If you’ve never made cruffins before, get ready for a fun baking experience that blends croissants and muffins into one golden, spiraled masterpiece. With a flaky, laminated dough and a heavenly cinnamon sugar coating, these cruffins are an indulgent treat for weekend brunches, special occasions, or any time you crave something buttery and sweet.
Looking for more delicious baked treats? Don’t miss our lemon cream puffs – easy zesty dessert.
What Are Cruffins?
Cruffins are a mash-up of croissants and muffins. You get the layered, buttery flakiness of a croissant baked in a muffin tin for that cute, domed top and spiraled look. They originated in Melbourne and became popular thanks to Ry Stephen and Lune Croissanterie. This version uses classic croissant dough, but it’s shaped and baked in muffin tins—no fancy popover pans required.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Dough:
- 1 cup (240ml) whole milk, warmed to 110°F (43°C)
- 2¼ tsp (7g) active dry or instant yeast
- 3 tbsp (38g) granulated sugar
- 3 tbsp (43g) unsalted or salted butter, softened
- 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour
- 1¼ tsp salt
Lamination:
- 1 cup (226g) salted butter, softened
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
Filling & Coating:
- ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- Optional: Nutella, jam, lemon curd, or pastry cream for filling
Discover great ideas like our pistachio wedding cookies that pair beautifully with cruffins.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Dough
Whisk together warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy. Add butter, 2 cups of flour, and salt. Mix, then add the remaining flour until a soft dough forms. Knead for 5 minutes. The dough should be soft and slightly tacky.
Let the dough rise in an oiled bowl for 2 hours, or until doubled. Punch it down and roll into a 10×14 inch rectangle on a floured surface. Chill for 20 minutes.
2. Prepare the Butter for Lamination
Beat softened butter with 1 tbsp flour until smooth and pliable. This helps the butter layer spread more easily in the dough.
Check out our unique laminated creation like this royal purple velvet cake for another rich indulgence.
3. Laminate the Dough
First Lamination:
- Spread butter over the middle third of the dough.
- Fold like a letter.
- Turn 90°, roll to 9×12 inches, fold again.
- Chill for 20 minutes.
Second Lamination:
- Repeat the roll, fold, and chill process.
Third Lamination:
- Repeat once more for flaky layers.
4. Shape the Cruffins
Cut the dough into 3 equal parts. Roll each to 8×12 inches. Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar. Cut into 1-inch strips. Layer three strips, then roll into a spiral. Place in muffin tins.
Repeat until you have 12 cruffins. Let rise for 1 hour.
5. Bake & Finish
Bake at 350°F (177°C) for 25–28 minutes until golden and the inside reaches 200°F (93°C). Let cool for 10 minutes.
While still warm, roll in cinnamon sugar. If desired, pipe in Nutella or jam for an extra treat.
Don’t miss our cheesecake crescent rolls casserole for another warm, cozy baked dish.
Optional Fillings
These cruffins are divine as-is, but you can fill them with:
- Nutella
- Lemon curd
- Strawberry jam
- Pastry cream
Use a piping bag with a long tip to inject filling into the center.
Storage & Tips
- Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze fully baked and cooled cruffins for up to 3 months.
FAQs About Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins
PAA1: Can I make cruffins ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep the dough or shaped cruffins a day ahead and chill overnight. Bake fresh in the morning.
PAA2: Why is lamination important in cruffins?
Lamination creates those gorgeous flaky layers by trapping butter between folds of dough.
PAA3: Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted?
Absolutely! Just add a pinch more salt to the dough if using unsalted butter.
PAA4: What pan should I use if I want taller cruffins?
Use a popover pan for taller cruffins. Increase strip size and bake time slightly.
PAA5: Can I skip the filling?
Definitely. The cinnamon sugar alone makes these pastries unforgettable.
PAA6: Can I make them vegan?
Try substituting with plant milk and vegan butter. Texture may vary, but they’ll still be tasty!
Conclusion
Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins are an elegant pastry that’s worth every fold, roll, and chill. With flaky layers, a sugary finish, and optional fillings, they’re guaranteed to impress.
Looking for inspiration? Try our cinnamon roll honeybun cheesecake for another twist on cinnamon magic.