Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins: A Delightful Pastry Recipe

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Introduction

Explore the world of delectable cinnamon sugar cruffins—a delightful pastry that combines the flaky layers of a croissant with the warm, sweet flavors of cinnamon sugar. These cruffins are a perfect balance of airy croissant texture and indulgent cinnamon-sugar goodness that will have you reaching for just one more. Whether you’re looking to impress guests at a weekend brunch or simply treat yourself during an afternoon coffee break, these cruffins are easy to make and guarantee smiles all around.

As you embark on your baking adventure, this step-by-step guide will walk you through the process of crafting these indulgent delights. From activating the yeast to perfectly rolling and shaping the dough, you will find tips and techniques that not only ensure success but also elevate your baking skills. Get ready to bring warmth and sweetness into your home with these irresistible cinnamon sugar cruffins.

Recipe Overview

– Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

– Prep Time: 30 minutes

– Cook Time: 18-20 minutes

– Yield/Servings: 12 cruffins

– Difficulty: Not specified in the recipe

Ingredients

Understanding the ingredients is crucial for the perfect cinnamon sugar cruffins. Each component plays a vital role in creating delightful flavors and textures.

Essential Ingredients

– 2 cups all-purpose flour

– 1/2 cup granulated sugar

– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

– 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed to about 110°F (43°C)

– 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast

– 1 large egg

– 1 tsp vanilla extract

– 1 tsp ground cinnamon

– 1/2 tsp salt

– 1/4 cup packed brown sugar

– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (for spreading)

Optional Ingredients

– 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)

Ingredient Tips

Selecting high-quality butter is essential for achieving a rich flavor in your cruffins. Opting for organic ingredients may provide a healthier baking option. It is also important to use fresh yeast to ensure optimal rising and the perfect texture.

Instructions

1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and active dry yeast. Stir gently and allow it to sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating that the yeast is active.

2. Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt. Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients, then pour in the melted butter, egg, vanilla extract, and the frothy yeast mixture. Stir until a soft dough begins to form.

3. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it for about 5-7 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and allow it to rise in a warm environment for approximately 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.

4. Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Filling: In a small bowl, combine the packed brown sugar with an additional teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Mix well and set aside.

5. Roll and Shape the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Roll it out into a rectangle measuring about 12×18 inches. Evenly spread the softened butter over the surface of the dough and then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture generously over the butter.

6. Form the Cruffins: Starting from one of the long edges, roll the dough tightly into a log. Cut the log into 12 equal pieces. Take each piece and give it a gentle twist before placing it upright in a greased muffin tin.

7. Second Rise: Cover the muffin tin with a clean cloth and allow the cruffins to rise for an additional 30 minutes.

8. Preheat the Oven: While the cruffins are rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

9. Bake the Cruffins: Bake the cruffins in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and puffed up.

10. Coat with Cinnamon Sugar: Once baked, remove the cruffins from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. While they are still warm, toss them in a mixture of granulated sugar and cinnamon to coat evenly. For an extra touch, dust them lightly with powdered sugar before serving.

Optional Presentation Tips

Serve the cruffins on a decorative platter and garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a few fresh berries for a pop of color. Enjoy these treats with a cup of coffee or tea for an elevated experience.

Activating the Yeast

The yeast is a crucial ingredient, as it is responsible for the rise and fluffiness of the cruffins. It’s important to choose the appropriate type of yeast and activate it properly to ensure the dough rises correctly.

Choosing the Right Yeast

Active dry yeast is an excellent choice for baking, as it offers consistent results for recipes requiring a leavening agent. Always check the expiration dates to ensure potency; using expired yeast may lead to disappointing results.

Activating Process

To activate the yeast, combine warm milk with the active dry yeast in a small bowl. Stir gently to dissolve and set it aside for approximately 5-10 minutes. Look for a frothy texture on the surface, which indicates that the yeast is indeed active and ready for use in your dough.

Preparing the Dough

The dough is the foundation of any pastry, and even the smallest detail matters when putting it together.

Mixing Dry Ingredients

For cruffins, the ratio of flour, sugar, and spices is crucial for achieving a perfect flavor balance. Begin by sifting together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt in a large mixing bowl. This not only combines the ingredients but also aerates the flour, resulting in a lighter texture.

Creating a well in the center of your dry ingredients allows for the seamless incorporation of wet ingredients, making it easier to knead the dough later.

Combining Wet Ingredients

Using melted butter that has cooled slightly is vital as it prevents cooking the egg when combined. When adding the frothy yeast mixture, make sure to integrate it into the dry ingredients gradually, ensuring the dough comes together uniformly. Achieving this perfect mixture is key to creating the light and fluffy cruffins that everyone loves.

Kneading the Dough

Kneading is essential to develop gluten, which provides the structure for the cruffins. Proper kneading ensures your pastry has the right elasticity for a delightful mouthfeel.

Techniques for Kneading

Kneading by hand requires a light dusting of flour on your working surface to prevent sticking. Use the heel of your hand to push the dough away from you, folding it back towards you before repeating the process. Kneading for about 5-7 minutes is usually sufficient. Alternatively, if you have a stand mixer with a dough hook, this tool can efficiently do the work for you.

Signs of Proper Kneading

The goal is to transform your mixture into a smooth and elastic ball of dough. You’ll know the dough is ready when it springs back after pressing your finger into it and feels cohesive. This elasticity is crucial for creating the airy pockets that define a perfect cruffin.

First Rise

Allowing the dough to rise is key to developing a light texture in your cinnamon sugar cruffins.

