If you’ve ever dreamed of combining the flaky, buttery layers of a croissant with the soft, sweet cinnamon sugar crunch of a donut, then you’re in for a treat with these Easy Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins. These delightful pastries bring together crispiness, sweetness, and a hint of warm spice, making them perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even a casual dessert. With simple ingredients and approachable steps, this recipe invites all home bakers to create something truly irresistible right in their own kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfectly flaky texture: The layers mimic a croissant’s signature flakiness, delivering that satisfying crunch with every bite.
Sweet and spicy twist: Cinnamon sugar coating adds a cozy warmth and sweetness that feels both nostalgic and exciting.
Simple to prepare: With straightforward ingredients and easy techniques, you don’t need to be a pastry chef to nail this treat.
Versatile for any time: Great for breakfast boosts, mid-day snacks, or even as a crowd-pleasing dessert.
Fun baking project: Rolling and twisting the dough makes the entire process enjoyable and hands-on.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Although this recipe feels indulgent, its ingredient list is refreshingly simple — each element plays a vital role in achieving the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color.

All-purpose flour: The base that provides the structure for flaky, tender pastry layers.
Butter: Essential for creating crispiness and buttery richness in every fold.
Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps caramelize the crust slightly during baking.
Cinnamon: The star spice that infuses the cruffins with warm, aromatic goodness.
Yeast: Helps the dough rise, bringing that light, airy quality to the final pastry.
Milk: Gives the dough moisture and helps tenderize the crumb.
Eggs: Bind ingredients and contribute to a golden, glossy finish.
Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
Sugar for coating: Mixed with cinnamon to create the irresistible outer crust.

Variations for Easy Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins

Feel free to make this recipe your own! Thanks to its flexible foundation, you can adjust Easy Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins to suit your taste preferences, dietary needs, or even what’s in your pantry.

Chocolate swirl: Add a layer of cocoa or melted chocolate inside before rolling for a rich surprise.
Nutty crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or almonds between folds for added texture.
Gluten-free version: Substitute a gluten-free flour blend with xanthan gum for similar results.
Vegan substitution: Use plant-based butter, non-dairy milk, and egg replacers to fit vegan diets.
Fruit filling: Incorporate thin slices of apple or pear with cinnamon sugar for a fruity twist.

Why Easy Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins Are Irresistible

How to Make Easy Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by mixing warm milk with yeast and a bit of sugar, letting it bloom until frothy. Combine flour, salt, eggs, and the yeast mixture to form a soft, slightly sticky dough. Knead gently until smooth, then cover and let rise until doubled in size.

Step 2: Layer with Butter

Roll out the dough into a rectangle and spread softened butter evenly over the surface. Fold the dough into thirds, then roll it out again to create layers—this lamination process is key to achieving that flaky, croissant-like texture.

Step 3: Add Cinnamon Sugar

Sprinkle a generous layer of cinnamon sugar over the flattened dough. Roll it tightly from one edge to form a log, then slice the log into individual sections that will become cruffins.

Step 4: Shape and Proof

Place each rolled slice into a greased muffin tin, twisting or repositioning them for shape and flare as desired. Cover and let them proof until puffed and light—this helps create a tender crumb inside.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake your cruffins in a preheated oven until the tops turn golden brown and smell heavenly. Once out of the oven, immediately toss or brush them with extra cinnamon sugar for that final irresistible crunch.

Pro Tips for Making Easy Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins

Use cold butter: Keeping the butter cold during layering ensures crispier, flakier layers in the final bake.
Don’t over-knead: Knead just until smooth to keep the dough light and tender without toughness.
Fresh yeast is best: Whenever possible, use fresh yeast for a more reliable rise and better flavor.
Proof properly: Allow cruffins to rise fully before baking to maximize fluffiness and lightness.
Brush with butter after baking: Adds extra shine and helps cinnamon sugar stick perfectly.

How to Serve Easy Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins

Garnishes

A light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of vanilla glaze can elevate the rustic beauty of your cruffins, adding extra sweetness and a touch of elegance.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside fresh berries, a dollop of whipped cream, or a steaming cup of spiced coffee or chai for a complete and comforting breakfast or afternoon treat.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange cruffins in a festive brunch spread, stack them with layers of fruit preserves, or even slice and turn them into decadent mini sandwich desserts with cream cheese or Nutella fillings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftover cruffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to maintain freshness and crunchiness.

