If you’re anything like me and adore pastries that combine flaky layers with rich, cozy flavors, you’re going to be obsessed with this Chocolate Cinnamon Cruffins Recipe. These croissant-cinnamon roll hybrids are pure magic—imagine a warm, buttery croissant swirled with cinnamon, chocolate, and topped with a luscious glaze. I promise, once you make these, they’ll become your go-to treat for breakfast, brunch, or an anytime snack. Stick with me, and I’ll share all the tips to help you nail these decadent delights at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Using crescent roll dough means no fussing with homemade dough, but you still get that buttery, flaky magic.
- Chocolate and Cinnamon Bliss: The rich combo of cocoa and cinnamon swirled throughout feels indulgent without being overwhelming.
- Crowd-Pleaser: My family absolutely goes crazy for these—perfect for sharing at brunch or as a special treat.
- Versatile and Customizable: You can easily tweak the fillings or frosting to suit your taste or dietary needs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Choosing the right ingredients is key to pulling off the perfect layers and flavor balance in this Chocolate Cinnamon Cruffins Recipe. Using store-bought crescent rolls keeps things simple, but I like to elevate the filling with good-quality cocoa and cinnamon—those two make the flavors pop. Also, mini chocolate chips melt just right inside, adding pockets of gooeyness without making a mess.
- Crescent Roll Dough: Make sure it’s cold for easier handling and better flakiness.
- Butter: Use softened, not melted—this helps the cocoa mixture spread smoothly.
- Cocoa Powder: Natural unsweetened cocoa works best for that rich chocolate note.
- Brown Sugar: Adds a deep caramel sweetness and helps create a golden caramelized crust.
- Cinnamon: Fresh ground if possible—for that warm, aromatic punch.
- Mini Chocolate Chips: Tiny chips melt just enough without pooling, keeping the layers balanced.
- Powdered Sugar (for frosting): It gives a smooth, sweet finish to drizzle on top.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the frosting.
- Milk or Cream: Adjust to get the frosting consistency just right—don’t overdo it!
Variations
I love that this Chocolate Cinnamon Cruffins Recipe is like a blank canvas—feel free to tweak it to match your cravings or dietary needs. I’ve tried swapping the chocolate chips for chopped nuts for some crunch, and my family loved that textural twist! You can also experiment with the frosting using cream cheese instead of butter for a tangy lift.
- Nutty Crunch: Adding chopped pecans or walnuts inside the filling brings in fantastic texture and a toasty flavor.
- Spiced Up: Mix a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom with your cinnamon for a more complex spice profile.
- Frosting Flavors: Try swapping vanilla for almond extract or adding a touch of espresso powder for grown-up vibes.
- Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free crescent rolls if needed, though the texture might be slightly different.
How to Make Chocolate Cinnamon Cruffins Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Workspace and Ingredients
First off, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a nonstick muffin pan really well—this helps the cruffins come out clean and crispy. While the oven warms up, blend your softened butter and cocoa powder until smooth. This mix is going to melt into those gooey layers that give such a rich chocolatey flavor, so take your time melding them evenly.
Step 2: Prep the Filling and Dough
In a separate bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and mini chocolate chips. This is your sweet, spiced, chocolate-packed filling. Now, unroll each sheet of your crescent dough on a lightly floured surface or silicone mat, and be sure to pinch the perforations closed—this stops the filling from seeping out as it bakes.
Step 3: Spread, Roll, and Shape the Cruffins
Spread about a third of the cocoa-butter mixture evenly over each dough sheet. Then, sprinkle on one-third of your cinnamon sugar and chocolate chips. Roll the dough tightly from the long side into a log, then cut each log in half cross-wise and then lengthwise, giving you small logs perfect for rolling around your finger. Roll each piece with the cut sides facing up, and tuck them into your prepared muffin tin. This step is where the layers come to life—you’ll see the beautiful swirls start forming!
Step 4: Bake Until Perfectly Golden
Bake your cruffins for 18-20 minutes, or until they puff up beautifully and turn a gorgeous golden brown. You’ll know they’re ready when the smell of cinnamon and chocolate fills your kitchen—it’s pure happiness in the making!
Step 5: Make the Frosting and Serve
While the cruffins are still warm, mix your powdered sugar, melted butter, vanilla, and milk or cream until you hit your desired drizzle consistency—start small with the milk, and add little by little. I like mine smooth but not runny, so I usually add about 3 tablespoons. Drizzle that sweet frosting generously over the top, and if you want, sneak on a few extra mini chocolate chips for a cute look and extra melty bites.
Pro Tips for Making Chocolate Cinnamon Cruffins Recipe
- Keep It Cold: Always work with cold crescent dough—it’s easier to handle and gives those flaky layers.
- Pinch Those Perforations: Closing seams prevents your filling from leaking and keeps your cruffins looking neat.
- Use Sharp Knives: Cutting with a sharp knife rather than tearing gives cleaner edges and better layers.
- Don’t Overdo Milk in Frosting: Start with less and add more slowly—too runny and the frosting will slide right off.
How to Serve Chocolate Cinnamon Cruffins Recipe
Garnishes
I love finishing these cruffins with a light dusting of powdered sugar or extra mini chocolate chips for that extra sparkle. Sometimes, I even add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top of the frosting—it sounds wild, but it really amps up the chocolate flavor in the best way.
