Gluten-Free Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins

Discover how to make gluten-free cinnamon sugar cruffins at home! This easy recipe combines muffin softness with pastry swirls—perfect for busy families and gluten-free Christmas brunch.

You know that magical moment when your kitchen smells like cinnamon and butter mixed together? That’s exactly what happens when you bake these gluten-free cinnamon sugar cruffins—and honestly, it’s one of my favorite parts of the whole experience.

The best part? These cruffins bridge that gap between muffins and pastries beautifully. They’ve got that tender, cake-like crumb you expect from a muffin, but with those gorgeous cinnamon-sugar spirals that make them feel indulgent. Whether you’re new to gluten-free baking or you’ve been at it for years, this gluten-free cinnamon sugar cruffins recipe works every single time.

Man, oh man, the way these cool just slightly so you can unwind those spirals? Pure joy. No complicated techniques, no temperamental dough—just simple, honest baking that tastes incredible.

Ingredients

Ingredient	Amount
Gluten-free all-purpose flour	1 cup
Almond flour	½ cup
Sugar	¼ cup
Baking powder	1 teaspoon
Baking soda	½ teaspoon
Salt	¼ teaspoon
Unsalted butter, melted	½ cup
Large eggs	2
Vanilla extract	1 teaspoon
Ground cinnamon (for filling)	1 tablespoon
Sugar (for cinnamon-sugar coating)	¼ cup

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare your oven and muffin tin

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup so much easier—plus, the liners help these gluten-free cinnamon sugar cruffins bake evenly.

Step 2: Combine your dry ingredients for the gluten-free cruffins base

In a large bowl, whisk together the gluten-free all-purpose flour, almond flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined. The almond flour adds richness and helps create that tender crumb that makes gluten-free baking feel less like a compromise and more like a delicious choice.

Step 3: Mix the wet ingredients

In another bowl, combine the melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract, stirring until everything’s incorporated. Then pour this into your dry ingredient mixture and stir gently until just combined. You’re aiming for a soft, slightly sticky dough—don’t overmix, or you’ll end up with dense cruffins instead of tender ones.

Step 4: Create the cinnamon-sugar swirl magic

Roll out your dough on a lightly floured surface into a thin rectangle. Brush generously with a bit of additional melted butter, then sprinkle your cinnamon-sugar mixture (1 tablespoon cinnamon mixed with ¼ cup sugar) evenly across the whole surface. This is where the real flavor happens—be generous with that filling.

Step 5: Form and place your cruffins

Roll the dough tightly into a log, then slice it into even sections—you should get about 12 pieces. Place each spiral upright into your prepared muffin cups, with the swirls facing up so they stay visible as they bake.

Step 6: Bake until golden perfection

Bake for 15–20 minutes, until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean. The cruffins should feel set but still have a little give when you gently press the top.

Step 7: Cool and enjoy the unwinding ritual

Let them cool in the pan for about 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Once they’re cool enough to handle, you can actually unwind those cinnamon-sugar spirals—this is hands-down the best part for kids and adults alike.

Substitutions for Your Gluten-Free Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins

Dairy-free butter option

If you need these cruffins dairy-free, swap the unsalted butter for vegan butter or coconut oil in a 1:1 ratio. Your dairy-free gluten-free cinnamon sugar cruffins will bake up just as tender, and honestly, no one will know the difference. The eggs still provide binding and richness, so don’t skip them.

Brown sugar variation

Brown sugar creates a deeper, molassier flavor in the cinnamon-sugar filling. Use the same amount as regular sugar, and you’ll get a slightly chewier crumb. This swap is especially lovely if you’re making these gluten-free cinnamon sugar cruffins for a holiday brunch where you want that warm spice note to really shine.

All-purpose gluten-free flour blends

If your favorite blend already contains xanthan gum (most do), use it straight up. Some blends work beautifully; others need a tiny adjustment—add ⅛ teaspoon extra baking powder if your cruffins seem too dense after baking. That’s the great thing about this gluten-free cinnamon sugar cruffins recipe: it’s flexible enough to work with what you have on hand.

Egg-free adaptation

Substitute 2 large eggs with ½ cup unsweetened applesauce or a commercial egg replacer. Your texture will be slightly less custardy, but these gluten-free cinnamon sugar cruffins will still taste wonderful. This makes the recipe accessible for families managing multiple dietary needs at once.

