If you’re craving a treat that perfectly balances the flaky flakiness of a croissant with the fun shape and convenience of a muffin, you absolutely must try this Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins Baked in Muffin Tin Recipe. These delightful pastries are irresistibly buttery and layered with just the right amount of cinnamon sugar goodness, baked to golden perfection in a muffin pan. Trust me, once you taste one of these warm cruffins, you’re going to be smitten with how simple ingredients turn into a bakery-worthy indulgence right in your own kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started on this Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins Baked in Muffin Tin Recipe means gathering just a handful of simple, everyday ingredients that each bring something wonderful to the party. From flaky dough to sweet cinnamon sugar, every component plays a key role in creating those signature layers and mouthwatering flavor.
- 3 tubes refrigerated crescent roll dough sheets: The foundation for flaky, buttery layers without the fuss of making dough from scratch.
- 6 tablespoons softened butter: Adds rich moisture and helps the cinnamon sugar stick beautifully to the dough layers.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: For that classic sweetness that blends perfectly with cinnamon.
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon: Provides warm spice that makes these cruffins truly unforgettable.
How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins Baked in Muffin Tin Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
First things first, preheat your oven to a cozy 350ºF and generously spray your muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray. This simple step ensures your cruffins will come out effortlessly without sticking, setting you up for success.
Step 2: Mix Your Cinnamon Sugar
In a small bowl, combine the white sugar and ground cinnamon and set it aside. This mixture will become the sweet, spiced coating that gives these cruffins their irresistible flavor and a delightful crunch after baking.
Step 3: Roll Out and Butter the Dough
Unroll each crescent roll dough sheet and gently roll it out with a rolling pin into a large 12×16-inch rectangle. Spread 2 tablespoons of softened butter evenly over each sheet. This step ensures that every layer of dough has that perfect buttery richness.
Step 4: Sprinkle Cinnamon Sugar and Roll
Generously sprinkle 3 to 4 tablespoons of the cinnamon sugar mixture over your buttered dough sheets, spreading it evenly. Then, starting from the long edge, tightly roll each sheet into a long log. Cut each log in half, and slice each half lengthwise to create four strips per half. Repeat for all dough sheets until you have 12 equal strips ready to transform.
Step 5: Shape and Fill Muffin Tin
Take one dough strip at a time and roll it up tightly with the layered cinnamon sugar side facing outward, forming a spiral. Place each rolled piece snugly into your prepared muffin pan, filling all 12 cups. This step shapes the cruffins and helps those layers bake evenly.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pop the muffin tin into your preheated oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes until the cruffins are beautifully golden brown and puffed. The aroma will start filling your kitchen with sweet cinnamon-scented goodness—hard to resist!
Step 7: Coat and Cool
Once out of the oven, immediately toss each cruffin in the remaining cinnamon sugar mixture. This final coating adds a delightful crunch and extra sweetness just as they’re still warm. Let your cruffins cool on a wire rack and get ready to enjoy.
How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins Baked in Muffin Tin Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a light drizzle of vanilla glaze takes these cinnamon sugar cruffins to the next level in appearance and flavor. Add a sprinkle of chopped toasted nuts for a delightful crunch contrast.
Side Dishes
These cruffins are perfect alongside a hot cup of coffee or spiced chai tea for breakfast or an afternoon pick-me-up. Fresh fruit like sliced apples or berries also make a refreshing complement to their sweet, buttery layers.
Creative Ways to Present
For a brunch or party, arrange the cruffins in a circle on a cake stand surrounded by small bowls of whipped cream, cream cheese frosting, or fruit preserves so guests can customize their own bites. They also make fun, handheld desserts topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for chilly evenings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover cruffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them fresh and maintains that wonderfully crisp exterior paired with a tender interior.
Freezing
If you want to keep cruffins longer, freeze them individually wrapped in plastic wrap and stored in a zip-top freezer bag for up to one month. Thaw at room temperature before reheating to enjoy as freshly baked.