Side Dishes
Pair your cruffins with a cup of rich coffee or a creamy latte for a cozy breakfast combo. They also go beautifully with fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream if you’re serving brunch guests—such a crowd-pleaser!
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like to arrange the cruffins in a circular pattern on a cake stand and drizzle extra frosting over them for that show-stopping look. Wrapping a few in parchment and tying with twine makes for adorable gifts too—impress your friends with homemade treats that look bakery-worthy!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover cruffins keep best in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. I like to pop a piece of parchment between layers if stacking, so they don’t stick together. Just bring them out for a snack or breakfast, and you’re good to go.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked rolled cruffins in the muffin tin (tightly wrapped) for up to a month. When ready, bake them straight from frozen, adding a couple minutes to the baking time. For baked cruffins, freeze in a sealed container and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To revive leftover cruffins, warm them in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes—this keeps the exterior crisp while heating evenly. Microwaving works in a pinch but can make them soggy. I like to add a touch more frosting after reheating for that fresh-baked feel.
FAQs
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Can I use homemade croissant dough for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using homemade croissant dough would elevate this recipe to an extra-special treat. Just make sure it’s rolled out thin, and be gentle when rolling to maintain those flaky layers. Keep in mind, homemade dough may require more resting time and handling skill.
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What’s the best way to prevent the filling from leaking?
Pinching the perforations in the crescent roll dough tightly is key. Also, rolling the dough snugly and placing the cut side up in the muffin tin helps keep the filling inside as it bakes.
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Can I make these vegan or dairy-free?
Yes! Use a dairy-free crescent roll alternative, vegan butter, and plant-based milk for the frosting. Ensure your chocolate chips are dairy-free too. The texture might vary slightly, but they’re still delicious.
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How long do these cruffins stay fresh?
Freshly baked, they’re best eaten within 1-2 days stored at room temperature. Refrigeration can dry them out unless tightly wrapped and warmed before serving.
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Can I prepare the cruffins ahead of time?
You sure can! Assemble the rolls, place them in the muffin pan covered with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. Bring them to room temperature before baking for best results.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Chocolate Cinnamon Cruffins Recipe strikes that perfect balance of quick convenience and indulgent bakery-style flavor. When I first tried making these, I was amazed at how simple ingredients could come together to create something so special that my whole family begged for seconds. I’m confident you’ll feel the same joy making and sharing these. So go ahead—grab that crescent dough, follow these tips, and treat yourself to a warm, chocolate-spiced hug in pastry form. Trust me, you won’t regret it!
Print
Chocolate Cinnamon Cruffins Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Breakfast, Pastry
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these irresistible Chocolate Croissant Cinnamon Rolls, also known as Cruffins. These flaky, buttery treats combine the flakiness of croissants with the sweet, spicy goodness of cinnamon rolls, all enhanced with rich cocoa, mini chocolate chips, and a luscious vanilla frosting. Perfectly baked in a muffin pan, these cruffins offer a warm, chocolatey breakfast or snack that’s sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Ingredients
For the Cruffins
- 3 cans Pillsbury crescent rolls
- 1 stick (8 tablespoons) butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips
For the Frosting
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2-3 tablespoons milk or cream
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a nonstick muffin pan with cooking spray to ensure easy removal of the cruffins after baking.
- Make Cocoa Butter Mixture: In a bowl, stir the softened butter and cocoa powder together until fully combined, creating a smooth chocolate spread.
- Mix the Sugar Topping: In a separate bowl, combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, and mini chocolate chips, mixing evenly to distribute the flavors.
- Prepare Dough Sheets: Roll out one can of crescent roll dough onto a silicone mat, cutting board, or lightly floured surface. Pinch the perforations together so the dough acts as one sheet.
- Spread Cocoa Butter: Evenly spread about one-third (approximately 2 ½ tablespoons) of the cocoa butter mixture over the entire crescent dough sheet.
- Add Cinnamon Sugar and Chocolate: Sprinkle one-third of the brown sugar cinnamon chocolate chip mixture (around ½ cup loosely packed) evenly over the buttered dough.
- Roll and Slice Dough: Roll the dough up from the long edge into a log. Cut this log in half cross-wise to form two shorter logs. Then cut each log in half lengthwise, resulting in four pieces per dough sheet.
- Shape the Cruffins: Take each cut portion and carefully roll it around your finger, with the cut sides facing up, then gently place each roll into the prepared muffin tin.
- Bake: Place the muffin pan in the preheated oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the cruffins turn golden brown and flaky.
- Make Frosting: While the cruffins bake, stir together powdered sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk. Add additional milk slowly until the frosting reaches your preferred drizzling consistency.
- Frost and Serve: Spoon the frosting generously over warm cruffins as soon as they come out of the oven. For extra indulgence, sprinkle a few mini chocolate chips on top. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Keep the crescent roll dough refrigerated until ready to use to maintain pliability and ease of handling.
- Use a sharp knife when cutting the dough to ensure clean slices and better-shaped rolls.
- Adjust the thickness of the frosting by adding milk gradually to achieve the desired consistency, whether thicker or more pourable.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Cruffin
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 16 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
