Cinnamon Roll Cruffins

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Author: Noah Reed
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Cinnamon Roll Cruffins: A Sweet Journey to Nostalgia

Imagine walking into your kitchen and inhaling the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls mixed with a hint of buttery pastry. That’s exactly what you can expect when you make Cinnamon Roll Cruffins. These delightful treats combine the flaky goodness of a croissant with the gooey, cinnamon-sugar filling that makes traditional cinnamon rolls a beloved favorite.

Not only are they packed with nostalgic flavors that take you back to memories of Sunday brunch, but they’re also quick and straightforward to make, making them the perfect treat for kids and adults alike. If you’re searching for a comforting dessert that’s both indulgent and simple, this cruffin recipe is the answer!

Are You Ready to Indulge?

Have you ever found yourself staring longingly at a bakery display, dreaming of that perfect cinnamon roll? How often do you crave a sweet treat that feels like a warm hug? Cinnamon Roll Cruffins are the embodiment of that dream. They satisfy sweet cravings in a way that is wholly unique, as each bite reveals layers of flaky pastry, a rich cinnamon-sugar filling, and a luscious cream cheese glaze that will have your taste buds singing.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This cruffin recipe is not only indulgent, but it also brings a host of benefits that make it irresistible:

  • Quick and Easy Prep: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up a batch in no time, making it ideal for unexpected guests or cozy family breakfasts.

  • Kid-Friendly: These treats are fun to make with kids. They’ll love rolling the dough and watching the layers unfold.

  • Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s for a birthday, a holiday gathering, or simply a weekend treat, Cinnamon Roll Cruffins are sure to impress everyone at your breakfast table.

  • Minimal Ingredients: You won’t need a trip to the store as most of the ingredients are kitchen staples.

Ingredients

Creating these Cinnamon Roll Cruffins is both simple and fuss-free. You will need the following delicious ingredients:

  • 3 tubes (8 ounces each) refrigerated crescent roll sheets: The base of our cruffins, providing a flaky and buttery texture.

  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened: This adds richness and helps bind the filling.

  • 1 cup light brown sugar, packed: For that caramelized sweetness that makes these cruffins incredibly indulgent.

  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon: The spice that ties it all together, providing that classic cinnamon roll flavor.

  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened: This creates a velvety glaze, transforming your cruffins into an irresistible treat.

  • 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar: Sweetness to complement the cream cheese, making the glaze perfect for drizzling.

  • 1-2 tablespoons whole milk, as needed for consistency: This helps reach the desired glaze texture that will beautifully coat your cruffins.

  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Added for flavor depth that will elevate your glaze to gourmet status.

Timing

These cruffins offer a feast for the senses that can be prepared in less than 30 minutes (plus baking time), which is perfect for those busy mornings when you want something special without sacrificing your schedule.

Imagine pulling a tray of golden-brown cruffins from the oven—warm, flaky, and practically begging to be slathered in glaze. It’s a quick indulgence that will transport you to a cozy café moment without the luxury of taking your time.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s dive into the process of creating these mouthwatering Cinnamon Roll Cruffins:

  1. Preheat oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a standard 12-cup muffin tin with nonstick spray and set it aside to prepare for the cruffins.

  2. Roll Out Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out each crescent sheet to approximately 12×16 inches. If you’re using perforated dough, pinch the seams to seal.

  3. Make the Filling: In a small bowl, combine butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon into a smooth paste. The aroma of cinnamon and sugar blending together will already have your mouth watering!

  4. Spread the Mixture: Spread 1/3 of the cinnamon mixture evenly over each sheet of crescent dough, ensuring each layer is completely covered.

  5. Roll into a Log: Starting from the long edge, tightly roll each sheet into a log, maintaining that wonderful filling inside.

  6. Slice the Logs: Cut each log in half crosswise, resulting in two halves, then slice each half lengthwise to expose the yummy layers, creating four pieces per log (12 total).

  7. Form the Cruffins: With the cut layered side facing out, roll each section into a tight swirl, tucking the end underneath to create a lovely cruffin shape. Place them into your prepared muffin tin.

  8. Bake: Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until golden brown and the tops are set. Halfway through the baking, rotate the pan for even baking perfection.

  9. Prepare the Glaze: While the cruffins are baking, make the glaze. In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth, then add the confectioners’ sugar, milk, and vanilla. Mix until smooth and pourable, adjusting the consistency with more milk as needed.

