If you’ve ever been torn between the sticky-sweet satisfaction of a cinnamon roll and the flaky delight of a bakery-style cruffin, Cinnamon Roll Cruffins are about to make your breakfast dreams come true. This easy, cheerful pastry combines swirls of soft crescent dough, lush cinnamon-sugar filling, and a flutter of vanilla glaze—all tucked into the irresistible crispness of a muffin shape. Each bite delivers bakery flair with hardly any fuss, and these treats turn even the sleepiest morning into something special thanks to their wondrous simplicity and flavor.

Cinnamon Roll Cruffins Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of simple ingredients to make Cinnamon Roll Cruffins, yet every single one plays a big role in the flavor, texture, and cozy, golden look of these pastries. Let’s take a closer look at each must-have you’ll be using:

Crescent roll dough sheet: This pre-made dough makes the recipe quick and gives you that signature soft, flaky texture without any kneading.
Unsalted butter: Softened butter creates a rich, gooey base for the filling and helps the sugar and spice stick to every layer.
Light brown sugar: Brown sugar dissolves into the butter for a caramelly, warm sweetness that sets these cruffins apart.
Ground cinnamon: The obvious star—cinnamon brings that undeniable warmth and classic flavor swirl.
Nutmeg (optional): Just a pinch gives extra depth and a hint of spice in every mouthful.
Powdered sugar: Essential for making the silky-smooth, sweet glaze you’ll drizzle over the finished cruffins.
Milk: A little bit brings the glaze together, making it perfectly pourable.
Vanilla extract: Just half a teaspoon lifts the glaze with a fragrant, nostalgic flavor.
Extra butter for greasing pan: Don’t forget this step! It keeps your cruffins from sticking and helps them bake up beautifully golden.

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Cruffins

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Muffin Tin

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Generously grease a standard muffin tin with butter or use non-stick spray, making sure each cup is fully coated. This ensures the Cinnamon Roll Cruffins release easily after baking and get a beautiful, crisp exterior.

Step 2: Shape the Dough

Unroll your crescent dough onto a lightly floured surface. Gently press it into a 12×8 inch rectangle—don’t worry about perfection, just aim for an even thickness so every cruffin bakes evenly. The ready-made dough makes this step an absolute breeze!

Step 3: Create the Filling

Spread the softened butter all over the surface of the dough, taking care to reach all the edges. In a small bowl, stir together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg if you’re using it, then sprinkle this delightful mixture evenly over the buttered dough. This is where that signature cinnamon roll magic happens—don’t skimp on the filling!

Step 4: Roll and Slice

Starting from the longer side of your rectangle, roll the dough up tightly into a log. Grab a sharp knife and split the log in half lengthwise, cutting all the way through, so the gorgeous swirled layers are visible. This step is what gives Cinnamon Roll Cruffins their signature look and texture.

Step 5: Spiral and Assemble

With the cut sides facing out, gently curl each strip into a spiral, then transfer them to the muffin cups, nestling a spiral in each. Repeat this process with the remaining strip. You should have six lovely, swirled cruffins ready for the oven.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake the cruffins for 18 to 22 minutes, or until they’re deeply golden, puffed, and your kitchen smells like a corner bakery. Keep an eye on them in the last few minutes—they should be crisp and bronzed on top, but still soft inside.

Step 7: Make the Sweet Glaze

While the Cinnamon Roll Cruffins are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl. It should be smooth, glossy, and just pourable enough to drizzle gracefully over each pastry. Adjust with a touch more milk if it’s too thick.

Step 8: Glaze and Serve

Allow the cruffins to cool for 5 to 10 minutes in the pan, then carefully lift them out. Before serving, finish them off with a drizzle of glaze over each cruffin, letting it melt into the swirls and crevices. Best enjoyed slightly warm for total bakery bliss!

How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Cruffins

Garnishes

You can’t go wrong with an extra sprinkle of cinnamon or a shower of chopped pecans on top for crunch and color. If you want to take things up another notch, try a bit of orange zest or even a dusting of powdered sugar for that “wow” factor. The glaze is already dreamy, but a few little touches make each Cinnamon Roll Cruffin feel bakery-worthy.

Side Dishes

Cinnamon Roll Cruffins shine as the star of any breakfast or brunch, but they play beautifully with creamy yogurt, fresh berries, or even a cozy mug of coffee or chai. For a true breakfast feast, serve them with a simple fruit salad or a glass of cold milk—nothing steals the spotlight from their gooey, cinnamon-filled layers.

Creative Ways to Present

Hosting brunch? Stack Cinnamon Roll Cruffins on a tiered cake stand for a playful centerpiece, or serve each one in a parchment muffin liner for an extra touch of charm. These also make delightful edible gifts—just wrap them in parchment and tuck into a bakery box. Whether for a special occasion or a lazy weekend morning, presentation just adds extra joy to the experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any Cinnamon Roll Cruffins left (no judgment if you don’t!), simply keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. The glaze helps keep them soft, but they’re best enjoyed fresh or slightly warmed for that just-baked feel.

Freezing

To freeze, let the cruffins cool completely, then wrap each individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Defrost on the counter overnight, and they’ll be almost as perfect as day one! Hold off on glazing until after reheating for the freshest flavor.

Reheating

Pop a Cinnamon Roll Cruffin in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds to make it taste bakery-fresh again. For multiple cruffins, warm them on a baking sheet in a 325°F (165°C) oven for about 8 minutes. Finish with glaze if you waited to add it earlier, and you’re good to go!

FAQs

Can I make Cinnamon Roll Cruffins with puff pastry instead of crescent dough?

Absolutely! Puff pastry gives a flakier bite, while crescent dough yields a more bread-like texture. Either is delicious, though the method and bake time might need a slight tweak. Watch closely if switching doughs, and have fun experimenting!

Do I need muffin liners for these cruffins?

No liners necessary if you grease the pan really well. However, if you want easier cleanup or a bakery-style look, you can use parchment liners. Just make sure the cruffins are cool before unwrapping, so you don’t lose any delicious glaze or filling.

Can I prepare these the night before and bake in the morning?

Yes! Assemble the Cinnamon Roll Cruffins, cover the filled muffin tin with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. Bake straight from the fridge while you prep the glaze, and enjoy an effortlessly fresh breakfast.

What’s the nutritional info for these cruffins?

Each Cinnamon Roll Cruffin clocks in at around 270 calories, 14g fat, and 3g protein per serving. They’re a treat, to be sure, but one cruffin easily turns an ordinary morning into something special!

Can I add other fillings or toppings?

Definitely! Try adding chopped nuts, a dash of cardamom, or a layer of mini chocolate chips inside the dough for fun twists. Drizzle with caramel or add cream cheese icing for a whole new flavor adventure.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something extra special for breakfast or brunch, you truly can’t go wrong with Cinnamon Roll Cruffins. They’re easy enough for a cozy weekend, but impressive enough to serve a crowd. Warm, gooey, and bakery-beautiful, these cruffins are sure to become your new favorite treat—give them a try and watch them disappear!

Cinnamon Roll Cruffins Recipe