Melt-In-Your-Mouth Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins

One Saturday morning, I wanted something sweet without making a bakery run. All I had was crescent roll dough in the fridge and a craving for cinnamon sugar, so I decided to experiment. I brushed the dough with butter, sprinkled it generously, and tucked the spirals into a muffin tin.

When they came out of the oven, the kitchen smelled warm and buttery, and each cruffin had puffed into golden layers with crisp, sugared edges. Friends dropped by for coffee, and the whole batch disappeared in minutes.

Ever since, cinnamon sugar cruffins have been my favorite way to turn simple pantry staples into something that feels special.

Short Description

Melt-In-Your-Mouth Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins are buttery, flaky, and sweet, made with crescent roll or puff pastry dough, cinnamon sugar, and a touch of butter. They’re quick, irresistible, and perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat.

Key Ingredients

• 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough or puff pastry (halal-friendly if needed)
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
• Pinch of salt

Tools Needed

• Rolling pin
• Sharp knife or bench scraper
• Pastry brush
• Muffin tin (12-cup)
• Mixing bowls
• Wire rack

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease lightly with cooking spray.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough
Roll out the crescent roll dough or puff pastry on a clean surface. If using crescent dough, pinch the seams together to make one sheet. Puff pastry can be unfolded directly into a rectangle.

Step 3: Make the Cinnamon Sugar Mixture
In a small bowl, mix sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until blended.

Step 4: Brush and Sprinkle
Use a pastry brush to coat the dough with melted butter. Sprinkle generously with the cinnamon sugar mixture.

Step 5: Roll and Slice
Roll the dough tightly into a log, similar to a cinnamon roll. Slice into 12 even pieces with a sharp knife.

Step 6: Arrange and Bake
Place each slice into the muffin tin, spiral side facing up. Bake for 20–25 minutes until puffed and golden brown. The layers should be crisp and slightly caramelized on the edges.

Step 7: Cool and Serve
Cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Dust with extra cinnamon sugar if desired, and serve warm.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy, no yeast or waiting required.

Bakery-style pastries made with store-bought dough.

Perfect balance of buttery richness and cinnamon spice.

Works for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.

A guaranteed crowd-pleaser with minimal effort.

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

Using warm dough
Warm dough stretches and sticks.
Solution: Keep pastry cold until ready to roll.

Overstuffing with sugar
Too much filling causes leaks and burning.
Solution: Sprinkle evenly without overloading.

Skipping the muffin tin
Cruffins won’t hold their shape without support.
Solution: Always use a greased or lined muffin tin.

Not letting them cool
Hot cruffins can collapse when pulled too early.
Solution: Rest for 5 minutes before removing.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serve warm with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.

Pair with fresh fruit for brunch.

Add a drizzle of cream cheese glaze for dessert flair.

Style on a platter for family-style sharing at brunch buffets.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days.

For longer storage, refrigerate up to 5 days.

To reheat, warm in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving, which makes them soggy.

FAQs

1. Can I make cruffins ahead of time?
Yes, assemble them the night before, cover tightly, and bake fresh the next morning.

2. Can I use puff pastry instead of crescent dough?
Absolutely—puff pastry gives a flakier, more buttery result.

3. How do I keep the sugar from burning?
Don’t overload the filling and make sure oven temperature is accurate.

4. Can I freeze cruffins?
Yes, freeze baked cruffins for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven before serving.

5. Can I add fillings like chocolate or fruit?
Definitely—Nutella, jam, or even apple slices work beautifully inside.

Tips & Tricks

Use a serrated knife for cleaner slices.

Rotate the muffin tin halfway through baking for even browning.

For extra sparkle, sprinkle turbinado sugar on top before baking.

Add a pinch of cardamom or nutmeg for a spiced twist.

Recipe Variations

Chocolate Cruffins
Add a layer of Nutella before rolling.

Apple Cinnamon Cruffins
Sprinkle diced apples with cinnamon sugar inside the dough.

Pumpkin Spice Cruffins
Mix pumpkin spice into the sugar filling for fall flair.

Savory Cruffins
Swap cinnamon sugar for Parmesan, garlic powder, and herbs.

Final Thoughts

Melt-In-Your-Mouth Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins have a way of making any morning brighter. They’re simple enough to whip up with pantry ingredients yet beautiful enough to feel like a special occasion bake. Every time I make them, I’m amazed at how such little effort turns into such big reward.

Warm, flaky, and sweet with a hint of spice, they’re the kind of treat that makes people gather around the kitchen counter before they’ve even cooled. I’ve shared them at brunch, served them with afternoon tea, and enjoyed them quietly with a cup of coffee on slow weekends.

They’re flexible, fun, and endlessly adaptable proof that good baking doesn’t have to be complicated. If you’re looking for a recipe that delivers comfort and joy in every bite, cruffins deserve a spot in your baking rotation.