Flaky, buttery cruffins rolled in sweet cinnamon sugar are one of my favorite bakery-style treats to make at home. I love how the crisp layers of puff pastry rise beautifully in the oven, creating a dessert that looks impressive but is surprisingly simple to prepare. With their golden swirls and warm cinnamon aroma, these cruffins feel special enough for brunch yet easy enough for a casual weekend bake.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 package (2 sheets) refrigerated puff pastry, thawed
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (optional)
Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Directions
I start by preheating my oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly greasing a standard 12-cup muffin tin or lining it with paper liners.
In a small bowl, I mix together the granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt, then set the mixture aside.
On a lightly floured surface, I roll out one sheet of puff pastry into a slightly larger rectangle to smooth out any creases. I brush the entire surface with melted butter and sprinkle it generously with the cinnamon sugar mixture.
Starting from the long edge, I tightly roll the pastry into a log. Using a sharp knife, I cut the log in half lengthwise to expose the layers. With the cut sides facing outward, I gently twist each half into a loose spiral and roll each one into a coil shape.
I place each coil into a muffin cup and repeat the process with the second sheet of puff pastry.
I bake the cruffins for 20–25 minutes, until they are puffed and golden brown. After removing them from the oven, I let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes. While they are still warm, I sometimes brush them lightly with additional melted butter and roll them in the remaining cinnamon sugar. For an extra sweet finish, I dust them with powdered sugar before serving.
Servings and Timing
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Calories: Approximately 220 kcal per serving
Variations
I sometimes add a tablespoon of brown sugar to the cinnamon sugar mixture for a deeper, caramel-like flavor. If I want a richer filling, I spread a very thin layer of cream cheese before sprinkling the cinnamon sugar.
For a holiday twist, I like adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom. When I want something extra indulgent, I drizzle a simple vanilla glaze over the cooled cruffins instead of rolling them in additional cinnamon sugar.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftover cruffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If I want to keep them longer, I refrigerate them for up to 5 days, though I find they are best enjoyed fresh.
To reheat, I place them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5–7 minutes to help restore their crisp texture. I avoid microwaving for too long because it can soften the flaky layers.
FAQs
Can I make cruffins ahead of time?
I can prepare and shape the cruffins a few hours ahead, keep them covered in the refrigerator, and bake them just before serving for the freshest texture.
Can I use homemade puff pastry?
I can absolutely use homemade puff pastry if I have the time. I find that it makes the cruffins even more buttery and flaky.
Why did my cruffins not rise properly?
I make sure the puff pastry is cold but thawed when I work with it. If it becomes too warm before baking, the layers may not puff as well in the oven.
Can I freeze cinnamon sugar cruffins?
I freeze them after baking and cooling completely. When I want to enjoy one, I reheat it in the oven straight from the freezer until warmed through.
Do I have to cut the pastry lengthwise?
Cutting the log lengthwise exposes the layers and creates the signature cruffin look. I find this step essential for achieving the beautiful spiral effect.
Conclusion
I love how these cinnamon sugar cruffins deliver bakery-quality results with minimal effort. The flaky layers, warm cinnamon sweetness, and golden finish make them perfect for brunch, holidays, or any time I crave a comforting homemade treat. Whenever I make them, they disappear quickly, and I always look forward to baking another batch.
📖 Recipe:
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Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Flaky, buttery cruffins rolled in sweet cinnamon sugar, baked to golden perfection with beautiful spiral layers. A bakery-style treat made easily at home using puff pastry, perfect for brunch or a cozy weekend bake.
Ingredients
1 package (2 sheets) refrigerated puff pastry, thawed
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (optional)
Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line with paper liners.
- In a small bowl, mix granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out one sheet of puff pastry into a slightly larger rectangle to smooth creases.
- Brush the pastry with melted butter and sprinkle generously with the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Starting from the long edge, tightly roll the pastry into a log. Cut the log in half lengthwise to expose layers.
- With cut sides facing outward, twist each half into a loose spiral and roll into a coil shape.
- Place each coil into a muffin cup. Repeat with the second sheet of puff pastry.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until puffed and golden brown.
- Cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Optionally brush with additional melted butter and roll in remaining cinnamon sugar or dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
Add 1 tablespoon brown sugar for a deeper caramel flavor.
Spread a thin layer of cream cheese before adding cinnamon sugar for a richer filling.
Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for a holiday variation.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Reheat in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5–7 minutes to restore crispness.
Cruffins can be frozen after baking and reheated directly from frozen.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cruffin
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 160 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
