Cruffins Recipe

If you love a treat that combines the flaky, buttery layers of a croissant with the shape and pure joy of a muffin, then you’re about to meet your new obsession: Cruffins. These golden, sugar-crusted pastries are unbelievably easy to make at home, requiring little more than some crescent roll dough, butter, sugar, and cinnamon. They’re the kind of bake that will have the whole house smelling heavenly and everyone swooning at first bite!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making Cruffins is delightfully straightforward, but choosing the right ingredients makes all the difference. Each component plays a key role in creating those tender, pull-apart layers and irresistible flavor. Here’s how each item shines in this recipe:

• Refrigerated crescent roll sheets: The foundation of Cruffins, providing a shortcut to those classic croissant-like layers without all the effort.
• Unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and helps create that coveted flaky texture; using butter at room temperature ensures it spreads smoothly over the dough.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens each bite and gives the Cruffins a beautiful, sparkly finish.
• Ground cinnamon: Brings a warm, comforting note that pairs perfectly with the buttery dough and sugar.

How to Make Cruffins

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lightly spraying a standard 12-cup muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray. Making sure your butter is softened to room temperature and your work surface is lightly floured will guarantee smooth sailing as you work through the dough.

Step 2: Roll Out the Dough

Roll out each tube of crescent roll dough into a 12 by 16-inch rectangle. If your dough is perforated, pinch together the seams to make a seamless sheet. These rectangles will soon become the flaky layers that make Cruffins so special.

Step 3: Butter the Dough

Spread 2 tablespoons of softened butter evenly across each sheet of dough. Don’t skimp here — the butter helps produce that iconic pull-apart texture while infusing the Cruffins with rich flavor.

Step 4: Layer on Cinnamon Sugar

Whisk together the sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl, then sprinkle ¼ cup of the mixture evenly over each buttered rectangle. Press gently so it sticks, and set aside any remaining cinnamon sugar for that final, sparkly roll after baking.

Step 5: Roll Up and Cut the Dough

Starting at the long end, carefully roll up your dough into a tight log. Cut this into two shorter logs, then split each one in half lengthwise to reveal all those lovely layers. Repeat with the remaining dough so you have 12 sections in total.

Step 6: Shape the Cruffins

With the layered side facing out, roll each section tightly into the shape of a cinnamon roll, tucking in the end piece. This technique ensures your Cruffins will have gorgeous, defined swirls after baking.

Step 7: Bake and Finish

Arrange your Cruffins in the muffin tin and bake for 18–20 minutes, until perfectly golden. While they’re still warm, roll each one in the reserved cinnamon sugar, coating every crevice for that classic sugary crunch. Now, try to resist eating one straight from the pan!

How to Serve Cruffins

Garnishes

Cruffins are already decadent with their cinnamon-sugar shower, but you can take them up a notch with a dusting of powdered sugar, a light drizzle of vanilla glaze, or even a spoonful of fruit preserves on top. It’s all about making these treats feel extra special.

Side Dishes

Pair your Cruffins with a strong cup of coffee, a creamy latte, or a tall glass of cold milk. For a brunch spread, serve them alongside fresh berries, Greek yogurt, or even a light frittata for a gorgeous balance of sweet and savory.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to wow a crowd, arrange the Cruffins on a beautiful cake stand or nestle them in a basket lined with a colorful napkin. For brunch parties, wrap each Cruffin in parchment and tie with twine for a charming, bakery-style touch. They also make a delightful edible gift — just add a handwritten tag!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any uneaten Cruffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They’ll stay tender and delicious, especially if you keep them out of direct sunlight and away from any moisture.

Freezing

Cruffins freeze wonderfully! Once completely cooled, wrap them individually and store in a freezer-safe bag. Pop them in the freezer, where they’ll keep well for up to a month. You can thaw a few at a time for quick, homemade treats on busy mornings.

Reheating

To recapture that fresh-from-the-oven magic, reheat Cruffins in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes, or zap them in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. This simple step revives both the flaky layers and that signature cinnamon aroma.

FAQs

Can I use regular crescent roll dough instead of the seamless sheets?

Yes, you certainly can! Just pinch the seams together carefully to create a single sheet, so your Cruffins hold together and roll easily.

What other spices or flavors can I add?

Feel free to experiment! Nutmeg, cardamom, or orange zest pair beautifully with cinnamon. Try spreading a thin layer of jam or chocolate hazelnut spread over the buttered dough for an extra indulgent twist.

How do I keep Cruffins from sticking to the muffin tin?

Make sure to coat the pan generously with nonstick spray, and if you’re extra cautious, you can even use parchment paper liners. The layers of butter also help with easy removal after baking.

Can Cruffins be made ahead for brunch parties?

Absolutely! You can assemble them up to a day ahead, keep them covered in the fridge, and then bake fresh in the morning for effortless entertaining.

Is it possible to make mini Cruffins?

Definitely! Just use a mini muffin tin and cut the dough into smaller strips before rolling. Adjust the bake time down to about 10–12 minutes and keep an eye on them so they don’t overbrown.

Final Thoughts

There’s something downright magical about pulling apart a homemade Cruffin and savoring those sweet, cinnamon-laced layers. I hope you’ll try this recipe soon — it’s such a simple way to treat yourself and your favorite people to a cozy bakery classic, right from your own kitchen!

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