These Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins are a delicious cross between a buttery croissant and a soft, tender muffin. Made with flaky crescent roll dough, melted butter, cinnamon, and plenty of cinnamon sugar, they bake into golden, layered pastries with crisp edges and a soft center.
They are easy enough for a weekend breakfast but special enough for holidays, brunches, and family gatherings.
The best part is that you don’t need to make croissant dough from scratch, making this recipe much simpler than traditional laminated pastries.
What Are Cruffins?
Cruffins are pastries made by rolling and layering dough before baking it in a muffin tin.
Their name comes from combining croissant and muffin, and they have characteristics of both.
The outside becomes beautifully golden and slightly crisp while the inside develops soft, flaky layers. For this recipe, cinnamon sugar is layered throughout the dough and sprinkled generously over the finished cruffins.
Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins Recipe
- Easy to make: Refrigerated crescent roll dough keeps the process simple.
- Flaky and buttery: Multiple layers create a delicious pastry texture.
- Warm cinnamon flavor: Cinnamon sugar is incorporated throughout the pastry.
- Perfect for breakfast: Serve them with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.
- Great for entertaining: They look impressive when arranged on a breakfast or brunch table.
- Make-ahead friendly: You can prepare parts of the recipe ahead of time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For these cinnamon sugar cruffins, you’ll need just a handful of simple ingredients:
Refrigerated Crescent Roll Dough
Use refrigerated crescent roll sheets if available. If using regular crescent roll dough, gently press the perforations together before rolling.
Butter
Melted unsalted butter is brushed over the dough layers. It adds richness and helps the cinnamon sugar adhere to the dough.
Granulated Sugar
Granulated sugar gives the cruffins their sweet, crisp coating.
Ground Cinnamon
Fresh ground cinnamon provides the warm flavor that makes these pastries so delicious.
Vanilla Extract
A small amount of vanilla adds extra depth to the cinnamon sugar mixture.
Powdered Sugar
Powdered sugar is optional but makes a pretty finishing touch.
Ingredients
- 2 cans refrigerated crescent roll sheets or crescent dough
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar, optional for serving
How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins
1. Prepare the Oven and Muffin Tin
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly grease a standard 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray or a little melted butter. Make sure the sides of each muffin cup are coated because the cinnamon sugar can become sticky as it bakes.
2. Make the Cinnamon Sugar
In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon.
Mix thoroughly until the cinnamon is evenly distributed throughout the sugar.
Add the vanilla extract to the melted butter and stir to combine.
3. Prepare the Dough
Place the crescent roll dough on a lightly floured work surface.
If your dough has perforated seams, gently press them together so you have a smooth sheet.
Divide the dough into workable sections if needed.
4. Roll Out the Dough
Using a rolling pin, gently roll the dough into a larger, thinner rectangle.
You don’t need to make it extremely thin. The goal is to stretch the dough enough to create several layers when it is rolled.
Repeat with the remaining dough.
5. Add the Butter and Cinnamon Sugar
Brush a generous layer of melted butter over the surface of the dough.
Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar evenly over the buttered dough, covering it from edge to edge.
Don’t be afraid to use plenty of cinnamon sugar because this is what gives the cruffins their signature sweet cinnamon flavor.
6. Roll the Dough Into a Log
Starting from one long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log.
Try to keep the roll fairly even as you work.
Once rolled, gently pinch the seam closed.
7. Cut the Dough
Use a sharp knife to cut the dough log lengthwise down the center.
You’ll now have two long pieces showing the beautiful cinnamon-sugar layers inside.
Cut each piece into smaller portions that will fit into the muffin cups.
8. Shape the Cruffins
Take each piece and gently twist it before placing it into a prepared muffin cup.
The layered, cut side should be visible.
Don’t worry if they look a little uneven at this stage. They will puff up and take shape as they bake.
9. Bake
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven.
Bake for approximately 18–22 minutes, or until the cruffins are puffed and golden brown.
Keep an eye on them toward the end of baking because ovens can vary.
10. Add More Cinnamon Sugar
Remove the cruffins from the oven and let them cool in the pan for a few minutes.
While they are still warm, brush the tops lightly with melted butter if desired and sprinkle them with additional cinnamon sugar.
For an extra pretty finish, dust them lightly with powdered sugar.
Also Check: Peach Danish Pastries Recipe
Tips for Making Perfect Cruffins
Don’t Overwork the Dough
Handle the dough gently when rolling and shaping. Too much handling can make the pastry less tender.
Use Plenty of Cinnamon Sugar
The cinnamon sugar is responsible for much of the flavor, so spread it evenly across the dough.
Roll Tightly
A reasonably tight roll helps create distinct layers throughout the cruffins.
Don’t Overfill the Muffin Tin
The dough expands as it bakes. Place one portion into each muffin cup without packing it down.
