Easy Gluten Free Cruffins
A buttery, flaky Easy Gluten Free Cruffins recipe is the perfect treat for any occasion. These delightful pastries combine the best features of croissants, crescent rolls, and muffins into one irresistible bite. Their unique texture and flavor make them suitable for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack. Plus, they are gluten-free, so everyone can enjoy these delicious cruffins!
Why Youβll Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor β The combination of butter, cinnamon, and sugar creates a rich and indulgent taste that you canβt resist.
- Easy to Make β With simple steps and common ingredients, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
- Versatile Treat β Enjoy them warm with coffee in the morning or as a sweet treat in the afternoonβgreat any time of day!
- Impressive Presentation β The flaky layers and beautiful shape make these cruffins a stunning addition to any table.
- Customizable Filling β Add your favorite fillings like chocolate chips or fruit preserves to personalize your cruffins.
Tools and Preparation
To make your baking experience smooth and enjoyable, having the right tools is essential. Hereβs what youβll need:
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer or mixing bowl
- Rolling pin
- Baking sheet
- Muffin tin
- Pastry brush
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer or mixing bowl β Helps to easily mix the dough until itβs smooth and well-combined.
- Rolling pin β Essential for rolling out the dough evenly to create those perfect layers.
- Muffin tin β This is crucial for shaping your cruffins into that iconic muffin form.

Ingredients
A buttery, flaky gluten free version of popular cruffins. It is a cross between a croissant, crescent roll, and muffin!
For the Dough
- 2 Β½ teaspoons active dry yeast (or one packet)
- 1 tablespoon cane sugar
- 1 cup milk (see notes)
- 3 cups gluten free flour blend (see notes)
- Β½ cup cane sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (frozen)
- ΒΌ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Sugar Mixture
- Β½ cup cane sugar (see notes)
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
For Topping
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- ΒΌ cup cane sugar
- Β½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
How to Make Easy Gluten Free Cruffins
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a small bowl, mix together warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of cane sugar. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, combine gluten free flour blend, remaining cane sugar, salt, and vanilla extract.
- Pour in the yeast mixture once itβs frothy. Mix until combined.
Step 2: Incorporate Butter
- Grate frozen unsalted butter into the dough mixture using a box grater.
- Mix gently until just combined; be careful not to overwork the dough.
Step 3: Rise the Dough
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean towel.
- Place it in a warm area and let it rise for about 45 minutes or until doubled in size.
Step 4: Shape the Cruffins
- Preheat your oven to 375Β°F (190Β°C).
- On a floured surface, roll out the dough into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.
- Brush melted butter over the dough and sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly.
- Roll up tightly from one long side to form a log.
- Cut the log into pieces about 1-2 inches thick.
Step 5: Bake
- Place each piece into greased muffin tins upright.
- Let them rise for another 15-20 minutes before baking.
- Bake in preheated oven for about 25 minutes until golden brown.
Enjoy your homemade Easy Gluten Free Cruffins fresh from the oven!
How to Serve Easy Gluten Free Cruffins
Easy Gluten Free Cruffins are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Their buttery, flaky texture makes them perfect for breakfast or as a sweet snack throughout the day.
With Fresh Fruit
- Strawberries: Serve sliced strawberries on the side for a refreshing contrast.
- Bananas: Pair with banana slices for added sweetness and creaminess.
With Whipped Coconut Cream
- Coconut Cream: A dollop of whipped coconut cream adds a light and airy touch to your cruffins, enhancing their flavor.
As Part of a Brunch Spread
- Mixed Pastries: Include these cruffins in a brunch platter with other baked goods like gluten free scones and muffins.
- Coffee or Tea: Serve alongside your favorite hot beverage for a cozy experience.
How to Perfect Easy Gluten Free Cruffins
To ensure your Easy Gluten Free Cruffins turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.
- Use Cold Ingredients: Keep your butter and milk cold to achieve that desired flaky texture.
- Knead Gently: Handle the dough gently to avoid overworking it, which can lead to tough cruffins.
- Let Dough Rise: Allow enough time for the dough to rise properly; this helps create the airy layers.
- Brush with Butter: Generously brush melted butter between layers for extra richness and flavor.
