it in the freezer for 5 minutes to firm up.

Fill the Muffin Tin:

Place each slice into your prepared muffin tin, gently pressing to ensure they fit properly. The spiral pattern should be facing upward to create that distinctive cruffin look.

Bake to Perfection:

Place your muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Look for a golden brown color and significant puffing of the layers. The kitchen will fill with an irresistible cinnamon aroma when they're nearly done.

Cool and Serve:

Allow the cruffins to cool in the tin for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This brief cooling period helps them set up properly so they don't collapse when removed from the tin.

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The cinnamon is truly what makes these cruffins special. I once tried doubling the amount for extra spice lovers in my family, and they disappeared faster than I could serve them. My son actually called them "cinnamon cloud pastries" because of how the layers seem to float apart when you pull them.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use homemade dough instead of store-bought?

Yes, you can substitute homemade puff pastry or croissant dough for store-bought versions. However, this will significantly increase preparation time as you'll need to prepare, fold, and chill the dough properly to achieve the characteristic flaky layers.

→ How do I store leftover cruffins?

Store cooled cruffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore crispness before serving.

→ Can I freeze these cruffins?

Yes, these cruffins freeze well. Cool completely, then wrap individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and reheat in a 300°F oven for 7-10 minutes until warm and crisp.

→ What variations can I make to the filling?

You can customize the filling with additions like orange zest, cardamom, nutmeg, or cocoa powder. For more decadence, try adding mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or a cream cheese filling. You can also brush the baked cruffins with maple glaze or dust with powdered sugar.

→ Why did my cruffins unravel during baking?

Cruffins may unravel if the dough isn't rolled tightly enough or if the muffin cups are too large. Make sure to roll the dough into a compact log and slightly twist each slice as you place it in the muffin cup to help maintain its shape during baking.

→ What's the difference between cruffins and cinnamon rolls?

While both are rolled pastries with cinnamon sugar, cruffins are baked in muffin tins to create a crispy, flaky exterior with a muffin-like shape. They're typically made with puff pastry or croissant dough rather than the enriched yeast dough used for cinnamon rolls, resulting in more layers and a different texture.