Imagine biting into a warm, flaky pastry that combines the best of cinnamon rolls with the elegance of a croissant, all while sipping your morning coffee. That's exactly what cinnamon roll coffee cruffins deliver; a heavenly breakfast creation that has taken the baking world by storm. These delicious cruffins blend buttery layers with sweet cinnamon sugar filling, creating the ultimate cozy morning treat that pairs perfectly with your favorite brew. I've been making these easy cruffins for years, and they never fail to impress family and friends who can't believe something so bakery-worthy came from my home kitchen.
What makes cinnamon roll coffee cruffins so special is their versatility and approachable technique. Unlike traditional cinnamon rolls that require yeast and lengthy rising times, these homemade cruffins use puff pastry or a quick dough method that cuts your prep time in half. Whether you're hosting a weekend brunch or simply want to elevate your weekday breakfast routine, cinnamon roll coffee cruffins bring that warm, spiced comfort we all crave without the intimidation factor of complicated baking.
Why These Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cruffins Will Transform Your Breakfast Game
What sets these cinnamon roll coffee cruffins apart from other breakfast pastries is their perfect balance of flaky texture and gooey cinnamon filling. The croissant-muffin hybrid creates dramatic layers that shatter delicately with each bite, while the cinnamon sugar swirl provides that nostalgic sweetness we associate with classic cinnamon rolls. These flaky and buttery cruffins achieve bakery-style results without requiring professional equipment or advanced baking skills, making them accessible for home bakers of all levels.
The genius of this cinnamon roll coffee recipe lies in its adaptability; you can prepare mini cruffins for bite-sized treats, experiment with cream cheese cruffins for tangy richness, or try apple cruffins for a fruity twist. The base technique remains consistent while allowing endless creativity with fillings and toppings. These quick cinnamon sugar cruffins have become my go-to solution when I want impressive results without spending hours in the kitchen, and they pair beautifully with everything from simple black coffee to elaborate lattes.
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Ingredients
- Puff pastry sheets or cruffin dough
- Unsalted butter
- Brown sugar
- Ground cinnamon
- Granulated sugar
- Eggs
- All-purpose flour
- Vanilla extract
- Cream cheese for frosting
- Powdered sugar
- Milk or heavy cream
- Salt
- Optional: chopped pecans or walnuts
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Prepare Your Dough and Filling
- Roll out puff pastry or homemade cruffin dough into a large rectangle on a floured surface
- Mix softened butter with brown sugar and cinnamon to create a smooth, spreadable filling
- Brush the cinnamon mixture generously over the entire surface of the dough
- Roll the dough tightly from one long edge to create a log shape
- Slice into equal portions and place each piece into greased muffin tins
Shape and Rise
- Press each dough portion gently into the muffin cups to ensure even distribution
- If using yeast-based dough, cover and let rise for 30-45 minutes until puffy
- For puff pastry versions, refrigerate for 15 minutes to maintain flakiness
- Brush the tops with beaten egg wash for golden color
- Sprinkle additional cinnamon sugar on top before baking
Bake and Finish
- Preheat oven to 375°F and bake cinnamon roll coffee cruffins for 18-22 minutes until golden brown
- Check for doneness by ensuring the centers are fully cooked and edges are crispy
- Remove from oven and let cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack
- Prepare cream cheese frosting by beating cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla
- Drizzle or spread frosting over warm cruffins and serve immediately with coffee
Equipment For Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cruffins
- Standard 12-cup muffin tin or mini muffin pan
- Rolling pin for flattening dough
- Pastry brush for egg wash and butter
- Mixing bowls in various sizes
- Sharp knife or bench scraper
- Wire cooling rack
- Electric mixer for frosting preparation
Expert Cooking Tips
- Keep butter cold when working with puff pastry to maintain those beautiful flaky layers in your cinnamon roll coffee cruffins
- Don't overfill muffin cups; leave space for the pastry to expand and create those signature ruffled edges
- Use room temperature cream cheese for smoother, lump-free frosting
- Make gluten free cruffins by substituting with your favorite GF puff pastry or almond flour dough
- Line muffin tins with parchment paper for easier removal and less cleanup
- Double the batch and freeze unbaked cruffins for quick future breakfasts
- Rotate the pan halfway through baking for even browning
Recipe Variations
- Apple Cruffins: Add diced apples sautéed with butter and cinnamon to the filling for delicious apple cruffins recipe easy preparation
- Nutella Cruffins with Puff Pastry: Spread Nutella instead of cinnamon butter for chocolate-hazelnut heaven
- Cream Cheese Cruffins: Mix cream cheese into the cinnamon filling for extra tangy richness
- Mini Cruffins: Use a mini muffin tin and reduce baking time to 12-15 minutes for bite-sized treats
- Maple Pecan: Add chopped pecans and drizzle with maple glaze instead of traditional frosting
- Pumpkin Spice: Mix pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice into the filling for autumn-inspired cinnamon roll coffee pastries
- Savory Herb: Skip the sugar and use herbs, garlic, and parmesan for a savory brunch option
Storage
- Store baked cinnamon roll coffee cruffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days
- Refrigerate frosted cruffins for up to 5 days and reheat in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes
- Freeze unfrosted cruffins for up to 3 months; thaw overnight and warm before serving
- Unbaked shaped cruffins can be frozen on a baking sheet, then transferred to freezer bags for up to 2 months
- Keep leftover cream cheese frosting refrigerated in a sealed container for up to 1 week
The Secret to Bakery-Perfect Results
The true magic behind extraordinary cinnamon roll coffee cruffins lies in the temperature control throughout the process. Professional bakers know that cold dough creates the most dramatic layers and flakiest texture, which is why refrigerating your shaped cruffins before baking makes such a significant difference. This chilling step allows the butter layers to firm up, preventing them from melting too quickly in the oven and ensuring those beautiful, crispy spirals we all love. Don't skip this crucial rest period, even if you're tempted to rush the process.
