First Step: Prepare Your Workspace and Ingredients
Start by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 12-cup muffin tin to prevent sticking. Roll out each tube of refrigerated crescent roll dough into a 12 by 16-inch rectangle, sealing any perforations by pinching the seams. Gather softened butter, sugar, spices, shredded carrots, and chopped candied walnuts to prepare the filling and topping.

Second Step: Prepare Cinnamon-Spiced Sugar Mixture and Apply Butter
In a small bowl, mix ¼ cup granulated sugar with ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and optional ground ginger for a warm, aromatic spice blend. Spread 2 tablespoons of softened butter evenly on each dough sheet, then sprinkle about a tablespoon of the spiced sugar mixture evenly over each sheet. This layer offers sweetness and spice to complement the carrot cake flavors.

Third Step: Add Fillings and Roll the Dough
Divide the shredded carrots and chopped candied walnuts equally, distributing about ¼ cup of each onto each dough sheet over the cinnamon sugar coating. Reserve some for garnish. Starting along the long edge, roll each dough sheet tightly into a log, pinching seams to seal. Cut each log in half evenly, then cut each shorter log lengthwise, resulting in four sections per dough sheet.

Fourth Step: Shape and Bake the Cruffins
Roll each section tightly into a cinnamon-roll style spiral with the layered side facing outward and tuck the ends underneath. Place each rolled cruffin upright into a muffin cup. Repeat for all pieces to fill the pan. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through, rotating the pan halfway for even baking.

Fifth Step: Coat with Sugar and Prepare Cream Cheese Glaze
Immediately after baking, gently roll each warm cruffin in granulated sugar for a sweet, slightly crunchy outer coating. Let them cool slightly while you prepare the glaze. Beat together softened butter, cream cheese, vanilla extract, confectioners’ sugar, and 2 tablespoons of milk until smooth. Adjust milk for desired glaze consistency.

Final Step: Glaze and Garnish Cruffins
Drizzle the cream cheese glaze over the warm cruffins, adding any reserved carrots and chopped walnuts for garnish if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature. For adaptations to vegan or gluten-free versions, replace ingredients accordingly while keeping the same layering and baking process.