Best Side Dishes for Easy Gluten Free Cruffins
Complement your Easy Gluten Free Cruffins with these delicious side dishes that enhance the overall meal experience.
- Fruit Salad: A vibrant mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the cruffins.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a creamy, crunchy side that pairs well with cruffins.
- Smoothie Bowl: A thick smoothie topped with nuts and seeds provides a nutritious contrast to the flaky pastry.
- Savory Quiche: A slice of gluten free quiche offers an eggy, savory option that complements the sweet cruffins beautifully.
- Vegetable Sticks: Crisp veggies like carrots and cucumbers serve as a refreshing snack alongside the rich cruffins.
- Cheese Platter: Include some mild cheese varieties to balance out the sweetness while adding a savory component.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Easy Gluten Free Cruffins can be simple, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for. Here are some mistakes to avoid for the best results.
- Using the wrong type of flour: Not all gluten free flour blends behave the same way. Always use a high-quality blend that includes xanthan gum for better structure.
- Ignoring yeast activation: If your yeast isnβt properly activated, your cruffins wonβt rise. Make sure to dissolve it in warm milk with sugar until bubbly before adding it to your mixture.
- Not chilling the dough: This step is crucial for flaky layers. If you skip chilling, your cruffins may not achieve that perfect texture and will be dense.
- Overfilling the muffin cups: Filling the cups too much can lead to overflow during baking. Aim to fill them about 2/3 full for optimal results.
- Skipping the resting time: Allowing the assembled cruffins to rest before baking ensures they rise well and develop a light texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- They will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Easy Gluten Free Cruffins
- Wrap each cruffin individually in plastic wrap or foil.
- Place in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- They will keep well for up to 2 months.
Reheating Easy Gluten Free Cruffins
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C) and heat for about 10 minutes for best texture.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 15-20 seconds per cruffin. Be careful not to overheat.
- Stovetop: Place them in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid for a few minutes until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Easy Gluten Free Cruffins.
Can I make Easy Gluten Free Cruffins ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and store it in the fridge overnight before baking. This saves time on busy mornings!
What is the best gluten free flour blend for cruffins?
A blend that contains a mix of rice flour, potato starch, and tapioca flour works best. Look for one that includes xanthan gum for better results.
How do I know when my Easy Gluten Free Cruffins are done baking?
They should be golden brown on top and firm to touch. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
Can I add fillings or toppings to my cruffins?
Absolutely! You can add chocolate chips, fruit preserves, or even nuts before rolling them up for extra flavor.
Final Thoughts
Easy Gluten Free Cruffins offer a delightful twist on traditional pastries with their buttery, flaky texture. Theyβre perfect as a breakfast treat or snack and can easily be customized with various fillings or toppings. Give this recipe a try and enjoy these delicious treats!
Easy Gluten Free Cruffins
Indulge in the delightful world of Easy Gluten Free Cruffins! These buttery and flaky pastries combine the best elements of croissants, crescent rolls, and muffins, resulting in an irresistible treat that everyone can enjoy. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet afternoon snack, these cruffins are not only gluten-free but also incredibly versatile. Customize them with your favorite fillings like chocolate chips or fruit preserves to make them uniquely yours. With their stunning appearance and rich flavors, theyβre bound to impress at any gathering. Easy to make and deliciously satisfying, this recipe is a must-try for all baking enthusiasts!
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Makes approximately 12 cruffins 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 2 Β½ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon cane sugar
- 1 cup milk
- 3 cups gluten free flour blend
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (frozen)
- Β½ cup cane sugar (for dough)
- Β½ cup cane sugar (for topping)
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Activate the yeast by mixing warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of sugar in a small bowl; let it froth for about 5-10 minutes.
- In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine gluten free flour blend, remaining sugar, salt, and vanilla extract.
- Add the frothy yeast mixture and mix until combined.
- Grate frozen butter into the dough mixture and mix gently.
- Cover and let rise in a warm area for about 45 minutes until doubled in size.
- Preheat oven to 375Β°F (190Β°C). Roll out the dough into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.
- Brush melted butter over the dough and sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar mixture; roll tightly from one long side.
- Cut the log into pieces (1-2 inches thick) and place upright in greased muffin tins.
- Let rise for an additional 15-20 minutes before baking for about 25 minutes until golden brown.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg