Irresistibly Easy Cinnamon Roll Cruffins with Puff Pastry: Your New Favorite Treat!

Imagine the flaky, buttery layers of a perfect croissant meeting the sweet, gooey embrace of a classic cinnamon roll. That’s exactly what you get with these incredible cinnamon roll cruffins! This delightful pastry hybrid is a true game-changer for breakfast, brunch, or any time you crave a sweet treat. The best part? They’re surprisingly simple to make at home, thanks to the magic of store-bought puff pastry, making them an accessible baking project for even novice cooks.

Essential Ingredients for Your Cinnamon Cruffins

One of the many joys of this recipe is its minimal ingredient list. You likely have most of these staples in your pantry already, making it even easier to whip up a batch on a whim. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Puff Pastry: The star of the show! You’ll need two sheets of frozen puff pastry, typically found in the freezer aisle. This pre-made dough is key to the cruffins’ signature flaky texture and saves a tremendous amount of time.
• Unsalted Butter: Essential for both flavor and creating those irresistible layers. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the overall saltiness of the pastry.
• Granulated Sugar: Forms the sweet core of our cinnamon filling. You can adjust the amount slightly to suit your preference.
• Ground Cinnamon: The aromatic spice that defines the “cinnamon roll” aspect of these cruffins. A good quality cinnamon will make a noticeable difference.
• Optional: Baking Spray with Flour: To ensure your cruffins don’t stick to the muffin tin and release beautifully after baking.

With just these few ingredients, you’re well on your way to creating a truly delightful pastry that tastes far more complex than it is to make!

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Cinnamon Cruffins with Puff Pastry

Creating these exquisite cinnamon roll cruffins is a fun and rewarding process. Follow these simple steps for perfect results every time:

Preparing Your Puff Pastry for Perfection

The foundation of a great cruffin is properly prepared puff pastry. Since it’s purchased frozen, thawing is the first crucial step:

1. Plan Ahead (Recommended): For the best texture and easiest handling, transfer the package of frozen puff pastry from your freezer to the refrigerator the night before you plan to bake. Allowing it to thaw slowly overnight ensures it remains cold enough to work with without becoming sticky or losing its delicate layers.
2. Spontaneous Baking (Faster Method): If you’re like most of us and decide to bake on a whim, you can thaw the puff pastry at room temperature. Simply remove it from the freezer and let it sit on your kitchen counter for 30 to 45 minutes. The exact time will depend on how warm your kitchen is. Keep a close eye on it; you want it pliable but still cool to the touch. If it gets too warm, the butter layers can start to melt, making the pastry difficult to handle.
3. Yield Considerations: This recipe utilizes both sheets of puff pastry typically found in one package, yielding 6 cruffins. If you prefer a smaller batch, you can easily use just one sheet and halve the butter and cinnamon-sugar ingredients to make 3 cruffins. The other sheet can be saved for another delicious creation, like a savory turkey pot pie or apple turnovers.

While your pastry thaws, remember to preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and generously spray 6 cups of a standard muffin tin with baking spray (the kind with flour works best to prevent sticking). This preparation ensures a smooth baking process.

Assembling the Flaky Pastry Layers

Now comes the creative part! Assembling your cruffins is straightforward:

1. Prepare the Filling: In a small bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon until well combined. This is your delicious cinnamon-sugar filling. Set aside about 2 tablespoons of this mixture if you wish to sprinkle it on your baked cruffins later.
2. Soften the Butter: Place 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave for about 15-30 seconds until it’s softened but not fully melted. It should be spreadable.




3. Roll Out the Pastry: Lightly flour a clean work surface. Carefully unfold one sheet of puff pastry and lay it flat. It will likely be a square, around 9×9 inches. Using a rolling pin, gently roll the pastry in one direction to lengthen it into a rectangle, aiming for dimensions of approximately 9 by 14 to 15 inches. This elongated shape is crucial for creating more spirals in your cruffins.
4. Butter and Cinnmon-Sugar Application: Evenly spread the softened butter thinly over the entire surface of the rolled-out pastry, going almost to the edges. Work quickly, as cold pastry will firm up the butter. Then, sprinkle half of your prepared cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the buttered surface. Ensure a consistent layer for maximum flavor in every bite.