Another insider secret is the quality of your cinnamon; freshly ground or recently purchased cinnamon provides exponentially more flavor than old, stale spice that's been sitting in your cabinet for years. When making these homemade cruffins, investing in good cinnamon transforms them from ordinary to extraordinary. The aromatic oils in fresh cinnamon create that intoxicating bakery smell that fills your kitchen and makes these cinnamon roll coffee treats absolutely irresistible.
FAQ
How to make cinnamon roll coffee at home?
To make cinnamon roll coffee cruffins at home, roll puff pastry with cinnamon butter filling, slice into portions, and place in muffin tins. Let them rise or chill, then bake until golden. Top with cream cheese frosting for authentic bakery flavor. These easy cruffins take about 30 minutes active time and create flaky, buttery pastries perfect with morning coffee.
How to order a cinnamon roll coffee at Starbucks?
While Starbucks doesn't sell cinnamon roll coffee cruffins, you can order their cinnamon rolls or coffee cake alongside a cinnamon dolce latte for a similar experience. Some locations offer seasonal pastries like morning buns with cinnamon sugar. For the authentic homemade cruffins experience with flaky layers and cream cheese frosting, making them at home following this recipe delivers superior results.
Is it good to put cinnamon in your coffee?
Yes, cinnamon enhances coffee flavor beautifully, which is why cinnamon roll coffee cruffins pair perfectly with cinnamon-spiced beverages. The warm spice complements coffee's natural notes while adding sweetness without extra sugar. Cinnamon contains antioxidants and may help regulate blood sugar. Enjoying these delicious cruffins with cinnamon coffee creates a harmonious flavor combination that elevates your entire breakfast experience.
What is in a cinnamon roll latte?
A cinnamon roll latte isn't a pastry; it's a drink with espresso, steamed milk, cinnamon syrup, and vanilla topped with whipped cream. However, cinnamon roll coffee cruffins are baked pastries featuring buttery dough rolled with cinnamon sugar filling and topped with cream cheese frosting. These bakery style coffee pastries are designed to be enjoyed alongside your favorite coffee drinks for ultimate breakfast indulgence.
Your New Breakfast Obsession Awaits
Now that you've discovered how to create these stunning cinnamon roll coffee cruffins, your breakfast repertoire will never be the same. These flaky and buttery cruffins prove that bakery-quality pastries are absolutely achievable in your home kitchen without professional training or expensive equipment. The combination of crispy layers, sweet cinnamon swirl, and tangy cream cheese frosting creates a morning treat that's worth waking up early for, especially when paired with your favorite freshly brewed coffee. Whether you're making them for a special occasion or simply treating yourself on a lazy Sunday morning, these cinnamon roll coffee cruffins deliver comfort and joy in every bite.
Ready to expand your pastry-making skills even further? Don't miss our Easy Peach Cruffins Recipe, which brings summery fruit flavors to this same flaky base for a refreshing twist on the classic. For autumn enthusiasts, our Simple Apple Butter Cruffins Recipe incorporates warm spiced apple butter that complements these cinnamon roll coffee treats beautifully. Both recipes use similar techniques, so once you've mastered these basic cruffins, you'll be able to create an entire menu of impressive breakfast pastries. Keep experimenting with different fillings and toppings, and most importantly, enjoy sharing these delicious homemade cruffins with the people you love over steaming cups of coffee!
From my kitchen, with heart.
Emily Nelson ❤️
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Cinnamon Roll Cruffins
Equipment
- 1 Standard 12-cup muffin tin greased
- 1 mini muffin pan optional
- 1 Rolling pin
- 1 Pastry brush
- - Mixing bowls
- 1 Sharp knife or bench scraper
- 1 Wire cooling rack
- 1 Electric mixer for frosting
Ingredients
Dough & Filling
- 1 sheet(s) puff pastry or cruffin dough thawed if frozen
- 2 tablespoon unsalted butter softened (for filling)
- 3 tablespoon brown sugar for filling
- 4 teaspoon ground cinnamon for filling + sprinkle on top
- 5 tablespoon granulated sugar optional, extra cinnamon-sugar topping
- 1-2 eggs for egg wash (beaten)
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour if making dough from scratch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract in filling or frosting
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 9 oz cream cheese room temperature, for frosting
- 1 cup powdered sugar for frosting
- 1 tablespoon milk or heavy cream to adjust frosting
- pinch salt if needed in dough or frosting
- chopped pecans or walnuts optional, add to filling or topping
Instructions
- roll out puff pastry or cruffin dough and spread softened butter, cinnamon, and sugar evenly over the surface.
- Brush edges lightly with egg wash, then roll up the dough tightly and cut into strips or logs.
- Slice lengthwise (if using logs), twist, and coil into greased muffin tin.
- Chill for 15 minutes or let rise 30–45 minutes if using yeast dough.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 18–22 minutes or until golden brown and fully baked.
- Cool slightly, then top with cream cheese frosting. Serve warm or at room temperature.
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