There’s something about the smell of cinnamon sugar wafting through the kitchen that instantly brings back childhood memories—those cozy mornings at the county fair or warm evenings with friends, fingers sticky with sugar and smiles wide from just one more bite of something sweet. That’s exactly the feeling you get when you make Churro Cruffins.
This playful mash-up between a croissant and a muffin captures the heart of two classic favorites and sprinkles them with a generous dusting of nostalgia. Think of the buttery, flaky layers of a croissant, spiraled into a muffin tin and baked until golden. Then, imagine rolling those warm, flaky pastries in a crunchy cinnamon-sugar coating just like a traditional churro. It’s indulgent, it’s comforting, and it’s the kind of treat that brings everyone to the kitchen to sneak one while they’re still warm.
What I love most about Churro Cruffins is their versatility. They feel just fancy enough for a weekend brunch spread but are simple enough to whip up for an afternoon treat or unexpected guests. They’re especially lovely during the cooler months, when something sweet and cinnamon-scented feels like the perfect pick-me-up. And if you’ve never tried making laminated dough pastries at home—don’t worry. This recipe uses pre-made crescent roll dough, which makes the process feel totally approachable, even if you’re baking on a whim.
Whether you’re looking to surprise your family with a bakery-worthy breakfast or simply craving something sweet and cozy, Churro Cruffins are a golden, sugar-dusted delight that never disappoints.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Warm, buttery, and flaky with a sweet crunch in every bite
- Ridiculously easy to make thanks to store-bought crescent roll dough
- A fun twist on two classic favorites—croissants and churros
- Perfect for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or an afternoon pick-me-up
- Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing—these disappear fast!
- Cozy cinnamon-sugar flavor that feels like a warm hug
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:
- 1 package crescent roll dough sheet
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
HOW TO MAKE CHURRO CRUFFINS:
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a muffin tin and lightly grease six of the wells with a bit of melted butter or non-stick spray. This will help the cruffins pop out easily after baking—plus, it gives those edges a beautiful golden finish.
Step 2: Mix the Magic Dust
In a small bowl, stir together the cinnamon and sugar. This is the churro magic—the scent alone is enough to make your kitchen smell like a bakery. Set this bowl aside for now—you’ll be coming back to it later.
Step 3: Roll Out the Dough
Unroll your crescent dough sheet on a clean surface or a lightly floured board. Try to keep it in one large rectangle. If it has perforations (like traditional crescent rolls), gently press the seams together to form a smooth sheet.
Step 4: Brush and Sprinkle
Using a pastry brush (or the back of a spoon if you’re winging it), brush the melted butter all over the dough. Make sure to get to the edges! Then, generously sprinkle about half of your cinnamon-sugar mixture across the entire surface. You want every bite to have that sweet churro crunch.
Step 5: Roll It Up
Starting from the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log—just like you would for cinnamon rolls. Once you have your log, use a sharp knife to cut it evenly into six pieces.
Step 6: Spiral and Place
Take each piece and stand it up in the muffin tin, spiral side facing up. You can give it a little twist as you place it to help form that signature cruffin shape.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake in the preheated oven for 18–22 minutes, or until the tops are puffed and beautifully golden. They’ll look like something straight out of your favorite bakery case.
Step 8: Sugar Coat While Warm
As soon as the cruffins come out of the oven, remove them from the tin (carefully—they’ll be hot!) and roll each one in the remaining cinnamon-sugar mixture. If you’re feeling extra, you can brush the tops with a little more melted butter before rolling them to help the sugar stick even better.
HELPFUL TIPS:
- Work quickly with the dough—it’s easiest to shape when it’s still slightly chilled.
- No pastry brush? Use the back of a spoon to spread the melted butter.
- Want extra crunch? Add a touch of raw sugar to the cinnamon-sugar mix for a more textured finish.
- Make-ahead tip: You can prep the cruffins up to the point of placing them in the tin and refrigerate overnight. Just pop them in the oven in the morning!
DETAILS:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 cruffins
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Fusion
- Diet: Vegetarian
NOTES:
These cruffins are best enjoyed warm, but if you’re saving a few for later, just pop them in the microwave for 10 seconds to bring back that fresh-from-the-oven taste. They’re also perfect with a cup of coffee, tea, or even a cold glass of milk.
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION (per cruffin – approximate):
- Calories: 220
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Sugar: 12g
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Protein: 2g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 270mg
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Can I use puff pastry instead of crescent dough?
Yes, but keep in mind puff pastry will give a crispier, more delicate texture. Crescent dough has a more bread-like chew, which works beautifully for cruffins.
