There’s a moment in the kitchen, when the sweet scent of cinnamon mingles with warm butter, that makes you feel like you’ve stepped straight into a cozy bakery. That’s exactly what I experienced when I first whipped up these delightful cruffins with cinnamon. While I was lingering in the spice section of my pantry, contemplating yet another boring dessert, inspiration struck! Why not take the flaky goodness of crescent roll dough and transform it into something entirely unexpected?
These cruffins are not just a treat for the taste buds; they are a celebration of simplicity and flavor, perfect for anyone looking to elevate their home baking without fuss. With just a handful of ingredients, you can impress family and friends alike, showing them that homemade treats can beat any fast-food option. So, roll up your sleeves, and let’s dive into this scrumptious journey that will surely leave everyone smiling!
Why You'll Love This Cruffins with Cinnamon
- These cruffins are incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time.
- You’ll be treated to a delightful burst of flavor with each bite, thanks to the perfect blend of cinnamon and sugar enveloped in flaky pastry.
- Their versatility makes them a great choice for breakfast, snacks, or dessert, appealing to all tastes.
- Not only do these cruffins look visually stunning, with their swirled layers creating an irresistible appeal, but they also make for an impressive crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Cruffins with Cinnamon Ingredients
For the Dough
• Refrigerated crescent roll dough – 3 tubes of 227 g each; this dough provides a flaky, buttery base for a perfect cruffin.
• Unsalted butter – 6 tablespoons, softened; this adds richness and helps the cinnamon-sugar stick to your cruffins.
For the Filling
• Granulated sugar – 200 grams; this sweetener enhances the decadent flavor of the cruffins with cinnamon.
• Ground cinnamon – 1 tablespoon; this spice is the star, delivering that warm, comforting aroma and flavor.
This simple ingredient list paves the way for an inviting baking adventure that will transform your kitchen into a delightful haven of warm, cinnamon-scented cruffins!
How to Make Cruffins with Cinnamon
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Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). While it warms, lightly grease a standard 12-cup muffin tin with nonstick spray to ensure your cruffins release easily after baking.
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Unroll the first tube of crescent roll dough onto a lightly floured surface, shaping it into a rectangle. Pinch any perforations closed to create a seamless pastry for rolling.
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Spread 2 tablespoons of softened butter evenly across the dough. In a separate bowl, mix the granulated sugar with the ground cinnamon, then sprinkle a generous layer of this delightful mixture over the buttered dough.
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Roll the dough tightly from the short end into a log. For a beautiful layered effect, cut the log in half lengthwise to reveal the swirls. With the cut sides facing outward, coil each half into a spiral shape and place in a muffin cup.
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Repeat the shaping, buttering, and filling process with the remaining two tubes of dough, filling all 12 muffin cups to perfection and ensuring each one captures that sweet cinnamon flavor.
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Bake the cruffins for 20–25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Keep an eye on them to achieve that perfect flaky texture.
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Brush the warm cruffins with melted butter as soon as they come out of the oven. Then, roll each one in the remaining cinnamon-sugar mixture until they’re fully coated, ensuring that every bite is indulgent.
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Cool the cruffins slightly before serving. Enjoy them warm, or let them rest at room temperature for a perfect treat any time of day!
Optional: Dust with additional cinnamon-sugar for an extra sweet touch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Cruffins with Cinnamon Variations
Feel free to let your creativity shine and adjust these cruffins to match your taste preferences!
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Gluten-Free: Substitute the crescent roll dough with a gluten-free dough option for a delightful treat that everyone can enjoy.
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Nutty Twist: Add 1/2 cup of finely chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, to the cinnamon-sugar mix for an extra crunch and flavor depth.
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Chocolate Delight: Drizzle melted chocolate over the baked cruffins instead of rolling in cinnamon-sugar for a decadent dessert twist.
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Fruity Addition: Fold in some dried fruit, such as raisins or cranberries, into the dough before rolling it up for a pop of sweetness in every bite.
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Spicy Sizzle: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the cinnamon-sugar mix for a surprising and delightful kick.
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Maple Glaze: Mix 1/4 cup of maple syrup with powdered sugar and drizzle over cooled cruffins for an indulgent sweet topping.
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Coconut Bliss: Sprinkle shredded coconut over the buttery dough before rolling for a tropical flavor that pairs beautifully with cinnamon.
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Pumpkin Spice: Substitute the cinnamon with pumpkin pie spice for a seasonal twist that captures the essence of fall in every delicious cruffin.
Make Ahead Options
Preparing these delicious cruffins with cinnamon ahead of time makes them an ideal choice for busy mornings or last-minute gatherings! You can assemble the cruffins up to 24 hours in advance—simply follow steps 1-5 and place the shaped cruffins in the muffin tin. Cover them tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. This method helps the flavors meld beautifully while ensuring they maintain their flaky texture. When you’re ready to bake, just remove them from the fridge, let them sit for about 10-15 minutes to come to room temperature, then pop them in the oven as directed. Enjoy the homemade freshness without the rush!
