1. Prepare the Oven and Muffin Pans: Getting Ready to Bake

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Grease Muffin Pans: Spray the muffin pans generously with a non-stick spray that contains flour. This is crucial for preventing the cruffins from sticking. Alternatively, you could use liners, but this will prevent them from getting crispy on the sides.

2. Prepare the Puff Pastry: Unfolding and Layering

1. Thaw Pastry: Ensure your puff pastry is thawed according to package directions. It should be cold but pliable.
2. Unfold: Carefully unfold each of the four puff pastry sheets and lay them flat on a lightly floured work surface.
3. Set Aside: Set two of the pastry sheets aside. These will be used as the top layers.

3. Make the Cinnamon-Sugar Mixture: A Sweet and Aromatic Blend

1. Combine Sugar and Cinnamon: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup of granulated sugar and 4 tablespoons of ground cinnamon until well combined.
2. Reserve: Set aside 4 tablespoons of the cinnamon-sugar mixture for later. You’ll use this to roll the baked cruffins in for an extra layer of flavor and texture.

4. Assemble the Cruffin Layers: Building Flavor and Texture

1. Spread Butter: Using a butter knife or an offset spatula, spread ¼ cup of softened salted butter evenly onto each of the bottom two puff pastry sheets.
2. Sprinkle with Cinnamon Sugar: Generously sprinkle the larger portion of the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the buttered pastry sheets, covering the entire surface evenly.
3. Top with Pastry Sheets: Place the remaining two puff pastry sheets on top of the cinnamon-sugar-covered sheets, creating two stacks.

5. Cut and Roll the Dough: Forming the Cruffin Shape

1. Cut Strips: Use a pizza cutter or a sharp pastry wheel to cut 6 equal strips from each stack of pastry sheets. You should have a total of 12 strips.
2. Roll into Spirals: Starting at one end, roll each strip up tightly, like a cinnamon roll. Pinch the end seam to seal and ensure the roll stays closed during baking.

6. Bake the Cruffins: Achieving Golden-Brown Perfection

1. Place in Muffin Cups: Place each rolled-up strip into a greased muffin cup, spiral-side up.
2. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 to 18 minutes.
   • Check for Doneness: The cruffins are done when they are golden brown and cooked through.

7. Coat in Cinnamon Sugar: The Finishing Touch

1. Roll in Cinnamon Sugar: While the cruffins are still warm, carefully remove them from the muffin tin and immediately roll them in the remaining 4 tablespoons of cinnamon-sugar mixture that you set aside earlier.
2. Serve Immediately: Serve the Cruffins immediately for the best texture and flavor.