Can I add filling inside?
Absolutely! Try a thin layer of cream cheese, chocolate spread, or even apple butter before rolling.
Do these need to be refrigerated?
Nope! They can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days in an airtight container. But honestly, they’re usually gone way before then.
STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Let cruffins cool completely before storing. Place in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, microwave for 10–15 seconds or pop into a warm oven for a few minutes. Avoid refrigerating, as it can dry them out.
Related Recipes
If you liked this recipe, you’ll definitely enjoy these other cheesy delights:
- Sweet Air Fryer Churro Bites
- Churro Poppers: A Bite-Sized Twist on a Sweet Classic
- Homemade Churros
- Churro Poppers – Bite-Sized Cinnamon Delight
CONCLUSION
Churro Cruffins are one of those magical little recipes that deliver bakery-level results without any of the stress. With their irresistible cinnamon-sugar crunch and soft, buttery layers, they’re the kind of treat that turns an ordinary morning into something special. Whether you’re baking with kids, impressing brunch guests, or just treating yourself to something sweet and simple, these cruffins never fail to spark joy.
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Churro Cruffins – A Sweet and Crunchy Delight
Description
There’s something about the smell of cinnamon sugar wafting through the kitchen that instantly brings back childhood memories—those cozy mornings at the county fair or warm evenings with friends, fingers sticky with sugar and smiles wide from just one more bite of something sweet. That’s exactly the feeling you get when you make Churro Cruffins.
This playful mash-up between a croissant and a muffin captures the heart of two classic favorites and sprinkles them with a generous dusting of nostalgia. Think of the buttery, flaky layers of a croissant, spiraled into a muffin tin and baked until golden. Then, imagine rolling those warm, flaky pastries in a crunchy cinnamon-sugar coating just like a traditional churro. It’s indulgent, it’s comforting, and it’s the kind of treat that brings everyone to the kitchen to sneak one while they’re still warm.
What I love most about Churro Cruffins is their versatility. They feel just fancy enough for a weekend brunch spread but are simple enough to whip up for an afternoon treat or unexpected guests. They’re especially lovely during the cooler months, when something sweet and cinnamon-scented feels like the perfect pick-me-up. And if you’ve never tried making laminated dough pastries at home—don’t worry. This recipe uses pre-made crescent roll dough, which makes the process feel totally approachable, even if you’re baking on a whim.
Whether you’re looking to surprise your family with a bakery-worthy breakfast or simply craving something sweet and cozy, Churro Cruffins are a golden, sugar-dusted delight that never disappoints.
Ingredients
1 package crescent roll dough sheet
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a muffin tin and lightly grease six of the wells with a bit of melted butter or non-stick spray. This will help the cruffins pop out easily after baking—plus, it gives those edges a beautiful golden finish.
Step 2: Mix the Magic Dust
In a small bowl, stir together the cinnamon and sugar. This is the churro magic—the scent alone is enough to make your kitchen smell like a bakery. Set this bowl aside for now—you’ll be coming back to it later.
Step 3: Roll Out the Dough
Unroll your crescent dough sheet on a clean surface or a lightly floured board. Try to keep it in one large rectangle. If it has perforations (like traditional crescent rolls), gently press the seams together to form a smooth sheet.
Step 4: Brush and Sprinkle
Using a pastry brush (or the back of a spoon if you’re winging it), brush the melted butter all over the dough. Make sure to get to the edges! Then, generously sprinkle about half of your cinnamon-sugar mixture across the entire surface. You want every bite to have that sweet churro crunch.
Step 5: Roll It Up
Starting from the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log—just like you would for cinnamon rolls. Once you have your log, use a sharp knife to cut it evenly into six pieces.
Step 6: Spiral and Place
Take each piece and stand it up in the muffin tin, spiral side facing up. You can give it a little twist as you place it to help form that signature cruffin shape.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake in the preheated oven for 18–22 minutes, or until the tops are puffed and beautifully golden. They’ll look like something straight out of your favorite bakery case.
Step 8: Sugar Coat While Warm
As soon as the cruffins come out of the oven, remove them from the tin (carefully—they’ll be hot!) and roll each one in the remaining cinnamon-sugar mixture. If you’re feeling extra, you can brush the tops with a little more melted butter before rolling them to help the sugar stick even better.
Notes
These cruffins are best enjoyed warm, but if you’re saving a few for later, just pop them in the microwave for 10 seconds to bring back that fresh-from-the-oven taste. They’re also perfect with a cup of coffee, tea, or even a cold glass of milk.