Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins: A Delicious Hybrid of Croissant and Muffin

If you’re looking for a sweet, buttery treat that’s both flaky and soft, Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins are the answer! These delightful pastries combine the best qualities of a croissant and a muffin, creating the perfect hybrid dessert. With layers of buttery dough, a generous dusting of cinnamon sugar, and a soft, fluffy texture, Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins will become your new favorite treat to bake.

Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as an afternoon snack, these cruffins are a must-try for anyone who loves the rich flavors of cinnamon and sugar. Want more fun baked goods? Check out our Pastry Recipe Collection or explore other muffin-inspired recipes here.

Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions

Making Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins might seem intimidating, but this recipe is straightforward and results in a wonderfully sweet and flaky treat that will impress your family and friends. Here’s everything you need to know to make these cruffins at home.

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
¼ cup sugar
¾ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
2/3 cup whole milk
1 large egg (for egg wash)

The Cinnamon Sugar Filling:

½ cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For the Topping:

¼ cup melted butter
¼ cup cinnamon sugar (to coat)

Instructions:

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line with paper liners.
Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Add the cold, cubed butter to the bowl and, using a pastry cutter or your hands, cut the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized bits of butter throughout.
Add the Milk: Pour in the milk and stir gently until the dough just comes together. It will be slightly shaggy, but don’t overwork it. If needed, add a bit more milk, a tablespoon at a time, to bring the dough together.
Roll Out the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently roll it into a rectangle, about 12 x 8 inches. Brush the dough with the melted butter, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the top.
Form the Cruffins: Starting from one of the shorter ends, carefully roll the dough into a tight log, similar to how you would roll a cinnamon roll. Slice the dough into 12 equal pieces, and place each piece into the prepared muffin tin, standing upright.
Add the Egg Wash: Beat the egg and brush it lightly over the top of each cruffin. This will give them a beautiful golden color as they bake.
Bake the Cruffins: Bake the cruffins in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Coat with Cinnamon Sugar: Once the cruffins are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for about 5 minutes. While they are cooling, brush each cruffin with the remaining melted butter and then dip or sprinkle with cinnamon sugar to coat.
Serve and Enjoy: Allow the Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins to cool slightly before serving. They are best enjoyed warm and can be paired with a hot cup of coffee or tea.

Advanced Techniques for Perfecting Your Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins

While the basic recipe is simple, here are some advanced tips for making your Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins even better:

Use Cold Butter for Flakiness

For the flakiest, most buttery cruffins, make sure your butter is cold when you add it to the flour mixture. The cold butter creates layers in the dough as it bakes, resulting in a tender, flaky texture.

Add a Little Spice

For an added depth of flavor, you can mix in a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom with the cinnamon in the filling. This will give your cruffins a more complex and unique taste.

Layering the Dough

For more layers and extra flakiness, you can fold the dough over on itself before rolling it into a log. This creates even more flaky layers in each cruffin, making every bite extra irresistible.

Make Your Own Cinnamon Sugar

While you can easily use store-bought cinnamon sugar, making your own blend gives you control over the flavor. Try a mix of 3 parts sugar to 1 part cinnamon, or adjust to your liking. You can even add a bit of vanilla or orange zest for a different twist.

See more advanced recipes, at Mobolux.

Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips

Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins are best enjoyed fresh, but here are a few tips for storing and reheating them:

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. The dough may lose some of its flakiness, but they will still taste delicious.

Reheating the Cruffins

To reheat, place the cruffins in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until they are warm and the sugar on top is slightly caramelized again. Alternatively, you can microwave them for 20-30 seconds, though this won’t restore the flakiness.

Freezing the Cruffins

To freeze, bake the cruffins and let them cool completely. Wrap each cruffin tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or warm them up in the oven.

Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions

Looking to adapt this recipe to fit your dietary needs? Here are a few ideas:

Gluten-Free

To make gluten-free Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. You may need to adjust the liquid slightly, as gluten-free doughs can sometimes require more moisture. Be sure to check that the baking powder is gluten-free.

Dairy-Free

For a dairy-free version, replace the butter with a dairy-free butter substitute (like coconut oil or margarine). You can also substitute almond milk or oat milk for the whole milk in the dough.

Vegan

For a vegan version, use a plant-based butter substitute and swap out the egg wash with a mixture of almond milk and maple syrup. You can also use a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseeds mixed with 3 tablespoons water) to make the dough.

FAQs About The Recipe

Can I use puff pastry dough instead of homemade dough?

Yes, you can use store-bought puff pastry dough to make these Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins for a quicker version. Simply follow the same process for rolling, filling, and baking.

How can I make these cruffins ahead of time?

You can prepare the dough and fill the cruffins the night before and refrigerate them overnight. The next day, just bake them as usual. This will save you time in the morning or before an event.

Can I add other fillings to the cruffins?

Absolutely! You can add chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or fruit preserves to the filling for a unique twist. Just make sure not to overload the dough to keep the layers intact.

Conclusion & Final Thoughts

Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins are a sweet, flaky, and irresistible treat that combines the best of croissants and muffins. Whether you’re serving them at a brunch, enjoying them with your morning coffee, or simply indulging in a snack, these cruffins are sure to delight your taste buds. With simple ingredients, easy instructions, and a bit of creativity, you can enjoy these warm, cinnamon-sugar coated pastries at home anytime!

Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins Recipe | Flaky, Sweet, and Irresistible!