There’s something magical about biting into a warm cruffin – that dreamy intersection between a croissant and a muffin that brings layers of buttery flakiness and sweet cinnamon swirls together in perfect harmony. These Flaky Cruffins with Sweet Cinnamon Sugar Filling are your new best friend whether you’re hosting a weekend brunch, craving a cozy afternoon treat, or simply want to impress your friends with your baking prowess. Each golden cruffin boasts layers of tender, buttery pastry wrapped around a sweet cinnamon sugar core. The delicate, crisp exterior gives way to pillowy layers inside, with fragrant spice notes and a melt-in-your-mouth texture you’ll crave again and again.
With an intermediate difficulty level, these cruffins demand a little patience but reward you with bakery-quality treats right from your own oven. You’ll spend about 25 minutes prepping the dough and swirling in that irresistible cinnamon sugar, then pop them into a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 18–22 minutes until they’re perfectly puffed. After a quick 5-minute rest, you’ll have a dozen warm, flaky pastries, each around 215 calories of pure bliss. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or an enthusiastic beginner up for a challenge, these homemade cruffins will elevate your breakfast or dessert game in the most delicious way possible.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN FLAKY CRUFFINS WITH SWEET CINNAMON SUGAR FILLING
Before we roll up our sleeves, let’s take a closer look at the star players that come together to create these flaky wonders. Each ingredient has a special role in building structure, flavor, and that irresistible crumb:
- All-purpose flour
Provides the essential structure and gluten network for flaky layers. Its balanced protein content helps create tender pastry without being too dense or tough.
- Granulated sugar
Adds sweetness and helps with light browning. It also tenderizes the dough by interfering with gluten formation.
- Baking powder
Acts as a leavening agent to give the cruffins a gentle lift and airy texture. Ensures a tender crumb that puffs up beautifully.
- Salt
Enhances all the flavors in the dough, balancing the sweetness and deepening the buttery notes.
- Cold unsalted butter
Cut into cubes, it creates pockets of fat that melt during baking, forming delicate, flaky layers.
- Whole milk
Adds moisture and richness, contributing to a soft, tender crumb while helping the dough come together.
- Egg
Binds the ingredients and adds richness and color to the dough, helping it brown evenly.
- Vanilla extract
Infuses the pastry with a warm, aromatic note that complements the cinnamon sugar filling.
- Brown sugar
Delivers a deeper, caramel-like sweetness that blends perfectly with cinnamon for the filling.
- Ground cinnamon
Provides that warm, spicy kick, creating a fragrant swirl of flavor in every layer.
- Unsalted butter (melted)
Brushes onto the rolled dough to help the cinnamon sugar adhere and add an extra layer of buttery flavor.
HOW TO MAKE FLAKY CRUFFINS WITH SWEET CINNAMON SUGAR FILLING
Ready to transform these simple ingredients into flaky, swirled pastries? Follow these detailed steps for bakery-level results right at home:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 12-cup muffin tin with butter or line it with paper muffin liners to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined, ensuring your leavening agent and sweeteners are distributed throughout.
3. Add the cold cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or clean fingertips, quickly work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized bits of butter still visible—this is key for flakiness.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth. Pour this liquid mixture into the flour-butter crumb mixture, stirring gently until just combined into a shaggy dough—avoid overmixing to maintain tenderness.
5. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it into a rectangle about 12×9 inches, ensuring even thickness for uniform layers.
6. Brush the surface of the dough generously with the melted butter, creating a sticky base for the cinnamon sugar layer.
7. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the buttered dough to ensure every bite is sweet and spiced.
8. Starting from one long side of the rectangle, carefully roll the dough up tightly into a log, keeping the layers snug to maintain distinct swirls.
9. Slice the dough log into 12 equal pieces using a sharp knife or dental floss. Arrange each piece standing upright in the prepared muffin tin with cut sides facing up.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 18–22 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and puffed up. You’ll know they’re done when the edges turn crisp and the centers look set.
