Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins are a delightful fusion of croissants and muffins—flaky, buttery layers coated in a sweet cinnamon sugar mix. These irresistible pastries are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy snack, and they taste just like something you’d find at a high-end bakery.
With a little patience and simple ingredients, you can create these delicious homemade cruffins that will fill your kitchen with the warm, inviting aroma of cinnamon and butter.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F/45°C)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
For Rolling and Shaping:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (for layering)
For the Coating:
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Preparation
Step 1: Make the Dough
- Mix the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in the warm milk and add the softened butter.
- Knead the Dough: Mix until combined, then knead for 8-10 minutes until a smooth, elastic dough forms. (If using a stand mixer, knead with the dough hook on medium speed.)
- First Rise: Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
Step 2: Roll and Layer
- Prepare the Surface: Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the dough into a large, thin rectangle (about 12×18 inches).
- Spread the Butter: Evenly spread the softened butter over the entire surface of the dough.
- Roll the Dough: Starting from one long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log.
- Slice and Twist:
- Use a sharp knife or bench scraper to slice the log lengthwise (creating two long strips).
- Take each strip, twist it into a spiral, and then coil it into a muffin shape.
- Place the shaped cruffins into greased muffin tins.
Step 3: Second Rise
- Cover and Rest: Loosely cover the cruffins with plastic wrap or a towel.
- Let Them Puff Up: Allow the cruffins to rise for 30-45 minutes, until they look airy and puffy.
Step 4: Bake the Cruffins
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake: Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cruffins are golden brown and flaky.
Step 5: Coat in Cinnamon Sugar
- Melt the Butter: While the cruffins are still warm, brush them with melted butter.
- Mix the Coating: In a bowl, combine granulated sugar and cinnamon.
- Coat the Cruffins: Roll each cruffin in the cinnamon sugar mixture or generously sprinkle over the top.
Cooking Notes
- Dough Consistency: If your dough feels too sticky, add a tablespoon of flour at a time until it becomes manageable.
- Rolling Tip: Roll the dough as thin as possible to achieve those delicate, flaky layers.
- Make It Extra Flaky: If you have time, chill the rolled dough before slicing and shaping to make the butter layers more distinct.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with coffee or tea for the perfect morning treat.
- Pair with a vanilla glaze or caramel drizzle for extra indulgence.
- Enjoy alongside fresh fruit and yogurt for a balanced breakfast.
Tips
- Make Ahead: Prepare the dough the night before and let it rise in the fridge overnight. Shape and bake in the morning.
- Freeze for Later: Baked cruffins can be frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven for a freshly baked taste.
- Enhance the Flavor: Add a pinch of nutmeg or a splash of vanilla extract to the dough for a richer taste.
Prep Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 55 minutes
Servings: 12
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 12g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Sugar: 12g
Conclusion
These Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins are a must-try for any pastry lover! They’re flaky, buttery, and packed with warm cinnamon sugar flavor. Whether you’re making them for breakfast, a brunch spread, or a sweet treat, they are guaranteed to impress. Try this recipe today, and enjoy the magic of homemade bakery-style pastries!
PrintCinnamon Sugar Cruffins – Sweet Buttery Goodness
- Total Time: 2 hours 55 minutes
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F/45°C)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
For Rolling and Shaping:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (for layering)
For the Coating:
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Dough
- Mix the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in the warm milk and add the softened butter.
- Knead the Dough: Mix until combined, then knead for 8-10 minutes until a smooth, elastic dough forms. (If using a stand mixer, knead with the dough hook on medium speed.)
- First Rise: Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
Step 2: Roll and Layer
- Prepare the Surface: Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the dough into a large, thin rectangle (about 12×18 inches).
- Spread the Butter: Evenly spread the softened butter over the entire surface of the dough.
- Roll the Dough: Starting from one long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log.
- Slice and Twist:
- Use a sharp knife or bench scraper to slice the log lengthwise (creating two long strips).
- Take each strip, twist it into a spiral, and then coil it into a muffin shape.
- Place the shaped cruffins into greased muffin tins.
Step 3: Second Rise
- Cover and Rest: Loosely cover the cruffins with plastic wrap or a towel.
- Let Them Puff Up: Allow the cruffins to rise for 30-45 minutes, until they look airy and puffy.
Step 4: Bake the Cruffins
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake: Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cruffins are golden brown and flaky.
Step 5: Coat in Cinnamon Sugar
- Melt the Butter: While the cruffins are still warm, brush them with melted butter.
- Mix the Coating: In a bowl, combine granulated sugar and cinnamon.
- Coat the Cruffins: Roll each cruffin in the cinnamon sugar mixture or generously sprinkle over the top.
- Prep Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Protein: 5g