Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins in Muffin Tin Recipe

If you’ve ever craved the perfect mix of a croissant’s flaky layers and a muffin’s cozy bite, you’re going to love this Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins in Muffin Tin Recipe. These little gems are golden, buttery, and coated in a generous cinnamon sugar kick that makes your kitchen smell like a bakery. I love whipping these up for weekend brunch or when friends swing by unexpectedly—because honestly, nothing says warm welcome like freshly baked cruffins straight from the oven.

What makes this Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins in Muffin Tin Recipe so special is how effortlessly they come together using refrigerated crescent roll dough. No fussing with complicated dough or hours of waiting. Plus, baking them right in a muffin tin helps the layers puff up beautifully while giving you perfectly portioned treats that everyone will actually finish. You’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again, especially when you want a quick, impressive bake.

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Ingredients & Why They Work

The beauty of this Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins in Muffin Tin Recipe is all in how simple, everyday ingredients come together to create something special. Choosing good-quality refrigerated crescent rolls helps achieve those irresistible flaky layers, and the classic combo of cinnamon with granulated sugar keeps it comforting and perfectly sweet.

• Refrigerated Crescent Roll Sheets: These provide flakey, buttery layers without the fuss of making dough from scratch. I like using ones without perforations or sealing seams to keep the dough intact.
• Unsalted Butter: Softened butter spreads easily and adds rich flavor. Unsalted is best so you control the salt level.
• Granulated Sugar: Gives the perfect crunchy sweetness that caramelizes during baking.
• Ground Cinnamon: Essential for that warm, spicy aroma and flavor that perfectly complements the butter and sugar.

Make It Your Way

I love mixing up this Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins in Muffin Tin Recipe with little tweaks depending on the occasion. Sometimes I add a pinch of nutmeg to the cinnamon sugar mix for extra warmth, or spread cream cheese inside before rolling for a slightly tangy surprise. Don’t be afraid to experiment—this recipe invites you to make it your own.

• Chocolate Twist: I’ve spread a thin layer of Nutella along with butter before adding the cinnamon sugar, turning these into almost magical chocolate-cinnamon bites.
• Gluten-Free Version: I once tried this with gluten-free crescent dough—it worked well, but I adjusted baking time slightly.
• Pumpkin Spice Variation: Swap in pumpkin pie spice instead of cinnamon for a seasonal autumnal treat that your friends will rave about.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins in Muffin Tin Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Workspace and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and give your muffin tin a good spray with nonstick cooking spray to make sure the cruffins slide right out after baking. Trust me, this little step saves you a lot of frustration later. While the oven warms up, lightly flour your work surface—rolling out the dough gets messy otherwise!

Step 2: Roll and Butter the Dough

Unroll each tube of crescent dough to a rectangle about 12×16 inches. If your dough has perforated seams, pinch these carefully to seal and avoid any sugar butter slipping through. Spread 2 tablespoons of the softened butter evenly over each sheet, making sure you get nice coverage right to the edges for that rich taste in every bite.

Step 3: Sprinkle with Cinnamon Sugar

Whisk together granulated sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl, then sprinkle about ¼ cup of this mixture on each buttered dough sheet. Gently press it in with your hands or a rolling pin—don’t be heavy-handed though, or you might tear the dough. Save the remaining cinnamon sugar for rolling the cruffins after they bake—the extra crunch is amazing.

Step 4: Roll, Cut, and Shape

Carefully roll each dough sheet tightly along the long edge into a log. Cut each log in half, then cut each half lengthwise into quarters, giving you 12 total strips of layered dough. Take each strip with the layered side facing out and roll it up neatly into a cinnamon roll shape, tucking the ends in so they don’t unravel in the oven.

Step 5: Bake, Roll in Sugar, and Enjoy!

Place each shaped cruffin upright in your prepared muffin tin. Bake for about 18–20 minutes until they puff up and turn a stunning golden brown. The moment they come out, quickly roll each one in the reserved cinnamon sugar mixture for that extra sparkle and sweet crust. Let them cool just a minute or two before digging in—though I won’t lie, I sometimes sneak a warm one right away!

How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins in Muffin Tin Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep garnishes simple for this Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins in Muffin Tin Recipe because the sugar coating is so scrumptious on its own. Sometimes I dust a little powdered sugar over the top for a touch of elegance if serving guests. A drizzle of icing or a dollop of whipped cream is lovely too if you’re in a cozy brunch mood.

Side Dishes

These cruffins pair wonderfully with fresh fruit like berries or sliced apples for a refreshing contrast. If you want to make it a fuller breakfast, consider serving alongside scrambled eggs or a bowl of yogurt with honey. A hot cup of coffee or chai tea is just the right match to bring out those cinnamon-spice vibes.

Creative Ways to Present

For brunch parties, I like arranging the cruffins on a tiered cake stand sprinkled with cinnamon sugar and garnished with fresh herbs like mint or thyme for a pop of color. You can also wrap individual cruffins in parchment paper tied with twine for a cute grab-and-go treat. They’re perfect little gifts, too!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover cruffins in an airtight container at room temperature if I plan to eat them within two days. They stay soft and flavorful, but if your kitchen’s humid, pop them in a cool spot. Avoid refrigerating as it tends to dry them out.

Freezing

Freeze cooled cruffins in a freezer-safe bag or container layered with parchment paper to prevent sticking. When you want one, thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes then warm gently in the oven or toaster oven for best results. I find freezing is a great way to keep these treats handy without losing much of their fresh-baked charm.

Reheating

Reheat cruffins wrapped loosely in foil at 300°F for about 10 minutes, or use a toaster oven for a few minutes until warmed through and crisp on the outside. Avoid microwaving unless you’re in a real hurry, because it can make the texture rubbery. A quick toast or oven heat helps bring back that flaky goodness.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins in Muffin Tin Recipe is truly one of those easy-breezy baking wins that feels special every time. I love how something so simple can bring so much joy to the table, whether it’s a quiet morning treat or the star of a weekend gathering. So next time you want to make your kitchen smell amazing and treat yourself without too much effort, give this recipe a try—you won’t regret it!

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