Forming the Signature Cruffin Swirls

This unique shaping technique is what gives cruffins their distinctive look and flaky texture:

1. Create the Log: Starting from one of the long ends of the buttered and sugared pastry, tightly roll the pastry into a long log. Aim for a snug roll to create defined spirals. If needed, you can lightly moisten the very edge of the pastry with a tiny bit of water to help seal the seam.
2. The First Cut: With a small, sharp knife (a paring knife works well), carefully cut lengthwise into the log, but only about halfway through its depth. This partial cut will allow the layers to slightly open and create an even more dramatic swirl when baked.




3. Section into Thirds: Now, cut the partially slit log crosswise into three equal sections. You’ll have three smaller, partially opened logs.




4. Form the Cruffin Shape: Take one section and gently roll it around itself to form a spiral, resembling a traditional cinnamon roll shape. The partially cut edge will naturally open up and create beautiful, exposed layers.




5. Place in Muffin Tin: Carefully place this formed cruffin into one of the prepared muffin cups. Repeat this process with the other two sections.
6. Repeat for Second Sheet: Go through all these steps again with the second sheet of puff pastry, using the remaining softened butter and cinnamon-sugar mixture. You should now have 6 beautifully formed cruffins nestled in your muffin tin.

Baking Your Puff Pastry Cruffins to Golden Perfection

The final step is baking, where the magic truly happens!

1. Bake: Place the muffin tin with your cruffins into the preheated 400°F (200°C) oven. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the cruffins have puffed up significantly and are beautifully golden brown. The high temperature helps the puff pastry rise quickly and create those distinct, flaky layers.
2. Garnish (Optional): Once baked, carefully remove the muffin tin from the oven. If you reserved some cinnamon-sugar mixture earlier, now is the time to use it! While the cruffins are still hot, sprinkle a little over each one. The residual heat will help the sugar melt slightly and adhere. For an extra coating, you can even gently roll the hot cruffins in the mixture.

Your cinnamon roll cruffins are now ready to be enjoyed! They are best served warm, allowing you to experience their delicate flakiness and gooey center at their absolute peak.

Serving Suggestions for Your Delicious Cruffins

These versatile cinnamon cruffins are a delightful addition to almost any meal or moment. Their unique texture and comforting flavor make them incredibly adaptable:

• Breakfast or Brunch Star: Serve them warm alongside fresh fruit, scrambled eggs, or bacon for a truly decadent breakfast or brunch spread. They’re a fantastic alternative to traditional cinnamon rolls or pancakes.
• Coffee or Tea Companion: Pair a warm cruffin with your morning coffee, afternoon tea, or a rich hot chocolate for a cozy and satisfying treat. The buttery pastry and sweet cinnamon are a perfect match for any warm beverage.
• Elegant Dessert: While perfect on their own, you can elevate your cruffins into a sophisticated dessert. Drizzle them with a simple powdered sugar glaze (powdered sugar mixed with a splash of milk or lemon juice), a cream cheese frosting, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a warm, melty indulgence.
• Part of a Larger Spread: Hosting a brunch? These cruffins would complement a variety of dishes. Consider serving them alongside savory options like slow cooker breakfast burritos to cater to both sweet and savory palates.
• Anytime Snack: Let’s be honest, sometimes you just need a sweet bite! These cruffins are perfect for satisfying that craving at any time of day.

Whether you serve them warm from the oven or at room temperature, their irresistible aroma and taste are guaranteed to be a hit!

Storage and Reheating Tips for Freshness

While these cruffins are undoubtedly best enjoyed fresh from the oven, you can certainly store them to savor later. Here’s how to keep them delicious:

• Room Temperature: Store cooled cruffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. While they will lose a bit of their initial crispness, they’ll still be wonderfully soft and flavorful. You’ll be lucky if they last that long!
• Freezing: For longer storage, cruffins can be frozen for up to 1 month. Once completely cooled, wrap each cruffin individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This prevents freezer burn and makes it easy to grab one at a time.
• Reheating from Room Temperature: To restore some of their warmth and flakiness, simply warm them up in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes. You can also microwave them for 15-20 seconds for a quick warm-up, though this won’t bring back the crisp exterior.
• Reheating from Frozen: Thaw frozen cruffins overnight in the refrigerator or on the counter for about an hour. Then, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until warmed through and slightly crisp again.

Explore More Delicious Recipes to Try

If you’re a true cinnamon lover, the journey doesn’t have to end with cruffins! Discover more delightful ways to enjoy this classic spice and other easy-to-make treats:

• For a fun twist on classic cinnamon rolls, try Cinnamon Roll Cupcakes! Baked in a muffin pan and topped with a creamy cream cheese frosting, they’re a delightful and less messy way to enjoy your favorite flavors.
• And if you still can’t get enough cinnamon goodness, consider adding a Cinnamon Pie to your holiday menu or any special occasion. It’s a unique and incredibly flavorful dessert that stands out.

Here are a few more easy-to-make muffin and pastry ideas to inspire your next baking adventure:

📖 Recipe: Cinnamon Roll Cruffins with Puff Pastry

Cinnamon Roll Cruffins with Puff Pastry

A flaky puff pastry version of a cinnamon roll, these cruffins are unbelievably delicious and so easy to make!

Prep Time

15
mins

Cook Time

20
mins

Total Time

35
mins

Course:
Breakfast

Cuisine:
American

Servings:
6

Calories:

589
kcal

Author:
Sula

Ingredients

• 2 sheets puff pastry (1 package)
• ¼ cup butter (4 tablespoons, softened)
• 2 tablespoons cinnamon
• ½ cup sugar

Instructions

• For best results, place the package of frozen puff pastry in the refrigerator to thaw overnight before using. This helps maintain the pastry’s delicate layers.
• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Generously spray 6 cups of a standard muffin tin with baking spray (the kind that includes flour is ideal for non-stick release).
• In a small bowl, combine the ½ cup sugar and 2 tablespoons cinnamon, mixing well. Set aside 2 tablespoons of this mixture for sprinkling on the baked cruffins, if desired. Place the ¼ cup butter in a microwave-safe cup and microwave for 15-30 seconds until softened (not fully melted) and easily spreadable.
• Lightly flour a clean work surface. Carefully unfold one of the puff pastry sheets (it will be approximately 9×9 inches square). Use a rolling pin to gently roll the pastry in one direction, lengthening it into a rectangle measuring about 9 by 14 to 15 inches.
• Spread the softened butter thinly and evenly over the entire surface of the rolled pastry, extending close to all edges. Work quickly to prevent the pastry from becoming too warm.
• Sprinkle half of the prepared sugar/cinnamon mixture evenly over the buttered pastry.
• From one of the long edges, carefully roll the pastry into a tight, long log. If desired, you can lightly dampen the final long edge with a tiny bit of water to help seal the seam.
• Using a small, sharp knife, cut lengthwise into the log, only about halfway through its depth. This will cause the layers to open slightly, creating beautiful swirls.
• Next, cut the partially slit log crosswise into three equal sections. Take each cut section and gently roll it around itself to form a spiral, resembling a cinnamon roll. Place each formed roll into a prepared muffin cup.
• Repeat steps 4-9 with the remaining puff pastry sheet, the remaining softened butter, and the second half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
• Once all 6 cruffins are formed and placed in the muffin tin, transfer the tin to the preheated oven. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the cruffins are golden brown and beautifully puffed.
• Carefully remove the cruffins from the muffin pan. If you reserved some, use the cinnamon-sugar mixture to sprinkle on top of each hot cruffin, or roll them in it for an extra coating, as desired.
• Serve your delicious cinnamon roll cruffins immediately for the ultimate warm, flaky, and sweet experience!

Nutrition

Calories:
589
kcal

|

Carbohydrates:
56
g

|

Protein:
6
g

|

Fat:
39
g

|

Saturated Fat:
13
g

|

Polyunsaturated Fat:
4
g

|

Monounsaturated Fat:
20
g

|

Trans Fat:
0.3
g

|

Cholesterol:
20
mg

|

Sodium:
265
mg

|

Potassium:
64
mg

|

Fiber:
3
g

|

Sugar:
17
g

|

Vitamin A:
245
IU

|

Vitamin C:
0.1
mg

|

Calcium:
37
mg

|

Iron:
2
mg

Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.