How to Store and Freeze Cruffins with Cinnamon
Room Temperature: Store cruffins at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days. This retains their delightful flaky texture without becoming soggy.
Fridge: If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate cruffins with cinnamon for up to 5 days. Ensure they are in a sealed container to prevent them from drying out.
Freezer: For extended storage, freeze the cruffins in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen.
Reheating: To enjoy warm cruffins later, reheat in an oven at 175°C (350°F) for about 10–15 minutes until heated through and crispy again.
What to Serve with Cruffins with Cinnamon?
There’s something magical about pairing freshly baked cruffins with delightful accompaniments to create a heartwarming meal that will linger in your memory long after the last bite.
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Hot Coffee: The boldness of freshly brewed coffee complements the sweet cinnamon, enhancing each bite’s flavor while warming you from the inside out.
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Fruit Salad: A refreshing medley of seasonal fruits adds a burst of color and tangy sweetness, balancing the rich flavors of the cruffins beautifully.
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Maple Syrup Drizzle: A light pour of pure maple syrup elevates these treats, introducing a rich, natural sweetness that pairs exceptionally with the spiced pastry.
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Yogurt Parfait: Layer creamy yogurt with crunchy granola and fresh berries for a wholesome, satisfying balance alongside that flaky goodness of the cruffins.
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Chai Tea: Its warm, spiced notes are a perfect match for your cinnamon cruffins, echoing their flavors and creating a cozy, comforting vibe.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: Enjoy these cruffins warm, topped with a scoop of luscious vanilla ice cream for a dreamy dessert experience that is simply irresistible.
A few thoughtfully chosen pairings will transform your cruffins from a simple treat into the centerpiece of a delightful breakfast or dessert spread that everyone will adore.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When making your cruffins with cinnamon, ensure you seal the perforations in the crescent roll dough thoroughly to prevent filling from leaking out during baking.
- Consider using a pastry brush to apply the melted butter evenly for a uniform coating that enhances flavor in each bite.
- For an extra flaky texture, let the dough rest at room temperature for a few minutes before rolling it out to prevent it from being too cold.
- Keep an eye on the baking time and check the cruffins for a golden brown color to guarantee they are fully cooked without being overbaked.
Cruffins with Cinnamon Recipe FAQs
What should I look for when selecting crescent roll dough?
Absolutely! When choosing your refrigerated crescent roll dough, look for cans that are within their sell-by date. Ensure the packaging is intact, avoiding any dents or bulges, which could indicate compromised dough. I’ve found brands that offer a flaky texture, so opting for those will elevate your cruffins with cinnamon to the next level!
How should I store leftover cruffins?
If you have any cruffins left (though I doubt it!), store them at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days. This keeps them flaky and delicious! For longer freshness, pop them in the fridge, where they’ll last about 5 days. Just be sure they’re sealed well to avoid drying out.
Can I freeze cruffins for later enjoyment?
Very! Freezing is a fantastic option. First, place the cooled cruffins in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them until solid (around 1-2 hours). Then, transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply reheat from frozen in a preheated oven at 175°C (350°F) for about 10–15 minutes.
Why did my cruffins not turn out flaky?
Oh no! If your cruffins aren’t flaky, it could be due to a few reasons. Make sure you’ve sealed any perforations in the dough properly—this prevents moisture from making them soggy. Also, avoid over-baking them, as this can dry them out! Check for that golden brown color for the perfect flaky texture. Lastly, make sure you’re letting the dough rest at room temperature for a bit before rolling it out.
Are cruffins suitable for people with gluten intolerance?
Unfortunately, traditional cruffins with cinnamon made from crescent roll dough contain gluten. However, you can absolutely substitute gluten-free crescent roll dough if you’d like to enjoy them. There are several brands that offer gluten-free pastry dough which can yield equally delicious results! Always check the packaging for any allergens if preparing for someone with dietary restrictions.
Can pets enjoy cruffins too?
It’s best to keep cruffins away from pets, as they contain ingredients like sugar and butter that aren’t healthy for them. If you want to include your furry friends in the fun, consider making a pet-friendly treat that resembles a cruffin but uses dog-safe ingredients. Trust me, they’ll be wagging their tails for a taste!
Cruffins with Cinnamon
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Lightly grease a standard 12-cup muffin tin with nonstick spray.
- Unroll the first tube of crescent roll dough onto a lightly floured surface, shaping it into a rectangle.
- Spread 2 tablespoons of softened butter evenly across the dough. Mix the sugar with the cinnamon, then sprinkle over the buttered dough.
- Roll the dough tightly from the short end into a log. Cut the log in half lengthwise to reveal the swirls. Coil each half into a spiral shape.
- Repeat the shaping, buttering, and filling process with the remaining two tubes of dough, filling all 12 muffin cups.
- Bake the cruffins for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown. Keep an eye on them to achieve the perfect flaky texture.
- Brush the warm cruffins with melted butter and roll each one in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated.
- Cool the cruffins slightly before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
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