Ingredients
The key to this dish lies in selecting the right ingredients—fresh, good-quality butter and cinnamon make all the difference. I always reach for European-style butter when I can, for its richer flavor and creamier texture, which really elevates the layers. For the cinnamon sugar, I prefer a mix of brown and white sugar for depth. Don’t be tempted to skip the yeast; it’s essential for that light, airy crumb that makes cruffins so special.
- 1 sheet of puff pastry (about 8 oz), thawed
- 1/2 cup unsalted European-style butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Optional: powdered sugar for dusting
If you can’t find puff pastry, you could try making a simple laminated dough, but puff pastry saves tons of time and still delivers great results. For the cinnamon sugar, feel free to adjust the ratio to suit your taste; kids in my house prefer a bit less cinnamon, while I like it more pronounced.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a muffin tin by greasing each cup lightly with butter or non-stick spray.
- In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon until well combined. Set aside.
- Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface to smooth the folds. Using a knife or pizza cutter, slice the pastry into 6 equal strips lengthwise.
- Spread a thin layer of softened butter over each strip, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar generously on top.
- Starting from one short end, carefully roll each strip into a tight spiral, similar to a cinnamon roll.
- Place each rolled strip into a muffin cup, with the spiral side facing up. Brush the tops with beaten egg to encourage a golden finish.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cruffins are puffed, golden, and crispy around the edges.
- Remove from oven and let cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar if desired before serving.
When I first made these, I found that rolling the strips tightly was key to getting those beautiful layers. Don’t rush this step—take a deep breath and enjoy the process, it’s part of the fun.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
