Sweet & Crispy Cheater Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins Recipe

Cruffins have taken the pastry world by storm, blending the flaky layers of croissants with the irresistible shape of muffins.

These delectable treats promise a magical fusion that revolutionizes ordinary breakfast moments into extraordinary culinary adventures.

Bakery enthusiasts constantly seek innovative ways to recreate this trendy pastry at home without complex techniques.

The simplicity of this recipe breaks down intimidating barriers that typically prevent home bakers from attempting such sophisticated-looking delicacies.

Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps ensure you can craft these impressive pastries with confidence and ease.

Crisp, buttery layers coated in sweet cinnamon sugar create a mouthwatering experience that feels both indulgent and comforting.

Rich, golden-brown edges promise a sensory delight that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Cheater Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins Worth Every Bite

• Quick Transformation Magic: Transform simple puff pastry into an elegant, restaurant-style pastry without complicated techniques, making you feel like a professional baker in minutes.
• Texture Wonderland: Experience a delightful contrast between crispy, flaky exterior and soft, buttery interior that melts in your mouth with each delicious bite.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for weekend brunches, afternoon tea parties, or as a spectacular dessert that impresses guests without requiring advanced baking skills.

What You’ll Need for Cheater Cinnamon Cruffins

• Puff Pastry: Delicate, flaky base that creates the signature layers and texture of cruffins, best when thoroughly thawed.
• Flour: Light dusting helps prevent sticking and assists in rolling out pastry smoothly.

• Butter (Softened): Provides rich, creamy spread that helps cinnamon sugar adhere and creates tender pastry texture.
• Egg: Creates golden, glossy exterior when used as wash, helping cruffins achieve beautiful shine.

• Granulated Sugar, Ground Cinnamon: Classic combination that delivers warm, sweet coating with signature spicy depth, perfect for rolling finished cruffins.
• Vanilla Ice Cream (Optional): Creamy accompaniment that complements the warm, spiced pastry.
• Chocolate Sauce (Optional): Rich drizzle that adds extra indulgence to the dessert.

How to Assemble Cheater Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins

Step 1: Prepare The Oven

Warm the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly coat 8 spots in a standard muffin tin with cooking spray or butter.

Step 2: Prepare Puff Pastry

Take one sheet of thawed puff pastry and place on a cool, clean surface. If the pastry feels sticky, dust lightly with flour.

Step 3: Create Flavor Layer

Stretch the pastry into a thin rectangle approximately 11″ x 15″. Spread softened butter across the surface, then sprinkle with cinnamon sugar mixture.

Step 4: Shape The Cruffins

Roll the pastry from the 15″ side like a jelly roll. Cut the roll in half lengthwise, then slice each half into two sections. You’ll have 4 pieces per pastry sheet.

• Fold the cut piece
• Roll it like a snail
• Place in prepared muffin tin

Step 5: Egg Wash And Bake

• Exterior is deep golden brown
• Pastry looks fully cooked
• Edges are crispy and firm

Step 6: Cool And Coat

Remove from oven and let rest in pan for 10 minutes. Roll each cruffin in remaining cinnamon sugar mixture.

Step 7: Serve With Flair

• Vanilla ice cream
• Chocolate sauce
• Fresh berries
• Whipped cream

Enjoy your delicious homemade treat!

Tips for Crispy, Swirled Cheater Cruffins

• Butter Precision: Use softened butter at room temperature for easier spreading and more even distribution across the puff pastry.
• Rolling Technique: Gently roll the pastry to maintain its delicate layers, preventing the butter from squeezing out during the rolling process.
• Cinnamon Sugar Magic: Mix the cinnamon and sugar thoroughly before sprinkling to ensure a consistent, flavorful coating on each cruffin.
• Snail Shaping Secrets: When rolling the pieces into a snail shape, keep them tight but not too compressed to allow room for beautiful, airy layers.
• Golden Brown Perfection: Watch the cruffins closely during the last 10 minutes of baking to achieve that ideal deep golden color without burning.