Freezing

Wrap cruffins individually in plastic wrap and freeze for up to a month; just thaw at room temperature or warm gently before serving.

Reheating

Reheat cruffins in a toaster oven or conventional oven at low heat to restore crispiness without drying out the inside.

FAQs

Can I make Easy Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins without yeast?

Yeast is key for the rise and texture, so while you can try a quick bread substitute, it won’t have the same flaky layers or lightness.

How long do cruffins stay fresh?

When stored properly at room temperature, cruffins stay fresh for up to two days before starting to lose moisture and crispness.

Can I use store-bought croissant dough to make cruffins?

Yes! Using pre-made croissant dough speeds up the process and still creates delicious cruffins, though homemade dough offers more control over flavor.

Is it possible to make cruffins gluten-free?

Absolutely. Using a gluten-free flour blend with xanthan gum can yield good results, but texture may vary slightly from traditional cruffins.

What’s the best way to store leftover cruffins?

Keep them airtight at room temperature for short-term storage or freeze them wrapped tightly if you want to save them longer.

Final Thoughts

Easy Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins are more than just a pastry— they’re a cozy hug in food form, combining crisp layers with warm cinnamon sweetness that never fail to delight. Whether you’re baking for yourself or sharing with friends, these cruffins invite you to savor the joy of homemade treats without any fuss. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a little slice of buttery heaven anytime you crave something truly special.

Easy Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins

Print Recipe

Easy Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins are delightful pastries that combine the flaky, buttery layers of a croissant with the soft, sweet cinnamon sugar crunch of a donut. Perfectly crispy on the outside and tender inside, these treats are a cozy, sweet indulgence ideal for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. Made with simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is approachable for all home bakers wanting to create a warm, spiced pastry filled with nostalgic flavors.

Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Yield: 8-10 cruffins 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
¾ cup warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs

Butter Layer

1 cup cold unsalted butter, softened but still firm

Cinnamon Sugar Coating

½ cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

Instructions

Prepare the Dough: Start by mixing the warm milk with yeast and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Let it bloom until frothy, about 5-10 minutes. In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, eggs, and the yeast mixture to form a soft, slightly sticky dough. Knead gently on a floured surface until smooth, about 5-7 minutes. Cover and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, approximately 1 to 1 ½ hours.
Layer with Butter: Roll the risen dough into a large rectangle on a floured surface. Spread the cold, softened butter evenly over two-thirds of the dough. Fold the dough into thirds like a letter, then roll it out again into a rectangle. Repeat this folding and rolling process two to three times to create layers, essential for the flaky croissant-like texture.
Add Cinnamon Sugar: Sprinkle a generous and even layer of cinnamon sugar over the rolled-out dough. Starting from one long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Slice the log into individual sections, about 1 to 1 ½ inches thick, which will form the cruffins.
Shape and Proof: Place each sliced roll into a greased muffin tin, twisting or adjusting them for shape and flair as preferred. Cover the tin loosely and let the cruffins proof until puffed and light, about 30-45 minutes. This step ensures a tender and airy crumb inside.
Bake to Golden Perfection: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the cruffins for 18-22 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and deliciously fragrant. Immediately after baking, brush or toss them with remaining cinnamon sugar for a final irresistible crunchy coating.

Notes

Use cold butter during layering to achieve crispier, flakier layers.
Do not over-knead the dough; knead just until smooth to keep it light and tender.
Fresh yeast provides a more reliable rise and better flavor, but active dry yeast works well too.
Ensure cruffins proof fully before baking to maximize fluffiness and light texture.
Brushing baked cruffins with butter helps the cinnamon sugar stick and adds extra shine.

Author: Lina
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Breakfast
Method: Baking
Cuisine: French-inspired
Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cruffin
Calories: 280
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 55mg

Keywords: cruffins, cinnamon sugar pastry, croissant donut, breakfast pastry, homemade cruffins, layered pastry