  10. Glaze the Cruffins: Coat the warm cruffins with the glaze, allowing it to ooze into the swirls and create a delicious topping. Serve them warm or at room temperature for a delightful experience.

Nutritional Information

With each delightful cinnamon roll cruffin containing approximately 150 calories, they’re a guilty pleasure that can be enjoyed occasionally. Of course, no one’s counting calories when they’re wrapped up in the warm embrace of pastry and sweetness, right?

While these cruffins are indeed an indulgence, remember that it’s perfectly okay to treat yourself from time to time.

Healthier Alternatives

If you’re looking for some healthy swaps, consider trying these options:

  • Low-Sugar: Replace the sugar with a natural sweetener like Stevia or monk fruit for a healthier alternative.

  • Dairy-Free: Substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative or cashew cream for those avoiding dairy.

  • Whole Wheat Dough: For added fiber, use whole wheat crescent dough, which also adds a nutty flavor to the cruffins.

Serving Suggestions

These Cinnamon Roll Cruffins are perfect for any occasion! Enjoy them for breakfast or brunch, served alongside a fresh cup of coffee or tea.

They’re excellent for family gatherings, birthday parties, or even just as an afternoon treat. You could even serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert, transforming them into a decadent option for a special occasion.

Common Mistakes

To ensure your cruffins turn out perfectly every time, avoid these common pitfalls:

  • Overbaking: Keep an eye on them as they bake. Once golden brown, remove them from the oven. Overbaked cruffins can turn out dry rather than flakey.

  • Texture Issues: Make sure your dough is rolled out evenly. Uneven thickness can lead to uneven baking, affecting the texture.

  • Messes While Making: Use parchment paper on your work surface and measuring tools to keep your kitchen tidy while preparing these cruffins.

Storing Tips

These delicious treats can be stored easily! Here are a few tips:

  • Freezing Portions: Freeze the unbaked cruffins by placing them on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer-safe container.

  • Reheating Instructions: When you’re ready to enjoy your cruffins, pop them back in a preheated oven for a few minutes at 350°F, or microwave them for about 10-15 seconds until warmed.

Tempting Conclusion

Now that you know the magic behind Cinnamon Roll Cruffins, it’s time to bring the bakery experience into your home. Imagine biting into that flaky, cinnamon-laced pastry, topped with a decadent glaze that drips lovingly into every crevice. Your family and friends will be thanking you, and you’ll relish every delightful mouthful.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients and bake these delightful cruffins today!

FAQs

  1. Can I use store-bought dough for cruffins?
    Yes! Crescent roll dough is perfect for this recipe, but feel free to experiment with your favorite dough options.

  2. How long will cruffins stay fresh?
    They can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for about 5 days.

  3. Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?
    Yes! You can prepare the unbaked cruffins in advance and refrigerate them. Bake them fresh when you’re ready to serve!

  4. What’s the best way to reheat leftover cruffins?
    For the best flavor and texture, reheat them in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes.

  5. Can I make these gluten-free?
    Absolutely! Use a gluten-free crescent roll dough available at your local supermarket or health food store.

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Cinnamon Roll Cruffins


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  • Author: bright
  • Total Time: 37 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Delicious Cinnamon Roll Cruffins combine flaky croissant pastry with gooey cinnamon-sugar filling and a luscious cream cheese glaze.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 tubes (8 ounces each) refrigerated crescent roll sheets
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
  • 12 tablespoons whole milk, as needed for consistency
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly spray a 12-cup muffin tin with nonstick spray.
  2. On a lightly floured surface, roll out each crescent sheet to approximately 12 x 16 inches.
  3. In a small bowl, combine butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon into a smooth paste.
  4. Spread 1/3 of the cinnamon mixture evenly over each sheet of crescent dough.
  5. Starting from the long edge, tightly roll each sheet into a log.
  6. Cut each log in half crosswise, then slice each half lengthwise to create four pieces per log (12 total).
  7. With the cut layered side facing out, roll each section into a tight swirl and place them into your prepared muffin tin.
  8. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until golden brown.
  9. While the cruffins are baking, make the glaze by beating cream cheese until smooth, then adding confectioners’ sugar, milk, and vanilla.
  10. Coat the warm cruffins with the glaze and serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

Serve with coffee or tea for a perfect breakfast or brunch treat. They can also be served with vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 22 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cruffin
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 180mg
  • Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 15mg

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