
Cruffins are the answer when you crave something flaky and sweet without the work of traditional croissants. These bakery-style pastries come together quickly using ready-made puff pastry layered with cinnamon sugar and a touch of butter. The result is a beautiful spiral treat with crispy edges and tender layers inside. They have become our Sunday brunch favorite because the process is simple and the reward is extraordinary. Serve them warm with your favorite morning drink for pure comfort.
Whenever I bake cruffins the kitchen smells like a cinnamon roll bakery. They disappear within minutes in my house often before they even cool completely.
Ingredients
- Puff pastry sheets: brings effortless flakiness make sure to choose all-butter pastry for the best flavor
- Sugar: essential for the signature sweetness use fine sugar so it blends well with the cinnamon
- Ground cinnamon: gives classic warmth and aroma look for cinnamon with a rich brown hue for maximum freshness
- Melted butter: adds richness and helps all the layers brown nicely choose unsalted butter for better control of taste
- Powdered sugar: for dusting at the end it gives a bakery finish sift before sprinkling to avoid clumps
- Vanilla extract: completely optional but offers an extra layer of flavor try pure vanilla for best results
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare and Preheat:
- Set your oven to three hundred seventy five degrees Fahrenheit which is one hundred ninety degrees Celsius and grease your muffin tin thoroughly This prevents sticking and helps each cruffin lift easily after baking
- Roll Out the Pastry:
- Unfold your puff pastry and lay it on a lightly floured surface Use a rolling pin to gently smooth it until it is even and approximately one eighth to one quarter inch thick Take care not to press too hard to keep the layers intact
- Make Cinnamon Sugar Mixture:
- In a bowl combine the sugar and ground cinnamon until evenly mixed This blend will bring both a sweet and spicy character to every bite
- Sprinkle and Brush:
- Evenly spread the cinnamon sugar mixture over your rolled pastry Next lightly brush melted butter right over the cinnamon sugar Be sure to reach every edge so the flavor is consistent throughout each cruffin
- Form and Slice:
- Carefully roll up the pastry into a tight log so the layers are visible Slice the log into twelve equal rounds Use a sharp knife to prevent squashing the dough
- Fill the Muffin Tin:
- Place each dough round cut side up into the prepared muffin tin Gently press them in so the spirals are showing at the top This will help them bake up tall and layered
- Bake to Golden Perfection:
- Bake for twenty to twenty five minutes Watch for golden color and beautiful puffing The cruffins should look spiraled and deeply caramelized on top
- Dust and Finish:
- Let the cruffins cool slightly in the pan for five minutes then transfer to a rack If you like dust them with powdered sugar and a few drops of vanilla extract for that final touch

I love experimenting with the filling Sometimes I spread a thin layer of raspberry jam or Nutella before rolling the pastry My kids remember our first batch almost as much as I do because they could not believe how bakery perfect these turned out
Storage Tips
Keep any leftover cruffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days For longer storage you may freeze them and reheat in the oven for a few minutes to bring back their fresh crispness Avoid storing in plastic bags as this can cause them to become soggy
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap cinnamon for cardamom or nutmeg for a unique twist Instead of plain sugar try using brown sugar for a caramelized flavor Gluten-free puff pastry works if you need a wheat-free version and the results are still delicious
Serving Suggestions
Serve these cruffins warm with coffee tea or warm cider For a special dessert slice them open and stuff with whipped cream mascarpone or even a little lemon curd They also make a wonderful edible gift when packed in a little box dusted in powdered sugar
Cultural Context
Cruffins are a modern pastry trend popularized by creative bakeries blending the techniques of muffin and croissant making My first try was inspired by a San Francisco bakery After that I realized this treat brings a sense of joy and innovation to any home kitchen layering Old World pastry with New World convenience and fun
Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes
- → What kind of pastry should I use?
Store-bought puff pastry works best for quick preparation and flaky layers in each cruffin.
- → How can I enhance the flavor?
Try adding fruit preserves or hazelnut spread inside each dough piece for extra sweetness and flavor.
- → Can I use other spices besides cinnamon?
Absolutely! Cardamom, nutmeg, or even pumpkin spice blend can be used to create different flavor profiles.
- → What's the best way to store leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Reheat briefly in the oven to restore crispness.
- → Is it necessary to dust with powdered sugar?
While not required, finishing with powdered sugar adds a touch of sweetness and an appealing presentation.