Watch the Baking Time
Cruffins can go from golden to overly browned fairly quickly. Start checking them around the 18-minute mark.
Let Them Cool Slightly
Allow the cruffins to rest for several minutes before removing them from the pan. This helps the layers set and makes them easier to handle.
How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins
These cruffins are delicious while still slightly warm.
Serve them alongside:
- Fresh berries
- Sliced apples
- Greek yogurt
- Scrambled eggs
- Breakfast sausage
- Fresh fruit
- Coffee
- Hot chocolate
- Tea
For an extra-special treat, serve them with a small bowl of cream cheese frosting or vanilla glaze for dipping.
Also Check: Blueberry Muffins Recipe
Cinnamon Sugar Cruffin Variations
Apple Cinnamon Cruffins
Add finely diced, lightly sautéed apples between the layers before rolling the dough.
Nutella Cruffins
Spread a thin layer of chocolate-hazelnut spread over the dough before adding the cinnamon sugar.
Cream Cheese Cruffins
Add a small amount of sweetened cream cheese filling before rolling the dough.
Maple Cinnamon Cruffins
Replace part of the granulated sugar with maple sugar or drizzle the finished cruffins with a little maple glaze.
Pecan Cinnamon Cruffins
Sprinkle finely chopped pecans over the cinnamon sugar before rolling the dough.
How to Store Cruffins
Store completely cooled cruffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
For longer storage, place them in an airtight freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months.
Allow frozen cruffins to thaw at room temperature and warm them briefly in the oven before serving.
How to Reheat Cruffins
For the best texture, place the cruffins in a 300°F (150°C) oven for several minutes until warmed through.
You can also warm an individual cruffin briefly in the microwave, although the oven will help restore more of the pastry’s crisp texture.
Can I Make Cruffins Ahead of Time?
Yes. You can bake them a day ahead and store them in an airtight container.
For the freshest texture, warm them in the oven shortly before serving and add a fresh sprinkle of cinnamon sugar.
Also Check: How to Make Strawberry Cream Cheese Pastries
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular crescent roll dough?
Yes. Regular refrigerated crescent dough works well. If it has perforated sections, press the seams together before rolling.
Why are my cruffins not flaky?
The dough may have been overworked or rolled too aggressively. Make sure the dough stays reasonably cool and handle it gently.
Can I use salted butter?
Yes. Salted butter can be used, although unsalted butter gives you more control over the overall flavor.
Can I freeze cinnamon sugar cruffins?
Yes. Once completely cooled, freeze them in an airtight freezer-safe container for up to two months.
How do I keep cruffins from sticking to the muffin tin?
Grease the muffin tin thoroughly before adding the dough. You can also use a nonstick muffin pan.
What to Serve With Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins
Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins make a wonderful addition to a breakfast or brunch spread. Pair them with scrambled eggs, fresh fruit, yogurt, or breakfast sausage for a complete meal.
For a cozy morning treat, serve a warm cruffin with coffee or tea. The combination of buttery pastry and cinnamon sugar is especially delicious when the cruffin is still slightly warm.
Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the Oven
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray or butter.
- Make the Cinnamon Sugar
- In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Mix until evenly combined. Stir the vanilla extract into the melted butter.
- Prepare the Dough
- Place the crescent roll dough on a lightly floured surface. If using perforated crescent dough, gently press the seams together.
- Roll Out the Dough
- Gently roll the dough into a larger rectangle. Avoid overworking the dough.
- Add Butter and Cinnamon Sugar
- Brush the surface generously with the melted butter. Sprinkle an even layer of cinnamon sugar over the entire surface.
- Roll Into a Log
- Starting from one long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seam closed.
- Cut the Dough
- Using a sharp knife, cut the log lengthwise down the center. Cut the resulting pieces into portions that will fit into the muffin cups.
- Shape the Cruffins
- Gently twist each dough portion and place it into a greased muffin cup with the layered side facing upward.
- Bake
- Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the cruffins are puffed and golden brown.
- Finish
- Allow the cruffins to cool for several minutes. If desired, brush the tops with a little melted butter and sprinkle with additional cinnamon sugar or powdered sugar.
Notes
- Crescent roll sheets make preparation easier, but regular crescent dough can also be used.
- Press perforated seams together before rolling the dough.
- Don't overwork the dough because gentle handling helps maintain the flaky layers.
- Watch the cruffins closely toward the end of baking to prevent over-browning.
- Let the cruffins cool for a few minutes before removing them from the muffin tin.
These Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins are an easy way to enjoy the flaky, layered texture of a croissant in a simple muffin-shaped pastry.
With refrigerated crescent dough, butter, cinnamon, and sugar, you can create a bakery-style breakfast treat without spending hours making laminated dough.
Whether you’re preparing breakfast for your family, hosting brunch, or simply craving something sweet with your morning coffee, these cinnamon sugar cruffins are a delicious recipe to keep on hand.
