Name: Cruffin Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 tubes (8 ounces each) refrigerated crescent roll sheets; 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened, divided; 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving something irresistibly buttery, flaky, and infused with that nostalgic swirl of cinnamon and sugar, the Cruffin might just become your new obsession. This show-stopping pastry masterfully marries the pillowy softness of a muffin with the delicate layers of a croissant, all dressed up with a generous coating of cinnamon-sugar. A Cruffin is pure joy for breakfast, brunch, or an anytime treat with a cup of coffee—the kind of bake that makes the whole house smell like a hug from your favorite bakery.

Ingredients You’ll Need

All the magic behind a Cruffin lies in just a handful of easily accessible ingredients, each one playing an important role. Simple yet essential, the right mix of flaky dough, creamy butter, and warm spices forms the heart of this unforgettable treat.

Refrigerated crescent roll sheets (3 tubes, 8 ounces each): These tidy sheets are your shortcut to flaky, croissant-style layers without the fuss of homemade dough.
Unsalted butter (6 tablespoons, softened, divided): The butter is what gives your Cruffin its signature richness and golden, crisp exterior—don’t skimp!
Granulated sugar (1 cup): Adds sweetness and helps to caramelize the pastry edges, making every bite a perfect balance of soft and crunchy.
Ground cinnamon (1 tablespoon): The earthy spice boosts the aroma and gives your Cruffin its iconic cinnamon swirl flavor.
Nonstick cooking spray: This makes sure each Cruffin slips out of the muffin tin in one beautiful, fluffy piece.
Flour for dusting: A light sprinkle prevents sticking while rolling out the dough, making the process effortless.

How to Make Cruffin

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Muffin Tin

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Give a standard 12-cup muffin tin a generous spritz of nonstick cooking spray. This little step ensures your Cruffin releases perfectly, keeping all those lovely layers intact.

Step 2: Roll Out the Dough

On a lightly floured work surface, unroll each crescent roll sheet into a 12×16-inch rectangle. If you’re using perforated sheets, pinch the seams together so you have one smooth dough canvas for each tube. This creates the perfect base for those iconic Cruffin layers!

Step 3: Slather with Butter

Spread 2 tablespoons of softened butter evenly over the surface of each dough rectangle. Don’t rush—make sure every inch gets a glossy butter blanket, since this is what gives your Cruffin that rich interior and irresistible golden finish.

Step 4: Make and Sprinkle the Cinnamon Sugar

In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon, whisking until evenly mixed. Now, generously sprinkle about 1/4 cup of this mixture over each buttered sheet. Gently press the mixture into the dough, saving the rest for topping after baking.

Step 5: Roll and Slice

Starting at the long edge, roll up each sheet of dough tightly into a log. Then cut each log in half to form two shorter logs. Slice each of those in half lengthwise, exposing the lovely cinnamon-laced layers. You’ll have four sections per sheet, and twelve in total. This step is where Cruffin magic truly happens, so take a moment to marvel at those stripes.

Step 6: Shape into Cruffins

With the layered sides facing out, roll each section into a cinnamon roll spiral, tucking in the tail end at the bottom if needed. The exposed layers give the Cruffin its gorgeous, peek-a-boo swirl once baked.

Step 7: Fill the Muffin Tin and Bake

Nestle each rolled section into your prepared muffin tin. Slide the tin into the oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes, until the Cruffins are deeply golden and the kitchen smells beyond amazing.

Cruffin Finishing Touch: Cinnamon-Sugar Roll

As soon as those Cruffins come out of the oven, carefully roll them in the remaining cinnamon-sugar while they’re still warm. This gives them that classic, shimmering coating and a subtle crunch on the outside.

How to Serve Cruffin

Garnishes

A dusting of powdered sugar or a whirl of whipped cream makes each Cruffin look even more inviting. For extra decadence, a drizzle of caramel or melted chocolate will have everyone reaching for seconds. Try a sprinkle of orange zest for a surprisingly bright, fragrant finish.

Side Dishes

Serve a Cruffin alongside fresh fruit—juicy strawberries or plump blueberries balance the sweet richness perfectly. For brunch, pair with eggs or a savory quiche to round out the meal. Coffee, tea, or a cold glass of milk are all excellent sippable sidekicks.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Cruffin into an elegant dessert by slicing and filling with sweetened cream cheese or fruit compote. Stack mini Cruffins into a dramatic tower for special gatherings, or individually wrap them for memorable edible gifts. For a café-inspired moment, serve them on a wooden platter with little bowls of dips like honey or chocolate sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover Cruffins fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to maintain that just-baked softness, line the container with a paper towel to absorb any moisture.

Freezing

Cruffins freeze surprisingly well! To freeze, let them cool completely, then wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap and pop into a freezer bag. They’ll stay delicious for up to one month—just thaw at room temperature before reheating.

Reheating

To revive that fresh-from-the-oven magic, warm your Cruffin in a 300°F oven for 5 to 8 minutes. This restores its crispy edges and soft center without sacrificing flavor or texture. Microwaving works in a pinch, but baking is best for that signature bakery feel.

FAQs

Can I make Cruffin dough from scratch instead of using crescent roll sheets?

Absolutely! If you feel adventurous, substitute with homemade croissant dough for a more complex flavor and even flakier texture. The crescent roll shortcut keeps things quick and easy, but homemade dough takes your Cruffin to the next level.

Can I add different fillings to my Cruffin?

Definitely! Try spreading a thin layer of fruit jam, chocolate spread, or sweetened cream cheese before rolling up the dough. Just be careful not to overfill, so the beautiful layers bake up tall and tidy.

What should I do if my Cruffin sticks to the muffin tin?

If a Cruffin doesn’t want to release, carefully run a knife around the edge before lifting it out. A good nonstick spray or lining the tin with parchment strips helps prevent sticking in the first place.

How do I know when my Cruffin is done baking?

Your Cruffin is ready when it’s deeply golden on top and springs back when gently pressed. If you’re unsure, peek at one—those inner doughy layers should look fully baked and not raw.

Is it possible to make mini Cruffins?

Yes! Use a mini muffin tin and slice dough strips slightly narrower—bake for 10 to 12 minutes. These adorable mini Cruffins are ideal as party snacks or a sweet addition to a brunch buffet.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for an easy showstopper that brings bakery brilliance to your own kitchen, the Cruffin is simply unbeatable. Every bite promises flaky layers, a warm cinnamon hug, and smiles all around. Go ahead—treat yourself and those you love to a batch of Cruffins, and get ready for a delicious new tradition!

Cruffin Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 8 reviews

Author: Mariam
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 12 cruffins 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A delightful recipe for homemade cruffins, a delicious cross between a croissant and a muffin, filled with cinnamon sugar and baked to perfection. These sweet treats are perfect for breakfast or a special brunch.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough:

3 tubes (8 ounces each) refrigerated crescent roll sheets
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened, divided

Filling:

1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

Preheat oven. Spray muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray.
Roll out dough. Roll out each tube of dough to a 12×16-inch rectangle on a floured surface.
Spread butter over dough. Spread softened butter evenly over each dough sheet.
Prepare cinnamon sugar. Whisk together sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
Sprinkle cinnamon sugar mixture. Sprinkle mixture over each buttered dough sheet.
Roll up dough. Roll each sheet into a log.
Cut and shape. Cut the log, then shape into cinnamon rolls.
Place in muffin tin. Put the rolls into a muffin tin.
Bake. Bake for 18-20 minutes until golden brown.
Roll in cinnamon sugar. Roll each cruffin in cinnamon and sugar.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Breakfast, Brunch
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American