Indulgent Gluten Free Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins are a delightful treat that brings together the flaky layers of a croissant with the comforting sweetness of a muffin, all made accessible for those following a gluten-free diet. This recipe is perfect for anyone seeking a decadent bakery-style experience right in their own kitchen.
Key Ingredients for Indulgent Gluten Free Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins
- 2 ½ cups gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (ensure it contains xanthan gum)
- ½ cup superfine almond flour
- 1 teaspoon xanthan gum (if your blend doesn’t contain it)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened but still cool, divided
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup milk (dairy or non-dairy alternative), room temperature
- For the Cinnamon Sugar Filling:
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
How to Make Indulgent Gluten Free Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins
Get ready to whip up these incredibly delicious and satisfying Indulgent Gluten Free Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins. This recipe is surprisingly simple, offering a flaky, buttery interior kissed with a warm cinnamon-sugar swirl, making them a truly irresistible treat. With an active preparation time of about 45 minutes and a resting time of at least 2 hours, these cruffins are perfect for those patient bakers looking for a weekend indulgence.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, almond flour, xanthan gum (if using), baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream the Butter and Sugars: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or using a hand mixer and a large bowl), cream together 1 cup (2 sticks) of the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Alternate Dry and Wet: With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the dry ingredients in three additions, alternating with the milk in two additions, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined and a cohesive dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
- Chill the Dough: Divide the dough into two equal portions. Flatten each portion into a disk, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until firm enough to handle. This chilling step is crucial for achieving the flaky layers.
- Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Filling: While the dough is chilling, prepare the cinnamon sugar filling. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. Stir until well combined.
- Roll and Shape the Cruffins: Lightly flour a clean surface with gluten-free flour. Take one disk of chilled dough and roll it out into a rough rectangle, about 10×15 inches. If the dough becomes too soft, return it to the refrigerator for a few minutes.
- Spread the Filling: Brush the surface of the rolled-out dough evenly with half of the cinnamon sugar filling, making sure to go all the way to the edges.
- Cut and Layer: Cut the dough lengthwise into 6 equal strips. Stack 3 strips on top of each other, gently pressing them together. Repeat this process with the remaining 3 strips for the first rectangle of dough.
- Roll and Divide: Take one stack of 3 layered strips and gently roll it up from one of the cut ends into a log. Once rolled, cut the log in half horizontally.
- Assemble the Cruffins: Take one of the halved logs and gently twist it to expose the layers. Then, place it cut-side down into a greased muffin cup, coiling it to fit. Repeat with all the rolled logs. You should have enough dough for 6 cruffins, but this can vary slightly.
- Repeat for Second Dough Disk: Repeat steps 7-11 with the second disk of chilled dough and the remaining cinnamon sugar filling.
- Second Chill: Cover the muffin tin loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least another hour. This step helps the layers firm up before baking, leading to a better rise and flakier texture. You can also refrigerate them overnight.
- Preheat and Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake the Cruffins: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 200-210°F (93-99°C). If they start to brown too quickly, you can loosely tent them with foil.
- Cool: Let the cruffins cool in the muffin tin for 10 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Why You’ll Love This Indulgent Gluten Free Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins
You’ll absolutely adore these Indulgent Gluten Free Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins for so many reasons, but their most captivating feature is the magical fusion of croissant-like flakiness with the comforting, sweet embrace of cinnamon sugar. The layers are miraculously tender, creating a delicate crunch with every bite, making them a truly gourmet experience you can replicate at home, saving you a significant amount compared to bakery-bought versions. The generous swirl of warm cinnamon and sweet sugar creates pockets of pure bliss, elevating them far beyond a simple muffin.
Imagine the aroma filling your kitchen as these beautiful cruffins bake – it’s pure happiness! Unlike a standard muffin that can sometimes be dense, these cruffins offer an ethereal lightness. They’re perfect for enjoying with a morning coffee, a special afternoon tea, or as an after-dinner dessert. Don’t just dream about them; grab your apron and bring this little piece of heaven home today!
Storing and Reheating Tips
- Room Temperature: Store cooled Indulgent Gluten Free Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They are best enjoyed within the first day.
- Refrigeration: For longer storage, refrigerate the cruffins in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days. The texture may become slightly firmer. To reheat, place them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
- Freezing: To freeze, wrap individual cruffins tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight at room temperature and reheat as directed above, or warm them gently in a toaster oven.
Final Thoughts
These Indulgent Gluten Free Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins are a true testament to the fact that gluten-free baking can be utterly decadent and incredibly satisfying. We encourage you to give this recipe a try – you won’t be disappointed by the delightful layers and warm, spiced flavor. Enjoy every delicious bite!