If you’re exploring more gluten-free baking, check out our complete beginner-friendly muffin collection or try our easy dairy-free variations for other breakfast ideas. You might also love our protein-packed egg-based recipes—perfect for when you want a savory morning option.

Troubleshooting On Gluten-Free Krusteaz Recipes

Cruffins turned out too dense

This usually means one thing: overmixing the batter. Gluten-free flours lose their structure faster than regular flour, so stir just until the dry and wet ingredients combine. Next time, count to yourself as you stir and stop as soon as you don’t see streaks anymore.

The filling leaked out during baking

You might have rolled the dough too thin or the filling wasn’t spread evenly. Try rolling slightly thicker next time and make sure that cinnamon-sugar mixture stays in the center of the dough. It’s okay if a little leaks—those caramelized bits on the pan are bonus crunch.

Cruffins are dry

This gluten-free cinnamon sugar cruffins recipe relies on not overbaking. Check them at 15 minutes—every oven runs a bit differently. If they’re brown but still feel soft when you press the top, they’re probably perfect. You want them just set, not completely firm.

They stuck to the liners

Make sure your liners are fully inserted and pressed into the pan before baking. Also, let them cool in the pan for at least 5 minutes before peeling away the liners. The structure needs time to set enough to handle the gentle removal.

Storage and Meal Prep for Gluten-Free Cruffins

Short-term storage

Keep your gluten-free cinnamon sugar cruffins in an airtight container on the counter for up to 2 days. They actually taste better on day two when the crumb has set just right. If you need them to last longer, pop them in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Freezing for later

These cruffins freeze beautifully! Wrap each one individually in parchment paper, then place them in a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months, and you can thaw them at room temperature or warm them gently in a 300°F oven for about 8 minutes. This makes these gluten-free cinnamon sugar cruffins perfect for meal-prepping busy mornings.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

For gluten-free Christmas brunch

Arrange your warm cruffins on a pretty platter and serve them with whipped cream, a drizzle of maple syrup, or even a light dusting of powdered sugar. They pair beautifully with fresh berries, yogurt, and a hot cup of coffee or tea—basically, everything you’d want for a cozy holiday breakfast.

Kid-friendly presentation

Kids absolutely love being able to unwind the spirals themselves. Serve these gluten-free cinnamon sugar cruffins slightly warm, and let everyone make the unwinding part of the eating experience. It’s the kind of interactive breakfast that makes mornings feel special.

Afternoon snack option

You know, these work wonderfully as an afternoon pick-me-up too. Pair a cruffin with a small glass of milk or a warm latte for that mid-day treat that doesn’t feel heavy. The almond flour keeps these more satisfying than a typical muffin.

Variations and Dietary Adjustments

Kid-friendly cruffins without extra sweetness

If you have little ones who prefer less sugar, reduce the cinnamon-sugar filling to 2 tablespoons total. These gluten-free cinnamon sugar cruffins will still have wonderful flavor from the cinnamon, but they’ll be less tooth-achingly sweet. Parents of sensitive palates, this one’s for you.

Apple pie-spiced cruffins

Swap half the cinnamon for a mix that includes ¼ teaspoon each of nutmeg and allspice. Add a tiny pinch of cardamom if you’re feeling fancy. This variation transforms your gluten-free cinnamon sugar cruffins into something that tastes like fall in pastry form.

Double chocolate twist

Mix 2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder into your dry ingredients and add ¼ cup mini chocolate chips to the filling. These chocolate-studded cruffins are still naturally gluten-free but feel completely indulgent. Your family might just request these more than the classic version.

Pumpkin spice adventure

Replace ¼ cup of the gluten-free all-purpose flour with pumpkin pie spice blend and add ¼ cup pumpkin puree to your wet ingredients. These gluten-free cinnamon sugar cruffins take on a seasonal twist that’s perfect for fall gatherings. It’s a simple hack that completely transforms the flavor profile.

FAQs About Gluten-Free Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins

Final Tips for Success

Well, after making these gluten-free cinnamon sugar cruffins dozens of times, I’ve learned a few tricks. Use room-temperature eggs for better incorporation, and don’t skip the vanilla—it adds invisible depth that makes people ask what your secret is. Most importantly, don’t stress about perfection. These cruffins are incredibly forgiving, and even “imperfect” ones taste amazing.

These gluten-free cinnamon sugar cruffins have become my go-to recipe for making busy mornings feel special, and I can’t wait for you to experience that same joy in your kitchen. Happy baking!