The aroma of cinnamon wafted through my kitchen, pulling me back to my childhood—those mornings filled with warm pastries and laughter. Today, I’m thrilled to share my recipe for easy cinnamon sugar cruffins, the irresistible sweet treat that combines the best of croissants and muffins into a delightful experience. With just four ingredients and a quick prep time of 30 minutes, these flaky cruffins with cinnamon filling are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a cozy dessert. Not only are they simple to make, but they also promise to be a crowd-pleaser—whether you’re surprising your family or treating yourself. Ready to roll up your sleeves and dive into a buttery adventure? Let’s get started!
Why Are These Cruffins So Irresistible?
Flaky Texture: The combination of crescent roll dough and buttery layers creates an airy, flaky masterpiece that melts in your mouth.
Quick & Easy: With only four ingredients and just 30 minutes of prep, you can whip up these delightful treats in no time!
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether served for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these cruffins are sure to please everyone.
Customizable: Play with flavors! Add chocolate chips for a sweet surprise or experiment with fillings like cream cheese for something truly unique.
Crowd-Pleaser: Serve these warm out of the oven, and watch them disappear! For more flavor inspiration, try our Bananas Foster Cinnamon Rolls or Apple Crisp Cinnamon Roll Casserole.
Dive into this delicious recipe that keeps giving and delighting!
Flaky Cruffins with Cinnamon Filling
Get ready to enjoy these delightful treats!
For the Dough
• Crescent Rolls – Provides the flaky, buttery texture; feel free to substitute with puff pastry for a different twist.
• Softened Butter – Adds richness and ensures the cinnamon sugar adheres perfectly; vegetable oil can be a lighter option.
For the Cinnamon Sugar
• Granulated Sugar – Brings sweetness and forms that delicious cinnamon sugar coating; try brown sugar for a deeper flavor enhancement.
• Cinnamon – Infuses warmth and flavor into the cruffins; consider nutmeg for a unique spice alternative.
With these ingredients ready, you’re well on your way to creating flaky cruffins with cinnamon filling that will charm your taste buds and warm your heart!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Flaky Cruffins with Cinnamon Filling
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms up, grease a 12-cup muffin tin thoroughly to ensure easy removal of your flaky cruffins once baked. This step sets the stage for perfectly golden-brown pastries that will fill your kitchen with a heavenly aroma.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
Unroll the crescent rolls on a clean surface, ensuring to pinch the seams together to create a cohesive sheet of dough. Using a rolling pin, gently roll over the dough to smooth it out, creating a larger rectangle to work with. This uniformity is key for achieving evenly baked flakiness in your cruffins.
Step 3: Add Butter and Cinnamon Sugar
Spread approximately 2 tablespoons of softened butter evenly over the entire surface of the dough. Next, sprinkle 2 tablespoons of cinnamon sugar atop the butter, making sure to cover the whole area. The butter acts as an adhesive for the cinnamon sugar, infusing each flaky cruffin with sweet, warm flavor as they bake.
Step 4: Roll and Cut the Dough
Starting from the long side of the rectangle, roll the dough tightly into a log shape. Once rolled, slice the log in half, then cut each half into quarters. This will yield a total of 12 sections, each eager to become stuffed with flavor when baked. The tighter you roll, the more layers your cruffins will have.
Step 5: Shape the Cruffins
Take each section and gently roll it into a spiral shape. This twisting motion encourages a lovely layered effect, crucial for the flaky texture. Place each spiral in the greased muffin tin, leaving a little space between them to allow for expansion while baking.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden
Slide your muffin tin into the preheated oven and bake for 20-22 minutes or until the cruffins turn a delightful golden brown. Keep an eye on them toward the end; you want that perfect balance of crispy exterior and soft inside. The visual cue here is a beautifully golden crust that beckons to be enjoyed!
Step 7: Coat in Cinnamon Sugar
Once baked, remove the muffin tin from the oven and let the cruffins cool in the tin for about 5 minutes. While they are still warm, roll each cruffin in the remaining cinnamon sugar to coat the outside, enhancing their sweetness. This final touch ensures every bite is an irresistible experience filled with buttery, cinnamon goodness.
What to Serve with Flaky Cruffins with Cinnamon Filling
Indulging in flaky cruffins with cinnamon filling opens the door to a world of delightful pairings that will elevate your meal experience.
-
Creamy Yogurt: The tanginess of yogurt complements the sweetness of the cruffins perfectly, adding a refreshing contrast to each bite. Serve it plain or mix in some honey for extra flavor.
-
Rich Coffee: A steaming cup of coffee enhances the warm spices of the cruffins, creating a comforting morning ritual. Opt for a smooth blend that won’t overpower the sweet notes.
-
Fresh Berries: Ripe strawberries or blueberries provide a burst of juicy freshness, balancing the richness of the flaky cruffins. The vibrant colors also add a lovely visual appeal to your plate.
-
Vanilla Ice Cream: For an extra indulgent dessert, pair warm cruffins with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. The melting ice cream contrasts beautifully with the crispy texture, making for an unforgettable treat.
-
Chai Tea: The aromatic spices in chai tea harmonize with the cinnamon filling in the cruffins, creating a cozy and inviting beverage choice. Sip it slowly while enjoying your cruffins for a delightful experience.
-
Maple Syrup Drizzle: A light drizzle of maple syrup brings a sweet, earthy flavor that complements the cinnamon cruffins beautifully. It’s a delightful way to enhance each bite!
