Easy Gluten-Free Cruffins

A delightful fusion of a croissant and a muffin, these Easy Gluten-Free Cruffins are flaky, buttery, and irresistibly tender—perfect for breakfast or as a sweet treat. Whether you follow a gluten-free diet or simply want to try something unique, these cruffins deliver all the flavors and textures of a bakery-style pastry right in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because it’s quick, easy, and doesn’t require any fancy techniques. The buttery, flaky layers give that croissant feel, while the muffin shape makes them so simple to portion and bake. These gluten-free cruffins are perfect for:

A versatile breakfast option or snack

A homemade treat that feels indulgent

A gluten-free recipe that tastes just as good as traditional versions

A fun baking project with simple steps and a beautiful result

The cinnamon sugar filling and topping take the flavor to the next level, making these cruffins impossible to resist.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 1/2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour (with xanthan gum if not included)

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1 tablespoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

3/4 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 large egg

For the Filling and Topping:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions

Prepare the Dough:

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a muffin tin.

In a large bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.

Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

In a small bowl, whisk together the milk, vanilla extract, and egg. Gradually add this mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring until a soft dough forms.

Roll and Shape the Cruffins:

Lightly flour a clean surface with gluten-free flour. Roll the dough into a rectangle about 1/4-inch thick.

Brush the surface of the dough with the melted butter, then sprinkle evenly with the sugar and cinnamon mixture.

Roll the dough tightly into a log, then cut it into 8-10 equal pieces.

Bake the Cruffins:

Place each rolled piece into a muffin tin cavity with the cut side facing up.

Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the cruffins are golden brown and cooked through.

Optional Topping:

Once the cruffins are slightly cooled, brush the tops with additional melted butter and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar for extra flavor.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Servings: 8-10 cruffins

Calories: 210 kcal per cruffin

Variations

Chocolate Lovers: Swap the cinnamon sugar for mini chocolate chips or a spread of Nutella inside the rolled dough.

Fruit-Filled: Add a thin layer of fruit jam or preserve before rolling the dough.

Savory Twist: Replace the cinnamon sugar with shredded cheese and a sprinkle of garlic powder for a savory version.

Nutty Delight: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts inside for added crunch.

Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free butter and milk to make these cruffins entirely dairy-free.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store the cruffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freezing: Place cooled cruffins in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before reheating.

Reheating: Warm the cruffins in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5-8 minutes or microwave for 15-20 seconds to restore their buttery texture.

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• Flaky Pie Crust – The Best EASY Recipe Buttery Delicious
• Delicious Homemade Apple Pie
• Confetti Sprinkle Cupcakes

FAQs

How do I make sure the gluten-free dough is flaky?

To achieve a flaky texture, use very cold butter and avoid overmixing the dough. This will help create layers as the butter melts during baking.

Can I use regular flour instead of gluten-free flour?

Yes, if you don’t need a gluten-free version, you can substitute regular all-purpose flour in the same measurement.

Can I prepare the dough in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare and roll the dough, then refrigerate it for a few hours before baking. Just bring it to room temperature for a few minutes before placing it in the oven.

How do I prevent the cruffins from sticking to the pan?

Make sure to grease the muffin tin generously with butter or use non-stick cooking spray. You can also use muffin liners for easy removal.

What’s the best gluten-free flour to use for this recipe?

A gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that includes xanthan gum works best for structure and texture. If your blend doesn’t have xanthan gum, add 1 teaspoon to the flour mix.

Conclusion

These easy gluten-free cruffins are the perfect combination of a croissant and muffin, offering flaky layers and a sweet cinnamon sugar finish. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, a special brunch, or an afternoon treat, they’re guaranteed to impress. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have a batch of delicious homemade cruffins ready in no time. Try them with your favorite fillings or toppings to make them uniquely yours

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