Keep Cruffins Soft and Sweet After Baking

• Refrigerate: Store leftover cruffins in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Wrap each pastry individually in plastic wrap to maintain freshness and prevent them from sticking together.
• Freezing: Freeze cooled cruffins in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Reheating: Warm cruffins in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes to restore their crispy texture. Avoid microwaving, which can make the pastry soggy and lose its delightful flakiness.

Toppings and Pairings for Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins

• Pair with Warm Chai Latte: The spicy, creamy chai perfectly complements the sweet cinnamon cruffins, creating a cozy flavor harmony that elevates both the drink and pastry.
• Serve alongside Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: The cool, smooth vanilla ice cream provides a delightful contrast to the warm, flaky cruffin, making each bite a luxurious dessert experience.
• Drizzle with Rich Chocolate Sauce: A dark chocolate sauce adds depth and richness, cutting through the sweetness and creating a decadent treat that feels like a gourmet dessert.
• Enjoy with Fresh Berries: A side of mixed berries brings a tart, fresh element that balances the buttery, sugary cruffin and adds a pop of color to the plate.

Unique Variations for Cheater Cruffins

• Nutty Crunch Cruffins: Sprinkle chopped almonds or pecans between butter and cinnamon sugar layers for added texture and rich, toasted flavor.
• Chocolate Swirl Cruffins: Mix cocoa powder into the cinnamon sugar mixture or add chocolate chips inside the pastry roll for a decadent chocolate experience.
• Berry Blast Cruffins: Incorporate small dollops of raspberry or strawberry jam inside the pastry before rolling to create a fruity, tangy surprise center.
• Maple Pecan Cruffins: Replace regular sugar with maple sugar and add finely chopped pecans for a warm, caramel-like sweetness and nutty crunch.

Cheater Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins Recipe

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4.6 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Cheater cinnamon sugar cruffins blend croissant flakiness with muffin-like charm, creating a pastry marvel that delights taste buds. Rolled in sweet cinnamon sugar and baked to golden perfection, you’ll savor each irresistible bite of this bakery-inspired treat.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 sheets frozen puff pastry, thawed

Butter and Sugar Ingredients:

• ¼ cup (4 tablespoons) butter, softened
• 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon

Egg Wash Ingredients:

• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 teaspoon cream or milk

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 375°F (190°C) and generously coat 8 muffin tin cavities with non-stick spray.
2. Gently unfold the thawed puff pastry on a clean, flour-dusted surface, ensuring it remains cool and manageable.
3. Carefully stretch the pastry into a thin, elongated rectangle, maintaining an even thickness across the surface.
4. Delicately spread softened butter across the entire pastry sheet, creating a smooth, even layer that reaches the edges.
5. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture generously over the buttered surface, ensuring complete and uniform coverage.
6. From the longest edge, carefully roll the pastry into a tight, compact cylinder, maintaining consistent pressure throughout.
7. Using a sharp knife, slice the rolled pastry down the center lengthwise, then cut each half into two equal sections.
8. Gently curl each pastry segment into a spiral shape, mimicking a snail-like formation, and nestle into the prepared muffin tin.
9. Tenderly brush the exposed surfaces with egg wash, creating a glossy, golden sheen.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-50 minutes, watching for a deep, caramelized golden-brown color and complete internal cooking.
11. Allow the cruffins to rest in the tin for ten minutes, enabling them to set and cool slightly.
12. Carefully extract the pastries and generously coat with the remaining cinnamon sugar mixture, ensuring complete coverage.
13. Serve immediately, optionally accompanied by a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an indulgent touch.

Notes

• Prep like a pro by ensuring puff pastry is perfectly thawed and at cool room temperature for easy handling.
• Use a sharp knife when slicing the rolled pastry to create clean, even pieces that will bake uniformly.
• Generously butter and sugar each layer to guarantee maximum flavor and that signature crispy, caramelized exterior.
• Watch baking time carefully, as ovens vary – golden brown color is your key indicator of perfectly baked cruffins.
• Allow cooling in the pan briefly to help cruffins set and maintain their delicate, flaky structure.
• Serve immediately after coating in cinnamon sugar for the most delectable, crisp texture and warmest flavor.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 15g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 50mg