Easy Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins
Easy Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins are flaky, buttery pastries that combine the layered texture of croissants with the convenience of muffins. Coated in sweet cinnamon sugar, they offer a warm, comforting spice perfect for breakfast, brunch, or snacks. Made with simple pantry staples and minimal prep time, these cruffins are an approachable treat that impresses any crowd.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 cruffins 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Dough Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup warm milk
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar (plus extra for activating yeast)
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
Butter Layer
- 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- Prepare the dough: Begin by activating your yeast in warm milk with a pinch of sugar until frothy, about 5-10 minutes. In a large bowl, combine the flour, eggs, salt, and remaining sugar. Add the yeast-milk mixture and mix until a soft, elastic dough forms. Knead well on a floured surface until smooth, then let it rest briefly for about 10 minutes.
- Roll and layer the dough with butter: Roll the rested dough into a large rectangle. Evenly spread chilled, sliced unsalted butter over two-thirds of the surface. Fold the dough in thirds like a letter, then roll it out again to create multiple buttery layers. Repeat if desired for flakier layers.
- Add the cinnamon sugar coating: Mix the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon together. Generously sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the rolled-out dough and press lightly to ensure it sticks evenly, creating a sweet, crunchy crust.
- Shape the cruffins: Slice the dough into strips (about 1 to 1.5 inches wide). Twist or roll each strip gently and place into a muffin tin cup, forming the signature layered spiral shape of a cruffin.
- Proof and bake: Let the shaped cruffins rise in the muffin tin for about 30 minutes until puffed and slightly doubled. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the cruffins for 18-22 minutes or until golden brown and irresistible. Remove from oven and cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Chill the butter well to ensure flaky, distinct layers.
- Handle the dough gently after buttering to keep layers tender.
- Use fresh active dry yeast for best rise and texture.
- Apply cinnamon sugar generously for a crispier, flavorful crust.
- Watch baking time to avoid dry cruffins; pull out once golden.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Freeze individually wrapped cruffins for up to 1 month and thaw before reheating.
- Reheat cruffins in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes or microwave briefly to restore texture and warmth.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cruffin
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: cruffins, cinnamon sugar pastry, flaky pastry, breakfast treat, muffins, croissant hybrid, easy cruffins