If you’ve ever dreamed of combining the flaky, buttery goodness of a croissant with the sweet, spiced warmth of a churro, then you’re about to fall head over heels for this Warm Cinnamon Sugar Churro Cruffins Recipe. These delightful treats boast an irresistibly crunchy sugar coating wrapped around pillowy layers of cinnamon-scented puff pastry. They’re perfect for a cozy breakfast, an indulgent snack, or whenever you want to treat yourself to a little magic in your kitchen. Get ready to learn how this simple yet show-stopping dessert will become your new favorite go-to!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the short ingredient list fool you—each component plays a crucial role in creating those perfect layers, that golden crunch, and the sweet cinnamon aroma that will fill your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need to make these warm, irresistible cruffins come to life:
- 1 sheet of frozen puff pastry, thawed: The star of the show, delivering buttery, flaky layers with every bite.
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar: Combines with cinnamon for the perfect sweet-spice blend to sprinkle inside.
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon: Adds that signature warm, spicy flavor that churros are famous for.
- 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted: Brushed generously to help the cinnamon sugar stick and enrich the pastry’s flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances sweetness and balances flavors neatly.
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar (for coating): For rolling the baked cruffins to give them that classic sugary crunch on the outside.
How to Make Warm Cinnamon Sugar Churro Cruffins Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Muffin Tin
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures a hot enough environment for your cruffins to puff up beautifully and turn that perfect golden brown. Lightly grease your muffin tin or line it with muffin liners to prevent sticking and simplify the removal process once baked.
Step 2: Mix Your Cinnamon Sugar Magic
Combine 1/4 cup granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt in a small bowl. This simple blend will deliver that classic churro flavor inside your cruffins. Setting it aside now saves you time later and ensures even mixing.
Step 3: Roll and Butter the Puff Pastry
On a lightly floured surface, unroll your thawed puff pastry sheet, keeping its rectangular shape intact. Then, brush the entire surface with melted butter—this not only adds richness but also helps the cinnamon sugar cling perfectly to every nook and cranny.
Step 4: Sprinkle the Cinnamon Sugar
Generously sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the buttered pastry. Don’t be shy—the sugar is what creates that delightful sugary crust on the outside and the warm cinnamon flavor inside.
Step 5: Roll and Slice Your Cruffin Dough
Starting at the shortest edge, tightly roll the puff pastry into a log to trap those cinnamon sugar layers inside. Use a sharp knife to cut this log into six equal pieces, which will naturally take shape into charming spiraled cruffins.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place each cut piece spiral-side up into your prepared muffin tin. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the cruffins are puffed up and have taken on a gorgeous golden hue. Your kitchen will smell amazing at this point—get ready for the best part!
Step 7: Sugar Coat the Warm Cruffins
While baking, place 1/2 cup of sugar in a shallow bowl. Once your cruffins come out of the oven, allow them to cool just slightly so you can handle them without burning your fingers. Then roll each warm cruffin in the sugar, coating every inch with that sweet, crunchy sparkle.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Nothing beats enjoying these cruffins warm—flaky layers, cinnamon aroma, and crispy sugar on the outside. They’re simple, stunning, and utterly scrumptious.
How to Serve Warm Cinnamon Sugar Churro Cruffins Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a light dusting of powdered sugar or an extra sprinkle of cinnamon sugar can elevate the presentation and flavor. You can also drizzle a bit of warm caramel or chocolate sauce for the ultimate indulgence. These little touches turn your cruffins into a delightful showstopper.
Side Dishes
These warm treats pair beautifully with a cup of rich coffee, hot chocolate, or a spiced chai latte. For a more substantial meal, serve the cruffins alongside fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream to balance the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Place cruffins in pretty baskets lined with napkins for a brunch gathering or stack them on a tiered cake stand for a festive touch. You can also cut them in half and sandwich a spread of cream cheese frosting or dulce de leche inbetween to surprise your guests with another layer of flavor and texture.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftover cruffins (though that rarely happens), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to keep their flaky goodness intact.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze cooled cruffins wrapped individually in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to one month, perfect for enjoying a treat later on demand.
