Homemade Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins (Flaky Bakery-Style Pastry at Home!)

If you’ve ever wished you could capture the magic of a flaky, buttery croissant combined with the fun, easy-to-enjoy shape of a muffin, I have fantastic news for you! These Homemade Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins (Flaky Bakery-Style Pastry at Home!) are exactly that delightful fusion. Imagine tender layers of buttery dough, twisted and baked with a generous sprinkle of cinnamon sugar that gives you that warm, cozy flavor everyone loves. They are not only fun to make but utterly addictive to eat, and the joy in pulling apart those flaky layers fresh out of your own oven is unbeatable.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

It may look like a fancy pastry, but the ingredients for these cruffins are delightfully simple and all essential for achieving that perfect flaky texture, rich flavor, and gorgeous golden color. Each element works in harmony — from the warm milk that helps activate the yeast, to the generous butter that creates layers worth swooning over.

• Whole milk: Warmed to about 110°F to help activate the yeast without killing it, aiding in a perfect rise.
• Instant or active dry yeast: The magical leavening agent that makes your dough light and airy.
• Granulated sugar: Adds just the right touch of sweetness to the dough and the cinnamon mixture.
• Butter (softened and laminated): Key for that iconic buttery, flaky texture and rich flavor; salted butter is ideal for lamination.
• All-purpose flour: The foundation that provides structure without weighing the dough down.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor balance of the dough.
• Ground cinnamon: Blends beautifully with sugar for the irresistible cinnamon-sugar coating.
• Optional fillings (Nutella, jam, lemon curd, pastry cream): For when you want to get creative and spoil yourself even more!

How to Make Homemade Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins (Flaky Bakery-Style Pastry at Home!)

Step 1: Activate Your Yeast and Mix the Dough

Start by whisking warm milk, yeast, and sugar until the mixture becomes foamy—that’s your yeast waking up and ready to work its magic! Mixing in the butter, flour, and salt next creates a soft dough base that will develop into layers of flaky goodness. It’s a bit sticky initially, but don’t worry, that’s exactly how it should be for this type of pastry dough.

Step 2: Knead Until Perfectly Smooth

Whether using a stand mixer or getting hands-on, knead the dough until it’s soft yet elastic, passing the “windowpane test” (where the dough stretches thin without tearing). This ensures your cruffins will have that tender yet structured crumb that feels like clouds in every bite.

Step 3: Let the Dough Rise

After kneading, give your dough a well-deserved rest in a lightly greased bowl, covered and kept warm. Waiting about two hours for it to nearly double in size builds the perfect airy base for the cruffins that are to come.

Step 4: Chill and Prepare for Lamination

Gently punch the dough down and roll it into a rectangle, then chill for a short rest while prepping your butter for lamination. Softened butter beaten with flour creates the perfect consistency for layering flaky sheets inside the dough.

Step 5: Laminate That Dough

This part is the heart of flaky pastry-making. Folding and rolling the butter within the dough three times with rest periods in the fridge in between creates the iconic layers. It might seem intricate, but trust me, it’s worth every fold when you bite into those airy layers bursting with buttery flavor.

Step 6: Shape and Coat Your Cruffins

Cut the laminated dough into thirds, then roll each segment out, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar, cut into strips, and layer them like a spiraled cinnamon roll. Pop these beautiful coils into a muffin pan to hold their shape as they rise once more—getting puffy and almost impossible to resist.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake your cruffins at 350°F until they reach that perfect internal temperature and a golden brown crust. The warm aroma filling your kitchen will be pure happiness as you wait just a little longer to enjoy these flaky delights.

Step 8: Final Cinnamon-Sugar Dip and Optional Filling

Once cooled enough to handle, roll each cruffin in the remaining cinnamon sugar to get that delightful crunch and extra cinnamon hit. Feeling indulgent? Fill them with your favorite jam, Nutella, or pastry cream using a piping bag for an extra creamy surprise inside.

How to Serve Homemade Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins (Flaky Bakery-Style Pastry at Home!)

Garnishes

A light dusting of powdered sugar or a delicate drizzle of vanilla glaze elevates the look and taste, adding just a touch of sweetness to make your homemade cinnamon sugar cruffins look bakery-worthy. Fresh berries on the side also add a pop of color and a refreshing contrast to the rich pastry.

Side Dishes

Pair these cruffins with a steaming cup of coffee, chai latte, or a rich hot chocolate for the ultimate cozy morning or afternoon treat. For brunch, a simple bowl of fresh fruit or a creamy yogurt parfait complements the pastries perfectly, balancing indulgence with brightness.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your cruffins in a charming bundt pan or a decorative serving basket lined with a colorful napkin to add that inviting, warm touch when entertaining guests or surprising your family. You could even create a “cruffin tower” by stacking them with small skewers for a fun and impressive dessert display at parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

These Homemade Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins keep wonderfully fresh at room temperature when stored in an airtight container for up to three days. Just be sure to let them cool fully before sealing to prevent sogginess. They’re perfect for enjoying slightly warmed the next morning!

Freezing

If you want to enjoy cruffins later, freeze them individually wrapped once they’ve fully cooled. This way, they can be kept fresh for up to three months, ready to thaw at room temperature when the craving strikes. Avoid freezing the dough before baking, as the layering process doesn’t freeze well.

Reheating

To bring back that freshly baked magic, reheat your cruffins in a 350°F oven for about 5 to 10 minutes until warmed through and crisp on the outside. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep that irresistible flaky texture — the oven is your best friend here.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare and shape the dough, then cover and refrigerate it overnight for convenience. Just remove and let it rise for about an hour before baking. This timing works great if you want to prep the night before and bake fresh the next day.

Is European-style butter necessary?

While you can use regular butter, European-style butter with higher fat content gives a richer flavor and smoother lamination. It also makes rolling the dough easier. If you can find it, I highly recommend it!

Can I use non-dairy milk instead of whole milk?

Yes! Non-dairy milks like oat or almond milk can work, but avoid using nonfat milk as it may affect the dough’s richness and rising ability. Warm your chosen milk to the correct temperature before adding the yeast for best results.

Why are my cruffins not as tall as bakery ones?

This recipe uses a standard muffin pan, which is shallower than professional popover pans used in some bakeries. It still yields deliciously flaky and tender cruffins, but they may be a bit shorter in height. You can try a deeper pan if you want taller ones!

How can I make them extra flaky?

The key is in the lamination steps—do not rush folding and refrigerating between rolls. Keep your butter and dough at similar cool temperatures and handle the dough gently to keep distinct layers intact. It takes patience but is absolutely worth it.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about creating your very own Homemade Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins (Flaky Bakery-Style Pastry at Home!) right in your kitchen. The flaky layers, cinnamon sugar sweetness, and buttery taste come together to make an unforgettable treat that’s perfect for sharing or indulging solo. I promise you, once you try this recipe, cruffins will become a beloved favorite you’ll want to make again and again. So grab your rolling pin and muffin pan, and let’s make some magic happen! Your taste buds will thank you.

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