Importance of Rising

The first rise, also known as bulk fermentation, is essential for flavor development and creating a lighter texture in your pastry. As the yeast consumes the sugars, it produces carbon dioxide, which causes the dough to increase in volume.

Ideal Environment for Dough to Rise

Creating a warm, draft-free environment enhances yeast activity. Placing the covered dough in an oven turned off or near a warm spot allows it to rise rapidly. A properly risen dough should approximately double in size, indicating that the yeast has worked effectively.

Covering and Timing

When it comes to the dough’s fermentation process, proper coverage is crucial. Covering the dough adequately retains warmth and moisture, which encourages yeast activity and allows for an optimal rise. Utilize a damp cloth or plastic wrap to cover the bowl with the dough, creating a mini green-house effect inside.

For the first rise, timing is essential. The dough should typically rise for about one hour or until it has doubled in size. However, this can vary depending on the ambient temperature. In cooler environments, the rise may take longer, while warmer surroundings may speed up the process. Always keep an eye on the dough; a good indication of readiness is the visible expansion of the dough.

Preparing the Cinnamon Sugar Filling

This filling blends sweetness and spice, making the cruffins irresistible.

Measuring and Mixing

The perfect cinnamon sugar filling is paramount to achieving that signature flavor. A common ratio is one part ground cinnamon to four parts brown sugar; aim for a 1/4 cup of packed brown sugar combined with a teaspoon of cinnamon. Ensure that the brown sugar is thoroughly packed into the measuring cup for an even taste throughout.

When mixing the brown sugar with cinnamon, use a fork or whisk to break up any clumps in the brown sugar before adding the cinnamon. This simple technique avoids uneven cinnamon distribution and ensures that each cruffin is consistently flavorful.

Flavor Variations

To enhance the filling further, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for a more complex flavor profile. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can incorporate chocolate chips or chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, to add a crunchy texture.

For variations on flavor profiles, consider using flavored extracts, such as almond or maple, instead of vanilla to give a different twist to the base dough. Ensure that any changes made stay within the constraints of the recipe to maintain the same foundational structure.

Rolling and Shaping the Dough

Transforming the dough into cruffins requires a specific technique.

Rolling Techniques

Even rolling is critical to ensure uniform cruffins. Begin by lightly flouring your surface to prevent sticking. Roll the dough into a rectangle measuring approximately 12×18 inches, applying gentle, even pressure. Use a rolling pin and occasionally check the thickness; a laminate dough should be about 1/4 inch thick.

To maintain a consistent width, start rolling from the center and work your way towards the edges. This practice helps create an even layer, which is important for the filling distribution.

Cutting and Twisting

After rolling into a log from one of the long sides, it’s essential to cut evenly to get uniform pieces. Use a sharp knife or a bench scraper and apply even pressure to avoid squishing the dough. Aim for about 12 equal pieces, each roughly 1.5 inches wide.

Once cut, gently twist each piece before placing them upright in the greased muffin tin. This twisting not only adds visual interest but also helps create layers that enhance the cruffins’ light and airy texture.

Second Rise

A crucial step that helps shape the cruffins and gives them a light texture.

Benefits of the Second Rise

The second rise allows the rolled and shaped dough to relax and further proof, contributing to greater puffiness as they bake. This step is essential for achieving that desired fluffy interior.

Timing and Signs

Typically, a second rise takes about 30 minutes. During this time, the dough will expand slightly, indicating that it’s ready for baking. You can tell that the cruffins are adequately risen when you gently poke the dough; it should spring back slowly but not completely.

Preheating the Oven

An often-overlooked step, but it’s essential for consistent baking.

Importance of Preheating

Preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) is vital for achieving optimal baking conditions. When the dough goes into a preheated oven, it experiences what is known as “oven spring,” where the heat causes the gases trapped in the dough to expand quickly, resulting in a light and airy texture.

Tips for Optimal Baking Conditions

Ensure your oven’s shelves are positioned in the middle for even heat distribution. Avoid opening the oven door too often during baking, as this can cause temperature fluctuations leading to uneven baking.

Baking the Cruffins

The moment of truth – baking them to golden perfection.

Baking Time and Temperature

Bake the cruffins at the preheated temperature for 18-20 minutes. Keep an eye on them for the last few minutes – they should be golden brown and puffed up when done. If you’re uncertain, a skewer inserted into the center should come out clean.

Cooling Tips

After baking, allow the cruffins to cool in the tin for about 5-10 minutes. This helps them set and retain their moisture without turning soggy. For the best texture, avoid leaving them in the tin for too long, as this can cause steaming.

Coating with Cinnamon Sugar

The finishing touch for added flavor and visual appeal.

Coating Techniques

While they are still warm, carefully toss the cruffins in a prepared cinnamon sugar mixture. To ensure an even coating, consider placing the cruffins in a bag with the sugar mixture and shaking gently, which distributes the coating consistently.

Presentation Tips

When serving, arrange the warm cruffins on a decorative platter. For added visual appeal, sprinkle them lightly with powdered sugar and garnish with fresh berries on the side. This provides a colorful contrast to the cruffins’ golden color and enriches the presentation.

Conclusion

The cinnamon sugar cruffins boast a rich, buttery flavor paired with a delightful crunch from the cinnamon sugar coating. The fluffy texture, achieved through proper rising techniques, offers an exquisite mouthfeel, making each bite a memorable indulgence. With the right timing and attention to detail, you’ll achieve bakery-quality cruffins right at home.

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?