Cruffin Recipe

Say hello to your new breakfast obsession: the Cruffin. This delightfully flaky, swirled pastry marries the best of a croissant and a muffin, with golden layers hugging a ribbon of cinnamon sugar all the way through. Absolute bakery bliss, but you’ll be shocked at how easy they are to make at home using store-bought crescent roll dough! Each bite is buttery, tender, and packed with cinnamon warmth—the kind of treat guaranteed to turn any morning from ordinary to unforgettable. Whether you’re serving them for a special brunch or just to spoil yourself on a weekday, Cruffin is here to bring a bright, sweet twist to your table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at how a handful of kitchen staples transform into something magic. Every ingredient in this Cruffin recipe matters: from the dough’s softness to the sweet sparkle of cinnamon sugar, these simple components bring bakery-level results within reach of any home baker.

• Refrigerated crescent roll sheets (3 tubes, 8 ounces each): These give you that perfect, pillowy layering without the hassle of making pastry from scratch—just be sure to pinch the seams if you’re using perforated dough!
• Unsalted butter (6 tablespoons, softened): Buttery richness soaks into every layer, helping create a mouthwatering crumb and that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Granulated sugar (1 cup, 200 g): The sugar brings lovely sweetness and caramelizes ever-so-slightly for a golden finish.
• Ground cinnamon (1 tablespoon): This classic spice is the heartbeat of the Cruffin, infusing every swirl with cozy, warming notes.
• Nonstick cooking spray: A must for easy release—because nobody wants to leave pieces of their Cruffin behind in the tin!
• Flour for dusting: Just a bit to keep your rolling smooth and prevent sticking as you shape the dough.

How to Make Cruffin

Step 1: Prep Your Equipment

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and give your standard 12-cup muffin tin a generous mist of nonstick cooking spray. This small step is the secret to popping out picture-perfect Cruffins later—no crumbs left behind!

Step 2: Roll Out the Dough

On a lightly floured countertop, roll out each tube of crescent roll dough into a generous 12×16-inch rectangle. If your dough has perforations, gently pinch those seams together so you have solid sheets ready for layering—neatness here pays off when your Cruffin rises in beautiful spirals.

Step 3: Butter It Up

Now for the best part: spread 2 tablespoons of softened butter over each dough rectangle. The butter should be spreadable but not melted, so it releases flavor evenly across every delicious inch. It’s your ticket to that melt-away tenderness.

Step 4: Mix and Sprinkle Cinnamon Sugar

In a small bowl, whisk the granulated sugar with the ground cinnamon until well blended. Sprinkle about 1/4 cup of this cinnamon sugar onto each buttered sheet, spreading it to every edge. Gently press to ensure it clings to the dough—every spot should twinkle with sweet, spicy magic! Keep the extra cinnamon sugar close for your finishing touch later.

Step 5: Roll, Cut, and Shape

With the long edge facing you, tightly roll up each sheet into a pretzel-sized log. Next, slice each log in half for two shorter logs, then slice each one lengthwise so you have four long strips per sheet. Each layered cut is essential to the Cruffin’s signature swirl. Repeat these steps with all your dough, and you’ll end up with 12 strips full of delicious layers.

Step 6: Spiral and Nestle into the Tin

Take each cinnamon-striped strip and, with the cut sides facing out, roll it up into a snug “cinnamon roll” shape—don’t forget to tuck the little end underneath. Place each swirl into a muffin cup, spiral side up, repeating until your tin is filled with a dozen promising Cruffins.

Step 7: Bake and Finish

Slide your muffin tin into the oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the tops are gloriously golden and your kitchen smells beyond amazing. As soon as they’re cool enough to handle (but while still slightly warm), roll each Cruffin in the reserved cinnamon sugar for an extra burst of sparkle and crunch. Devour while fresh!

How to Serve Cruffin

Garnishes

The Cruffin practically begs for a finishing flourish. Dust the tops with a little extra cinnamon sugar, or, for an indulgent twist, drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk. A touch of orange zest, a sprinkle of toasted nuts, or a handful of fresh berries also look—and taste—incredible.

Side Dishes

Balance the sweetness by serving your Cruffin with creamy Greek yogurt, tangy fresh fruit salad, or even a cold-brew coffee. For brunch crowds, pair these pastries with crisp bacon or a silky scrambled egg to play up the contrast between sweet and savory.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack Cruffins on a pedestal cake stand for instant brunch drama, or nestle them in a basket lined with a checked napkin for a cozy, bakery-style vibe. You can also package them individually in parchment paper and twine—perfect for gifting or a delightful addition to a breakfast tray in bed.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Cruffin (though that’s rare!), simply store them at room temperature in an airtight container for up to two days. They’ll stay soft and flavorful, especially if you include a slice of bread in the container to help absorb extra moisture.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze baked and cooled Cruffin. Wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap, then stash them in a resealable freezer bag. They’ll keep beautifully for up to two months—just thaw at room temperature before warming.

Reheating

To refresh that fresh-baked magic, reheat Cruffins in a 300°F oven for about 5-7 minutes. They’ll regain their light, crisp edges and dreamy interior. Avoid microwaving if you can—the texture is always better from the oven!

FAQs

What is the secret to super flaky Cruffin layers?

The biggest key to ultra-flaky layers is using crescent roll dough sheets and making sharp, clean cuts after rolling and filling. The open layers face outwards during baking, so you get maximum flakiness and swirl in every bite.

Can I make this recipe with homemade dough instead of crescent rolls?

Absolutely! If you have a favorite yeast dough or homemade croissant dough, you can substitute it for the crescent rolls. Just be sure to roll it thin and allow for a bit of rise during baking for that classic Cruffin texture.

Can I add any fillings to the Cruffin, like chocolate or fruit?

Definitely—get creative! Before rolling up the dough, you can add mini chocolate chips, finely chopped nuts, or even a light layer of fruit preserves for your own signature swirl. Just don’t overload the dough or it’ll be tougher to roll tightly.

How do I keep the Cruffin from sticking to the pan?

Be generous with your nonstick spray before filling the muffin tin, and consider running a knife around the edges while the Cruffins are still warm if they seem a bit stubborn. Silicone muffin pans are a dream for easy removal, too.

Are Cruffins best served warm or at room temperature?

There’s nothing quite like a warm Cruffin fresh from the oven, but they’re also fantastic at room temperature. If you’re serving leftovers, a quick reheat in the oven will bring back that bakery-style softness and aroma.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve ever wanted to recreate that dreamy bakery magic at home, this Cruffin recipe will quickly become your go-to. It’s easy enough for a weekend treat yet impressive enough for any special gathering—each bite is pure joy. Gather your ingredients and treat yourself to these irresistible cinnamon-swirled wonders!

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