Reheating
Reheat cruffins in a 350ºF oven for about 5 to 7 minutes to bring back their golden crispness gently. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make the texture rubbery rather than flaky and tender.
FAQs
Can I use homemade croissant dough instead of refrigerated crescent roll dough?
Absolutely! Homemade croissant dough will elevate the flakiness and buttery layers even more, though it does require more time and effort. The Crescent roll dough makes this Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins Baked in Muffin Tin Recipe so accessible and quick.
Is there a way to make these cruffins less sweet?
You can reduce the sugar in the cinnamon sugar mixture to suit your taste. However, keep in mind that the sugar also helps create that crisp, caramelized coating, which is a big part of the charm.
Do I have to roll the dough tightly?
Yes, rolling tightly helps maintain the layers and gives the cruffins their characteristic spiral look. Loose rolling may cause the layers to separate while baking.
Can I add fillings like jam or chocolate inside the cruffins?
Definitely! You can spread a thin layer of jam, Nutella, or even cream cheese before adding the cinnamon sugar. Just be careful not to overfill to avoid spilling during baking.
Do these cruffins need to cool completely before eating?
They’re best enjoyed warm when the layers are tender, and the cinnamon sugar coating is still delightfully crisp. Just be cautious as they come out of the oven hot!
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins Baked in Muffin Tin Recipe truly is a game changer for breakfast or snack time. It’s amazing how a few simple ingredients and minimal effort turn into such a show-stopping treat with layers of buttery, cinnamon-sugary happiness. I can’t wait for you to try these at home and experience the joy of serving these golden, flaky cruffins fresh from your oven. Get ready to make some fantastic memories with every bite!
Print
Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins Baked in Muffin Tin Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 cruffins
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Cruffins are a delightful hybrid pastry combining the flaky, buttery layers of a croissant with the shape and convenience of a muffin. These cinnamon-sugar coated treats are easy to make with refrigerated crescent roll dough, baked to golden perfection in a muffin tin, resulting in sweet, fluffy, and crispy pastries perfect for breakfast or a snack.
Ingredients
Pastry
- 3 (8-oz) tubes refrigerated crescent roll dough sheets
- 6 Tbsp butter, softened
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 Tbsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Lightly spray a muffin pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking and set it aside.
- Mix Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, combine the white sugar and ground cinnamon thoroughly. Set this mixture aside for later use.
- Roll and Butter the Dough: Unroll each crescent roll sheet. Using a rolling pin, roll each sheet into a 12×16-inch rectangle to create an even surface. Spread 2 tablespoons of softened butter evenly over each dough sheet, then sprinkle 3 to 4 tablespoons of the cinnamon sugar mixture over the buttered dough.
- Shape the Dough Strips: Starting at the long edge of the rectangle, tightly roll up the dough into a log shape. Slice each log in half to create two 8-inch logs. Next, cut each short log lengthwise into 4 sections. Repeat these steps for all three sheets to yield 12 equal dough strips.
- Form the Cruffins: Take one dough strip, keeping the layered side facing out, and roll it tightly into a spiral shape. Place each formed cruffin into the prepared muffin pan, repeating this process until all 12 pieces are in the pan.
- Bake: Bake the cruffins in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and flaky on top.
- Coat with Cinnamon Sugar and Cool: Once baked, remove the cruffins from the oven. While still warm, roll each one immediately in the remaining cinnamon sugar mixture to coat thoroughly. Allow them to cool on a wire rack before serving.
Notes
- For best results, ensure the butter used for spreading is softened to room temperature for easier application.
- The cinnamon sugar mixture can be adjusted in sweetness or cinnamon intensity according to taste preferences.
- If crescent roll dough is unavailable, puff pastry sheets can be used as an alternative.
- Make sure to roll the dough tightly to create distinct flaky layers in the final cruffin.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.
