Easy Gluten Free Cruffins Recipe

Imagine waking up to the warm aroma of freshly baked goods wafting through your kitchen, gently pulling you from your slumber and ushering you into a cozy morning full of promise. That’s exactly what you’ll experience with these Easy Gluten Free Cruffins! A delightful hybrid of croissants and muffins, these fluffy pastries are layered, buttery, and lightly spiced with cinnamon to create a tantalizing treat perfect for any occasion. As you bite into a cruffin, you are met with a beautifully flaky texture that melts in your mouth, offering a comforting sweetness that delights the senses.

These cruffins are ideal for cozy mornings when you want to treat yourself to something extraordinary or for family gatherings where everyone deserves a little indulgence. They are also easy enough to whip up for a quick snack or an impressively sumptuous dessert—perfect for brunch, afternoon tea, or simply enjoying with a warm cup of coffee.

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Recipe Information

Prep Time: 30 minutes (plus rising time)
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 1 hour (plus rising time)
Servings: 12 cruffins
Difficulty Level: Intermediate
Nutrition Information (per cruffin):
- Calories: 220
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Sugar: 8g
- Fiber: 1g

(Nutrition information is estimated and can vary based on specific ingredients used. Sources: USDA FoodData Central)

Why Make This Recipe

These cruffins are a beautiful balance of taste, aroma, and ease. The buttery, flaky layers combined with the subtle sweetness and warming cinnamon flavor make them irresistibly inviting. Ideal for casual gatherings or that special cozy breakfast, these cruffins will charm anyone who takes a bite. Being gluten-free, they allow those with dietary restrictions to indulge without compromise.

How to Make Easy Gluten Free Cruffins Recipe

Ingredients

2 ½ teaspoons active dry yeast
1 tablespoon cane sugar
1 cup milk (* See notes)
3 cups gluten-free flour blend (* See note!)
½ cup cane sugar
6 tablespoons unsalted butter (frozen)
¼ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
½ cup cane sugar (* See note.)
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
3 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
¼ cup cane sugar
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

Activate the Yeast: Warm the milk to approximately 110º F. Stir in 1 tablespoon of sugar and the yeast. Allow it to sit until frothy, about 5-7 minutes.
Preheat Oven: While the yeast is activating, preheat your oven to 200º F. This will be used to create a warm environment for the cruffins to rise.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the gluten-free flour blend, ½ cup cane sugar, and salt. Mix thoroughly.
Grate Butter: Take your frozen butter and grate it into the dry flour mixture. This helps create those beautiful flaky layers that are characteristic of cruffins.
Mix Wet and Dry: Pour in the yeast mixture and vanilla extract. Mix gently until just combined—be careful not to overmix.
Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a rectangle about ½ inch thick.
Prepare Sugar and Cinnamon Mix: In a small bowl, combine ½ cup sugar and 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon.
Add Filling: Evenly sprinkle the sugar-cinnamon mixture over the dough, then roll it tightly into logs. Cut the logs into strips.
Shape Cruffins: Take each strip and twist it into a spiral shape, then place it into a greased muffin pan.
Let Rise: Cover the muffin pan with a clean kitchen towel and place it in the warm oven**.** Allow them to rise for about 30 minutes or until doubled in size.
Bake: Remove the towel and increase the oven temperature to 375º F. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Finish With Butter and Sugar: Once out of the oven, brush the tops with melted butter and roll them in a mixture of ¼ cup sugar and ½ teaspoon cinnamon.

How to Serve

Enjoy these cruffins fresh from the oven, either plain or warmed with a pat of butter. They also pair beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee, making them suitable for snack time or breakfast. Alternatively, toast them lightly and drizzle with honey for an extra touch of sweetness.

How to Store

These cruffins can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If you wish to keep them longer, place them in the freezer, where they can last for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply bake them at 350º F for about 10-15 minutes straight from the freezer.

Expert Tips

Dough Consistency: Keep an eye on the consistency of your dough. Gluten-free dough can behave a bit differently. It’s better to start with slightly less liquid and add just enough to achieve the right texture.
Check Doneness: Look for a golden-brown color and a crisp crust. The cruffins should feel light when gently lifted from the muffin pan.

Delicious Variations

Vegan Version: Substitute the milk with plant-based milk and the butter with a vegan alternative, using flaxseed meal mixed with water as a binding agent.
Fruit Swirls: Add chopped apples or berries into the cinnamon-sugar mix for a fruit-flavored cruffin.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I substitute the flour blend?
Yes, but make sure you use a high-quality gluten-free flour blend that has xanthan gum included for the best results.
What if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough is too sticky, try adding a bit more gluten-free flour before rolling it out.
Can I use frozen butter?
Yes, ensuring your butter is frozen allows for easy grating, which contributes to flakiness in the cruffins.
What can I do with leftovers?
Leftover cruffins can be sliced and used for delectable sandwiches or served with fresh fruits and yogurt for breakfast.
How do I know when they are done?
They should be golden brown on top and spring back when lightly pressed.

Conclusion

This Easy Gluten Free Cruffins Recipe is not just a recipe; it’s an experience that will fill your home with warmth and deliciousness. Don’t hesitate to give it a try! Share your creations and any personal twists you make in the comments below; we love hearing from you! Enjoy bringing this delectable treat into your home and delighting your loved ones with its irresistible charm.