Cinnamon Cruffins

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Introduction

Cinnamon Cruffins are the perfect combination of a buttery croissant and a fluffy muffin, with layers of flaky pastry rolled in sweet cinnamon sugar. This delightful breakfast treat offers the rich, buttery texture of croissants with the comforting warmth of cinnamon, making it an irresistible choice for mornings.

I remember the first time I made these for a weekend brunch with friends. The aroma of buttery pastry and cinnamon filled the kitchen, and everyone couldn’t wait to try them. They were an instant hit, with their golden, flaky layers and sugary coating providing the perfect balance of texture and flavor. What’s great about cinnamon cruffins is how versatile they are—you can enjoy them as is, or get creative by filling them with cream cheese, Nutella, or fruit preserves for an extra indulgent twist.

These cruffins are surprisingly easy to make, too. With pre-made puff pastry, all you need is a muffin tin and a few simple ingredients to create this elegant treat. Roll out the dough, sprinkle it with cinnamon sugar, shape it into rolls, and bake to golden perfection. Whether you’re looking to impress guests at a brunch or simply treat yourself to a special breakfast, Cinnamon Cruffins are sure to become a favorite!

Perfect for:

  • Breakfast or brunch
  • Casual family mornings
  • Special occasions or holidays
  • On-the-go breakfast snacks
  • Pairing with coffee or tea

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Cinnamon Cruffins are destined to become your new breakfast favorite:

  • Flaky Layers: The delicate layers of buttery pastry create a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
  • Warm Cinnamon Flavor: Sweet cinnamon sugar provides the perfect touch of spice and sweetness.
  • Quick and Easy: Made with store-bought puff pastry, these cruffins require minimal effort.
  • Versatile: Great for breakfast, brunch, or an indulgent snack.
  • Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for sharing and guaranteed to impress family and friends.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Preparation Time: 15 minutes
  • Baking Time: 25 minutes
  • Servings: 6 cruffins
  • Calories per serving: Approximately 280-320 calories
  • Key Nutrients: Carbs: 35g, Fat: 18g, Protein: 3g

Ingredients

Here’s everything you need for Cinnamon Cruffins:

For the Cruffins:

  • 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed (store-bought)
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon

For Garnish (Optional):

  • Powdered sugar for dusting
  • Honey drizzle or a dollop of whipped cream

Ingredient Highlights

  • Puff Pastry: Provides the flaky, buttery layers essential for cruffins.
  • Cinnamon Sugar: A sweet and aromatic blend that gives cruffins their signature flavor.
  • Melted Butter: Helps the cinnamon sugar adhere and adds richness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Cinnamon Cruffins:

Prepare the Cruffins:

  1. Preheat Your Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 6-cup muffin tin or line with muffin liners.
  2. Roll Out the Puff Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet to smooth the folds. Ensure the pastry is thin and even.
  3. Brush with Butter and Sprinkle Sugar: Brush the entire surface of the pastry with melted butter. In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Sprinkle half the cinnamon sugar evenly over the buttered pastry.
  4. Roll and Slice: Roll the pastry tightly into a log. Use a sharp knife to slice the log into 6 equal pieces.

Assemble the Cruffins:

  1. Form the Cruffins: Place each sliced roll, cut side up, into the prepared muffin tin. Gently press to fit the muffin cups.
  2. Bake the Cruffins: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.

Add the Finishing Touches:

  1. Coat with Cinnamon Sugar: While still warm, brush the tops of the baked cruffins with a bit more melted butter and roll them in the remaining cinnamon sugar.
  2. Optional Garnishes: Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with honey for an extra touch of sweetness.

How to Serve

  • Warm from the Oven: Best enjoyed fresh and warm for maximum flakiness.
  • With Coffee or Tea: Pair with your favorite morning beverage.
  • For Brunch: Add to a spread with fresh fruit, yogurt, and other pastries.
  • On the Go: Wrap them up for a portable breakfast treat.
  • As a Sweet Snack: Enjoy any time of day as a comforting pick-me-up.

Additional Tips

  • Work quickly with puff pastry to keep it cold for optimal flakiness.
  • For extra layers, fold and roll the pastry one more time before sprinkling the sugar.
  • Use high-quality butter for the best flavor.
  • Double the recipe for a larger batch—these cruffins disappear quickly!

Recipe Variations

  1. Chocolate Cruffins: Add mini chocolate chips before rolling.
  2. Apple Cinnamon Cruffins: Sprinkle finely chopped apples and cinnamon sugar before rolling.
  3. Nutty Cruffins: Add crushed pecans, almonds, or walnuts for crunch.
  4. Vanilla Sugar Cruffins: Substitute vanilla sugar for cinnamon sugar.
  5. Maple Cruffins: Drizzle with maple syrup instead of honey.
  6. Savory Cruffins: Skip the cinnamon sugar and fill with cheese and herbs.

Freezing and Storage

  • Freezing: Freeze unbaked cruffins for up to 1 month. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few minutes to the bake time.
  • Storage: Store baked cruffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven for a fresh taste.

Special Equipment

  • Muffin tin
  • Rolling pin
  • Pastry brush

FAQ Section

  1. Can I use homemade puff pastry? Yes! Homemade pastry adds a rich, buttery flavor.
  2. Can I make these ahead? Yes, assemble and refrigerate unbaked cruffins overnight. Bake fresh in the morning.
  3. Can I reduce the sugar? Adjust the cinnamon sugar to your taste for a less sweet version.
  4. Can I add a glaze? A simple powdered sugar glaze works beautifully.
  5. How do I make them vegan? Use dairy-free puff pastry, vegan butter, and coconut sugar.

Conclusion

Indulge in the buttery, flaky layers of Cinnamon Cruffins, a delightful twist on your favorite breakfast treats. These golden, cinnamon-swirled pastries are crisp on the outside, soft and tender on the inside, and bursting with sweet, spiced flavor in every bite. Perfect for pairing with your morning coffee or enjoying as a midday snack, they’re a treat that’s sure to impress.

This recipe is surprisingly simple to prepare, making it ideal for everything from cozy mornings at home to elegant brunch gatherings. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or treating yourself, Cinnamon Cruffins are a delightful way to elevate your day.

I’d love to see how your Cinnamon Cruffins turn out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Happy baking!

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