Homemade Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins (Croissant Muffins)

If you love the idea of a buttery croissant meeting the charm of a muffin, then you are going to be head over heels for this recipe! Homemade Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins (Croissant Muffins) bring together the flaky, layered texture of croissants with the convenient shape and sweetness of a muffin. Filled with a dreamy cinnamon sugar swirl and baked to golden perfection in a muffin pan, these cruffins are as delightful to make as they are to eat. Get ready to impress yourself and your loved ones with a treat that tastes like it came from a bakery but is made right in your own kitchen with love.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create that perfect harmony of texture and flavor. Each item plays a critical role: the milk and yeast form a tender dough, butter adds irresistible flakiness, and the cinnamon sugar provides the sweet, spiced coating that makes every bite so special.

• 1 cup whole milk, warmed to about 110°F (43°C): Warm milk activates the yeast and makes the dough soft and pliable.
• 2 and 1/4 teaspoons instant or active dry yeast: The magic ingredient that helps the dough rise and develop that airy texture.
• 3 Tablespoons granulated sugar: Adds subtle sweetness and helps activate the yeast.
• 3 Tablespoons softened butter: Incorporated in the dough to add richness and tenderness.
• 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more if needed: The sturdy base for the dough, providing structure while keeping it soft.
• 1 and 1/4 teaspoons salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
• 1 cup salted butter, slightly softened, for lamination: This butter is rolled within the dough to create those signature flaky layers.
• 1 Tablespoon all-purpose flour: Mixed with butter in lamination to give it body and prevent meltdown.
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Combines with cinnamon for a sweet, crunchy coating.
• 1 Tablespoon ground cinnamon: The warm, comforting spice star of the show.
• Optional fillings (Nutella, jam, lemon curd, or pastry cream): Add extra indulgence by filling your cruffins with your favorite spread.

How to Make Homemade Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins (Croissant Muffins)

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by whisking warm milk, yeast, and sugar in your stand mixer’s bowl until foamy—this kickstarts the rising process. Adding softened butter, flour, and salt transforms this mixture into a soft, slightly sticky dough full of promise. If you’re mixing by hand, a wooden spoon will be your best friend here.

Step 2: Knead to Perfection

Whether by mixer or hand, kneading is where the dough builds strength and elasticity. Aim for a texture that’s soft and just tacky. The windowpane test is a handy trick: stretch a bit of dough thin until light passes through without breaking—that’s when you know you’re ready to move on.

Step 3: First Rise

Coat a bowl with oil and place your dough inside to rise in a warm space until nearly doubled, roughly 2 hours. This step is all about patience, as the yeast works its magic creating flavor and airy structure.

Step 4: Flatten and Chill

After gently punching down the dough, flatten it to a 10×14-inch rectangle on a floured surface or silicone baking mat, then refrigerate for a short rest. This step helps relax the gluten and prepares the dough for lamination without making it overly elastic.

Step 5: Laminate with Butter

Beat softened butter with a tablespoon of flour until smooth, then spread it across the center third of the dough. Fold the dough edges over like a business letter to enclose the butter. A series of rolling and folding processes refrigerated between each ensures those iconic flaky layers.

Step 6: Shape and Fill

Once laminated, divide the dough and roll each portion into an 8×12-inch rectangle. Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar, cut into narrow strips, stack and roll into spirals. These spiral rolls, placed neatly in a greased muffin pan, create the perfect cruffin shape. At this point, you can even add your choice of fillings with a piping bag after baking.

Step 7: Final Rise and Bake

Let these shaped cruffins rise for an hour until puffy, then bake at 350°F (177°C) for about 25–28 minutes until golden and beautifully layered. Let them cool slightly before rolling in the remaining cinnamon sugar for that irresistible finishing touch.

How to Serve Homemade Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins (Croissant Muffins)

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a light glaze made of powdered sugar and milk can enhance these cruffins beautifully. If you’re feeling indulgent, a drizzle of melted chocolate or a sprinkle of chopped nuts can add an extra layer of texture and flavor.

Side Dishes

These cruffins pair wonderfully with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea. For brunch, serve alongside fresh fruit or a tangy yogurt parfait to balance the sweetness and make your meal feel like a cozy celebration.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your cruffins in a tiered stand for a stunning centerpiece at breakfast or a party. You can also slice them horizontally to create eyes-catching breakfast sandwiches with eggs and cheese, or impress guests with sweet or savory fillings piped into each one.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any uneaten cruffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Their flaky texture stays tender, and the cinnamon sugar coating keeps them feeling fresh and indulgent.

Freezing

Once fully cooled and coated in cinnamon sugar, wrap each cruffin individually in plastic wrap and freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy, preserving that fresh-out-of-the-oven feel.

Reheating

Warm your cruffins gently in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5–8 minutes to revive their flaky layers. Avoid microwaving as it can make them soggy. This slight reheating brings back the buttery, golden layers perfectly.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Absolutely! Both types work equally well in this recipe. Instant yeast may let your dough rise a little faster, so just keep an eye on it during the rising stages.

What if I don’t have a silicone baking mat?

A parchment paper-lined baking sheet is a great alternative. Just be sure to flour the surface lightly to prevent sticking during rolling and folding.

Can I make these cruffins dairy-free?

You can substitute the whole milk with a rich non-dairy milk like oat or almond, and use a good-quality dairy-free butter alternative. The texture might be slightly different, but still delicious!

Are the cruffins best eaten fresh or can they be enjoyed later?

They’re absolutely delightful fresh, but as mentioned, they store well for a few days and freeze beautifully, so no need to worry about having leftovers.

Why is the lamination butter softened but still cool?

The butter needs to be pliable enough to spread but not so soft that it melts into the dough. This balance helps create distinct layers without toughening the dough or making it greasy.

Final Thoughts

I cannot recommend enough that you give these Homemade Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins (Croissant Muffins) a try. They transform simple ingredients into a baked treasure bursting with buttery, cinnamon-sweet layers. Whether as a special weekend treat or a centerpiece for your next brunch, these cruffins are bound to become a beloved favorite that everyone asks you to make again and again.

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