-
Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: This elegant pairing adds decadence; the sweet fruit balances the warm, spiced flavors of the cruffins while introducing a fun texture contrast.
-
Nutty Granola: A handful of granola sprinkled alongside adds crunch and a nutty flavor, making your breakfast or brunch spread even more delightful. It’s a perfect contrast to the soft, flaky texture of the cruffins.
Flaky Cruffins with Cinnamon Filling
Embrace the joy of creating your own delightful treats! Feel free to experiment and make these cruffins uniquely yours.
- Pumpkin Spice: Swap out the cinnamon for a sprinkle of pumpkin spice for a cozy, autumnal twist.
- Nutty Delight: Add finely chopped nuts or chocolate chips into the dough for an extra burst of flavor and crunch.
- Cheesy Cream: Stuff the cruffins with cream cheese mixed with a bit of sugar for a rich, creamy surprise in every bite.
- Fruit-Filled: Try adding dollops of fruit preserves between layers of dough—berry or apple can bring a brilliant sweetness.
- Maple Twist: Replace granulated sugar with maple sugar in the cinnamon mixture for a maple-infused cruffin experience.
- Mini Muffin Adaptation: Cut the dough into smaller sections to create mini cruffins, perfect for snacking or sharing—perfect for parties!
- Savory Option: For a savory twist, omit the sugar and cinnamon, then fill with a mixture of cheese and herbs for brunch.
- Dough Variation: Substitute crescent rolls with puff pastry for an even flakier texture; just roll and bake as usual.
With these options, you’ll find that the sky’s the limit when it comes to customizing your flaky cruffins with cinnamon filling. If you’re searching for more exciting recipes, you might also enjoy our Chocolate Granola Cups with Peanut Butter Filling or the scrumptious Honeybun Carrot Filling alongside your cruffins. Happy baking!
Make Ahead Options
These flaky cruffins with cinnamon filling are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the dough rolls up to 24 hours in advance by following the first few steps of the recipe—unroll the crescent rolls, spread the butter, and sprinkle on the cinnamon sugar. After rolling and cutting them into sections, cover the muffin tin with plastic wrap and refrigerate. This method keeps them fresh and ensures they maintain their flaky texture. When you’re ready to bake, simply take them out and let them sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before popping them in the oven. You’ll have delicious, homemade cruffins ready with minimal effort!
Storage Tips for Flaky Cruffins with Cinnamon Filling
Room Temperature: Store cruffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to preserve their flaky texture and sweetness.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze cruffins by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
Reheating: To enjoy warm cruffins again, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat them for about 10 minutes. This will help restore their delightful flakiness.
Thawing: If frozen, thaw cruffins at room temperature for about an hour before reheating for the best texture and flavor experience.
Expert Tips for Flaky Cruffins with Cinnamon Filling
• Pinch the Seams: Ensure the crescent roll seams are tightly pinched; this prevents the dough from unraveling during baking and maintains those flaky layers.
• Watch the Bake Time: Keep an eye on the cruffins as they bake to avoid dryness. Look for a golden brown color for best results!
• Mini Variation: Want a smaller bite? Cut the log into smaller sections to create mini cruffins. This yields 24 delightful, flaky cruffins with cinnamon filling!
• Butter Application: Spread the softened butter evenly and generously; this will help the sugar adhere properly and create a beautiful, rich flavor.
• Storage Tips: To maintain freshness, store cruffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Enjoy them warm for the best experience!
Flaky Cruffins with Cinnamon Filling Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best crescent rolls for my cruffins?
Absolutely! Look for crescent rolls that are fresh and ideally from the refrigerated section of your grocery store. Check the expiration date to ensure freshness, and avoid packages with dark spots or bulges, which can indicate spoilage. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also try puff pastry for a different texture.
What’s the best way to store leftover cruffins?
For perfect preservation, store your flaky cruffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them fresh and maintains their delightful texture. If you want to keep them for longer, wrap them in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag to freeze for up to 3 months.
How should I reheat cruffins after freezing?
When you’re ready to enjoy your cruffins again, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the frozen cruffins on a baking sheet and heat them for about 10 minutes. This gentle warmth restores their flaky texture and delightful flavor, reminiscent of freshly baked goodness!
Why did my cruffins not rise properly?
Very! If your cruffins didn’t rise, it could be due to rolling the dough too loosely or not pinching the seams tight enough, which might cause them to unravel during baking. Make sure to roll your dough tightly and ensure the seams are well sealed for that beautiful, layered look.
Can my pets enjoy these cruffins?
Definitely not! While these cruffins are delicious for humans, be cautious about sharing with pets. The high sugar and butter content can upset their stomachs. It’s always best to stick with treats that are specifically made for them!
What if I want to make mini cruffins instead?
Great question! To make mini cruffins, simply cut each log into smaller sections after rolling. For the best results, aim for 24 sections from the roll. This variation gives you bite-sized treats perfect for sharing—or keeping all to yourself!
Flaky Cruffins with Cinnamon Filling
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 12-cup muffin tin thoroughly.
- Unroll the crescent rolls and pinch the seams together. Roll the dough to create a larger rectangle.
- Spread the softened butter over the dough; sprinkle cinnamon sugar evenly on top.
- Roll the dough tightly from the long side into a log, slice into 12 sections.
- Shape each section into a spiral and place in the greased muffin tin.
- Bake for 20-22 minutes or until golden brown.
- Cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then roll in remaining cinnamon sugar.