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Easy Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins

Easy Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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