Reheating
To bring frozen or stored cruffins back to life, warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. This revives their crisp exterior and soft, warm inside without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I use homemade puff pastry for this recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade puff pastry will work beautifully and add a personal touch, though store-bought is a fantastic shortcut that still delivers flaky, buttery layers.
What if I don’t have a muffin tin?
You can bake the rolled pastry pieces on a lined baking sheet, but keep an eye on them to maintain their shape and get the best puff. Muffin tins help keep the cruffins perfectly spiraled and puffed.
Can I make these vegan?
Yes! Use a vegan puff pastry and substitute the unsalted butter with a plant-based alternative. The cinnamon sugar coating remains the same, keeping the flavor intact.
How sweet are these cruffins?
They have a delightful balance of sweetness with crunchy sugar on the outside and cinnamon-spiced layers inside, but you can adjust the sugar amounts to suit your taste.
Are Warm Cinnamon Sugar Churro Cruffins Recipe suitable for kids?
Definitely! Kids love the sweet, cinnamon flavor and soft, flaky texture. Just ensure they’re cooled enough before serving to little ones.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the joy of biting into a warm, cinnamon-spiced, sugary treat fresh from the oven. This Warm Cinnamon Sugar Churro Cruffins Recipe is simple, fast, and incredibly satisfying—making it a must-try for anyone who loves cozy, comforting flavors with a touch of elegance. Give it a whirl and watch how these cruffins win hearts at your kitchen table.
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Warm Cinnamon Sugar Churro Cruffins Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 25m
- Total Time: 0h 40m
- Yield: 6 cruffins
- Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Warm Cinnamon Sugar Churro Cruffins are a delightful fusion of flaky puff pastry and the sweet, spicy flavors of cinnamon sugar. These spiral-shaped treats are baked until golden and then coated with sugar for a perfect crunchy exterior and soft, sweet interior, making them an irresistible breakfast or snack option.
Ingredients
Pastry and Coating
- 1 sheet of frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar (for coating)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a muffin tin or line it with muffin liners for easy removal of the cruffins.
- Make Cinnamon Sugar Mixture: In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt. Set this flavored sugar mixture aside for later use.
- Roll Puff Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet, keeping its rectangular shape intact.
- Butter the Pastry: Brush the entire surface of the puff pastry evenly with the melted unsalted butter to help the cinnamon sugar adhere and create a buttery flavor.
- Add Cinnamon Sugar: Sprinkle the prepared cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the buttered puff pastry ensuring full coverage.
- Roll into Log: Beginning at the short side of the rectangle, roll the pastry tightly into a log shape to form layers.
- Slice Log: Use a sharp knife to cut the rolled log into 6 equal pieces for uniform baking.
- Arrange in Muffin Tin: Place each piece spiraled side up into the prepared muffin tin to maintain shape during baking.
- Bake: Bake the cruffins for 20-25 minutes in the preheated oven, until they are golden brown and puffed up beautifully.
- Prepare Sugar Coating: While baking, pour 1/2 cup granulated sugar into a shallow bowl, ready for coating the warm cruffins.
- Cool and Remove: Once baked, allow the cruffins to cool slightly in the muffin tin, then carefully remove each one.
- Coat with Sugar: Roll each slightly warm cruffin in the sugar bowl, coating each evenly for that signature crunchy, sugary crust.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the warm cinnamon sugar churro cruffins immediately to enjoy their crisp exterior and soft, flavorful center.
Notes
- Ensure the puff pastry is properly thawed but kept cool for best rolling and puffing results.
- You can add a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top after baking for extra sweetness and presentation.
- For a richer flavor, substitute unsalted butter with browned butter.
- These cruffins are best enjoyed fresh and warm but can be reheated gently in the oven.
- Use muffin liners for easier clean up and removal of pastries.
