If you love the flaky, buttery magic of puff pastry combined with the sweet warmth of cinnamon and sugar, then you are about to fall head over heels for this Cinnamon Sugar Puff Pastry Cruffins Recipe. These delightful treats are a perfect marriage of a croissant and muffin, resulting in irresistibly crisp layers packed with fragrant cinnamon sugar and a touch of buttery goodness. Whether you’re making them for a cozy breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a crowd-pleasing brunch, this recipe promises an easy and scrumptious way to impress friends and family with something truly special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is a breeze for this Cinnamon Sugar Puff Pastry Cruffins Recipe. Each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and melt-in-your-mouth joy.
- Puff pastry sheets: Use two packages (four sheets) of good quality thawed puff pastry to achieve those glorious flaky layers.
- Granulated sugar: One cup adds just the right amount of sweetness and helps caramelize the exterior.
- Ground cinnamon: Four tablespoons infuse the cruffins with that classic warm spice that makes the recipe truly unforgettable.
- Salted butter: Half a cup of softened butter ensures richness and helps the sugar and cinnamon stick perfectly to the layers.
How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Puff Pastry Cruffins Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Mixture
Start by mixing the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a bowl until evenly combined. This blend will coat the puff pastry, giving you that signature sweet spice flavor throughout every tempting layer.
Step 2: Soften the Butter
Make sure your salted butter is softened to room temperature. You’ll need it soft enough to spread easily but not melted, as this helps the cinnamon sugar stick beautifully and adds that luscious buttery base.
Step 3: Roll Out the Puff Pastry Sheets
Lay each sheet of puff pastry on a clean surface and gently roll it out slightly to smooth seams and create an even surface. This prep step is key to achieving those perfect folds and flaky layers.
Step 4: Spread the Butter and Sprinkle Cinnamon Sugar
Using a spatula or knife, spread a thin layer of softened butter evenly over the surface of each sheet. Then sprinkle a generous amount of the cinnamon sugar mixture, ensuring the entire sheet is covered for maximum flavor in every bite.
Step 5: Roll and Slice
Starting at one edge, roll the puff pastry tightly into a log. Once rolled, slice the log into 12 equal pieces. These slices will be the perfect individual cruffin portions packed with cinnamon sugar layers.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Place each cruffin piece into a greased muffin tin, spaced comfortably apart. Bake at 375°F (190°C) until golden brown and risen, usually around 20-25 minutes. The smell alone will have you eagerly waiting to taste them!
How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Puff Pastry Cruffins Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Cinnamon Sugar Puff Pastry Cruffins Recipe, consider dusting the tops with powdered sugar or drizzling a simple vanilla glaze. Freshly whipped cream or a sprinkle of chopped nuts can add delightful texture and visual appeal too.
Side Dishes
These cruffins pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or even a glass of chilled milk. For a heartier brunch spread, serve alongside fresh fruit, yogurt, or scrambled eggs to balance the sweetness and create a complete meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming touch, serve your cruffins in individual cupcake wrappers or arrange them in a tiered dessert stand for gatherings. You can also slice them horizontally and add layers of cream cheese or fruit preserves for an indulgent surprise inside.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any Cinnamon Sugar Puff Pastry Cruffins Recipe leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them crisp on the outside while preserving that tender inner flakiness.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap cooled cruffins individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to one month without losing their delightful texture and flavor.
Reheating
To enjoy frozen or leftover cruffins at their best, reheat them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5-7 minutes. This will refresh their crispiness without drying them out, so you get that fresh-baked feeling every time.
FAQs
Can I use homemade puff pastry for this recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade puff pastry will work beautifully and can add a personal touch, but store-bought sheets make this recipe much quicker and easier while still delivering excellent results.
Is it possible to make the cruffins ahead of time and bake later?
Yes, you can prepare the rolled cruffin slices and keep them covered in the fridge for a few hours before baking. Just allow a few extra minutes in the oven if they are chilled.
Can I substitute salted butter with unsalted butter?
Definitely, though you might want to add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors. Salted butter adds that perfect savory note to balance the sweetness naturally.
How do I prevent the sugar from burning during baking?
Using softened butter helps the cinnamon sugar adhere gently and caramelize evenly. Keeping an eye on the oven and baking at the recommended temperature also ensures the sugar crisps beautifully without burning.
Can I add fillings like cream or jam inside the cruffins?
Yes! After slicing the rolled pastry, you could hollow out a small pocket and add your favorite filling before baking. Just be sure not to overfill to avoid soggy cruffins.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about pulling a batch of warm, golden Cinnamon Sugar Puff Pastry Cruffins Recipe out of the oven—the aroma alone is enough to make anyone smile. I hope you give this recipe a try and enjoy every flaky, buttery, cinnamon-scented bite with friends and family. Once you taste these cruffins, they’ll quickly become your new favorite treat to bake again and again!
Print
Cinnamon Sugar Puff Pastry Cruffins Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 cruffins 1x
Description
Delightful Puff Pastry Cruffins combine the flaky, buttery layers of croissants with the convenience of a muffin shape. These sweet treats are coated in cinnamon sugar, making them perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an indulgent snack.
Ingredients
Puff Pastry
- 2 (17.3 oz) packages puff pastry (4 sheets, thawed)
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 tablespoons ground cinnamon
Butter
- ½ cup salted butter, softened
Instructions
- Prepare the Pastry: Roll out each thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Using a pastry brush, spread the softened salted butter evenly over each sheet, ensuring full coverage for rich flavor.
- Add Cinnamon Sugar Layers: Mix the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture generously over the buttered puff pastry sheets, pressing lightly to adhere.
- Shape the Cruffins: Carefully roll each puff pastry sheet lengthwise into a tight log. Slice each log into 6 equal pieces, creating individual cruffin portions.
- Prepare Muffin Tin: Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin to prevent sticking. Place each rolled puff pastry piece into separate muffin cups, with the swirl side facing up to showcase the cinnamon sugar layers.
- Bake the Cruffins: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the cruffins for approximately 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and puffed. Baking time may vary slightly, so watch for a crispy, flaky exterior.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the cruffins from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature for optimal enjoyment.
Notes
- Ensure puff pastry sheets are fully thawed to make rolling easier and prevent cracking.
- Use salted butter to add a subtle savory balance to the sweet coating.
- These cruffins can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days; reheat briefly to regain flakiness.
- Optional: drizzle with glaze or sprinkle powdered sugar before serving for extra sweetness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snack, Pastry
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
