Name: Easy Gluten-Free Cruffins Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 sheet gluten-free puff pastry (thawed); 2 tablespoons granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted); gluten-free flour for dusting; powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

If you love a flaky pastry with a delightfully tender crumb, these Easy Gluten-Free Cruffins are about to become your new breakfast obsession. With a cinnamon-sugar swirl tucked into every buttery bite, they’re golden on the outside, soft inside, and impossibly elegant for something this quick and simple. Whether you’re hosting brunch or craving a fresh-baked treat with your morning coffee, this recipe brings bakery magic to your home kitchen — no fancy baking skills required! The best part? Everyone at the table can enjoy them, thanks to their entirely gluten-free base.

Easy Gluten-Free Cruffins Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of ingredients, you’ll be amazed how Easy Gluten-Free Cruffins achieve such irresistible layers and flavor. Each component has a job to do, whether it’s boosting tenderness, adding that classic sugar-cinnamon sparkle, or keeping everything safely gluten-free.

Gluten-free puff pastry: This is the secret weapon for those characteristic cruffin layers; make sure it’s fully thawed and certified gluten-free for best results.
Granulated sugar: Provides the sweet crunch inside each rolled swirl and plays so well with the cinnamon.
Ground cinnamon: Brings warmth and cozy flavor — a must-have for classic cruffin magic!
Unsalted butter (melted): Gives that necessary richness, moisture, and helps each layer get gorgeously golden.
Gluten-free flour for dusting: Keeps your dough from sticking to your work surface without compromising the gluten-free integrity.
Powdered sugar for dusting (optional): A simple finishing touch that adds visual flair and a tickle of extra sweetness.

How to Make Easy Gluten-Free Cruffins

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Muffin Tin

First things first: heat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease your muffin tin. A touch of nonstick spray or melted butter helps your Easy Gluten-Free Cruffins slide out clean and picture-perfect. This step sets you up for success and keeps things from sticking later.

Step 2: Roll Out the Puff Pastry

On a lightly floured surface (using gluten-free flour, of course!), roll out your thawed puff pastry to a roughly 10×12 inch rectangle. Take your time here: you want an even sheet for consistent baking and pretty layers. If your pastry feels sticky, a gentle dusting of extra flour will help.

Step 3: Add Butter, Cinnamon, and Sugar

Now, brush the entire surface of your pastry with melted butter — this is what forms those mouthwatering golden layers. Sprinkle an even layer of granulated sugar and cinnamon over the buttered surface, making sure every edge is covered for full flavor in every bite.

Step 4: Roll, Slice, and Shape

Starting at the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Carefully slice the log in half lengthwise with a sharp knife to expose the beautiful layers inside. Take each half, twist it into a spiral, then roll it up like a cinnamon roll and nestle it into a muffin cup, cut side facing up. The shape might look rustic — that’s all part of the charm!

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake the cruffins in the center of your oven for 20 to 25 minutes. You’re looking for puffed, golden exteriors and a heavenly cinnamon aroma filling your kitchen. Let the cruffins cool in the pan for about 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack so the bottoms stay crisp and flaky.

Step 6: The Finishing Touch

If you’d like, dust the still-warm cruffins with a bit of powdered sugar. This optional topper melts into a delicate glaze and finishes off your Easy Gluten-Free Cruffins with bakery-worthy style.

How to Serve Easy Gluten-Free Cruffins

Garnishes

A light snowfall of powdered sugar is perfect, but these also welcome a drizzle of honey, a touch of whipped cream, or even a sprinkle of finely chopped nuts. Let your toppings add an extra sparkle or crunch to your Easy Gluten-Free Cruffins.

Side Dishes

Pair your freshly baked cruffins with bright, fresh fruit for a balanced breakfast, or round out a brunch spread with fluffy scrambled eggs and crispy bacon. A steaming cup of coffee or tea naturally complements their sweet-spiced notes.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve them stacked high on a cake stand, nestled in muffin liners for easy grab-and-go, or nestled in a basket and dusted tableside with powdered sugar. For something extra special, split warm cruffins and tuck in a spoonful of your favorite gluten-free jam or chocolate spread — an irresistible treat!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftover Easy Gluten-Free Cruffins (lucky you!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They’ll still be wonderful the next morning — just a little less crisp than fresh from the oven.

Freezing

Easy Gluten-Free Cruffins freeze beautifully! Let them cool completely, then wrap each cruffin individually in plastic wrap and stash in a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature or gently reheat for a fresh-baked feel.

Reheating

To restore their just-baked magic, reheat cruffins in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through and crisp at the edges. A quick zap in the microwave will also work, though the exterior may soften slightly.

FAQs

Can I make Easy Gluten-Free Cruffins dairy-free?

Absolutely! Use dairy-free puff pastry (they’re available at specialty stores), swap in a vegan buttery spread for the butter, and check that your other ingredients are dairy-free too. Delicious results await.

Why do I need to slice and twist the puff pastry log?

Slicing the log in half reveals all those beautiful, flaky layers, and twisting before spiraling them into the muffin tin helps the layers separate and expand as they bake — giving you that signature cruffin look and texture.

Can I fill these with something besides cinnamon sugar?

Definitely! Try spreading a thin layer of jam, sprinkling in chocolate chips, or swirling in a bit of nut butter before rolling. Easy Gluten-Free Cruffins are wonderfully adaptable to your cravings or the season.

What’s the best way to thaw gluten-free puff pastry?

For best results, follow the package directions closely. Usually, thawing overnight in the fridge keeps the dough workable and cold, which is key for flakiness. Avoid letting it get too warm or sticky before you start assembling.

How do I keep my Easy Gluten-Free Cruffins from sticking?

A properly greased muffin tin is vital, and letting the cruffins cool for about five minutes makes them much easier to lift out. If any edges stick, gently loosen them with a thin spatula or butter knife.

Final Thoughts

Ready to treat yourself to something truly special? These Easy Gluten-Free Cruffins bring layers of flavor, beauty, and joy to your kitchen, whether you serve them warm for breakfast or as a sweet afternoon snack. Join the cruffin craze and discover just how magical home baking can be — one swirl at a time!

Easy Gluten-Free Cruffins Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 21 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 6 cruffins 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These Easy Gluten-Free Cruffins are a delightful twist on traditional cinnamon rolls, made with gluten-free puff pastry for a light and flaky texture. Perfect for a special breakfast treat or a sweet snack!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cruffins:

1 sheet gluten-free puff pastry (thawed)
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
gluten-free flour for dusting
powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a muffin tin.
Prepare the Dough: Roll out the thawed gluten-free puff pastry on a floured surface. Brush with melted butter, sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar. Roll into a log, slice, twist, and place in muffin cups.
Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Serve: Dust with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.