11. Let the cruffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes before gently transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This brief rest helps them set while still staying delightfully tender.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR FLAKY CRUFFINS WITH SWEET CINNAMON SUGAR FILLING
These cruffins are versatile treats that shine in many settings. Whether you’re planning a leisurely weekend brunch or looking for a cozy afternoon pick-me-up, here are some fun ways to serve them at their best:
- With a dusting of powdered sugar
Right before serving, sift a light layer of powdered sugar over the warm cruffins to add a touch of sweetness and a picture-perfect finish.
- Paired with a vanilla glaze
Whisk together powdered sugar, a splash of milk, and a drop of vanilla extract for a simple glaze. Drizzle it over cooled cruffins for extra sweetness and shine.
- Alongside fresh berries
Serve with a side of mixed berries—like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries—to balance the richness with bright, juicy notes.
- With a steaming cup of coffee or latte
The warm spices in the cruffins pair beautifully with a bold coffee or a frothy latte. The combination of caffeine and cinnamon is heaven in every bite.
HOW TO STORE FLAKY CRUFFINS WITH SWEET CINNAMON SUGAR FILLING
If you have leftovers (and let’s be honest, who doesn’t?), storing them properly will keep those layers flaky and flavors vibrant for as long as possible. Here are a few tried-and-true methods:
- Room Temperature Storage
Place cooled cruffins in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 days—just make sure they’re completely cool before sealing to prevent sogginess.
- Refrigeration
For a slightly longer shelf life, wrap each cruffin in plastic wrap or place them in a sealed container and store in the fridge for up to 4 days. Bring to room temperature or lightly reheat before serving.
- Freezing
Freeze individual cruffins on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge or at room temperature, then warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–7 minutes.
- Reheating Tips
To revive that fresh-baked crispiness, reheat in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes rather than using a microwave, which can make layers chewy.
CONCLUSION
We’ve taken a delightful journey from pantry staples like all-purpose flour, sugar, and butter to a batch of irresistible Flaky Cruffins with Sweet Cinnamon Sugar Filling that look—and taste—just like they came from your favorite bakery. Throughout this article, you’ve learned how to mix, roll, and bake these cross between a croissant and a muffin, mastering techniques like cutting cold butter into coarse crumbs for perfect flakiness and rolling each layer with a rich cinnamon sugar swirl. You also discovered versatile serving ideas—whether you opt for a simple powdered sugar dusting, a slick of vanilla glaze, or a side of bright berries—and storage strategies to keep your cruffins tasting fresh for days or even weeks.
Feel free to print this article and save it for later—you can bookmark it or add it to your recipe binder. You’ll also find a FAQ below to answer common questions about ingredient swaps, troubleshooting texture, and more. Have you tried making these cruffins? Drop a comment, share your baking wins or questions, and let me know how they turned out. I’m always here for feedback, troubleshooting tips, or just to chat about your favorite flaky pastry adventures. Happy baking, and may your kitchen be filled with warmth, buttery layers, and the sweet spice of cinnamon sugar!
Flaky Cruffins with Sweet Cinnamon Sugar Filling
Description
Each golden cruffin boasts layers of tender, buttery pastry wrapped around a sweet cinnamon sugar core. Perfectly puffed and crisped, these warm muffins deliver fragrant spice notes and a melt-in-your-mouth texture you'll crave.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 12-cup muffin tin with butter or line with paper muffin liners.
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In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
-
Add the cold cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized bits of butter.
-
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and vanilla extract. Pour this mixture into the flour and butter mixture, stirring until just combined to form a dough.
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Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it into a rectangle, about 12x9 inches.
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Brush the surface of the dough with the melted butter.
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In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the buttered dough.
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Starting from one long side of the rectangle, carefully roll the dough up tightly into a log.
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Slice the dough into 12 equal pieces and arrange them standing up in the prepared muffin tin, cut sides facing up.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed up.
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Let the cruffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Note
- For an extra touch of sweetness, sprinkle the cruffins with powdered sugar after baking.
- You can substitute half of the butter with coconut oil for a slightly different flavor profile.
- If you prefer a more savory version, omit the cinnamon sugar and instead use garlic and herb seasoning.
- The dough can be prepared the day before and kept refrigerated overnight for convenience.
- Cruffins are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
