Cruffins Recipe

If you’re craving something delightfully flaky, buttery, and bursting with cinnamon sugar goodness, Cruffins are about to become your new obsession. Combining the best qualities of croissants and muffins, these charming pastries are crisp on the outside, tender within, and impossible to resist. Whether enjoyed for a special breakfast, an indulgent snack, or as the star of your next brunch, Cruffins bring a touch of Parisian magic to your kitchen—without any fuss or complicated steps. Trust me, you’ll adore how every bite strikes a perfect harmony of flavor and texture!

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • Puff Pastry:

    1 sheet puff pastry (thawed if frozen)

    Melted Butter:

    2 tablespoons

    Granulated Sugar:

    1/4 cup

    Ground Cinnamon:

    1 teaspoon

    Additional Sugar for Rolling (optional)

    Powdered Sugar for Dusting (optional)

How to Make Cruffins

Step 1: Prep Your Muffin Tin and Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F, ensuring it’s hot enough to puff up those beautiful layers. While the oven’s warming, grease a standard muffin tin generously. You really don’t want your Cruffins sticking at the crucial moment, so get into those corners!

Step 2: Roll Out the Puff Pastry

Lightly flour your work surface, then roll out your thawed puff pastry sheet into a neat rectangle. Not only does this help create even spirals, but it also ensures every cruffin has enough layers for that signature texture.

Step 3: Brush with Butter

Using a pastry brush or the back of a spoon, spread the melted butter all over the pastry rectangle. Don’t skimp—this step is what transforms each swirl into golden perfection and helps the sugar stick later on.

Step 4: Add Cinnamon Sugar

In a small bowl, mix together your granulated sugar and aromatic cinnamon. Sprinkle this cinnamon sugar generously over the buttered pastry so that every bite pops with flavor.

Step 5: Roll and Slice

Starting from a short end of the rectangle, tightly roll the pastry into a snug log, keeping everything as even as possible. Then, using a sharp knife, carefully slice the log lengthwise—this dramatic reveal exposes all those gorgeous layers that make Cruffins so irresistible.

Step 6: Shape into Spirals

With the cut sides facing out, gently roll each half into a loose spiral and tuck them into the greased muffin tin, cut side up. This way, the flaky layers can puff and crisp up beautifully as they bake.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Pop the muffin tin in your preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the Cruffins are gloriously puffed up and golden brown. Patience, here, is key. Once baked, let them cool in the pan for about five minutes—just enough to handle, but still warm.

Step 8: Sugary Finish

For an extra-special touch, roll your warm Cruffins in more sugar or dust them liberally with powdered sugar before serving. This little extra is pure magic, transforming a simple pastry into bakery-level bliss.

How to Serve Cruffins

Cruffins Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Cruffins practically beg for a pretty finish! Try a snowy dusting of powdered sugar, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or even a drizzle of melted chocolate for a decadent touch. For special occasions, top with a few candied nuts or fresh berries right before serving.

Side Dishes

For a balanced brunch, serve Cruffins with a bowl of fresh fruit salad, creamy Greek yogurt, or a bright citrus compote on the side. And of course, they pair beautifully with a cup of strong coffee or a soothing pot of black tea to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Show off your cruffins by arranging them on a cake stand, or pop them into colorful cupcake wrappers for a festive, party-ready look. For a sweet surprise, use a piping bag to fill the centers with jam, Nutella, or pastry cream before serving—your guests will love the hidden treat!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any Cruffins left (lucky you!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This helps preserve their delightful crispiness—just avoid sealing them while still warm, or you’ll lose that lovely texture.

Freezing

Cruffins freeze beautifully! Once fully cooled, wrap each one in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag for up to one month. Defrost at room temperature for a quick treat whenever a craving strikes.

Reheating

To recapture that bakery-fresh warmth, simply pop Cruffins into a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes, or until heated through. If you’re in a hurry, a few seconds in the microwave works, but the oven keeps them crisp!

FAQs

Can I add fillings to my Cruffins?

Absolutely! Before rolling up your pastry, add a layer of jam, Nutella, pastry cream, chocolate chips, or even chopped nuts. Get creative and try flavor combinations that make you happy.

Why do I need to slice the pastry log lengthwise?

This clever step exposes all the gorgeous, buttery layers inside the dough, giving Cruffins their signature swirly look and flakey texture. It’s the secret to making them extra eye-catching and decadent.

Can I make Cruffins with homemade puff pastry?

If you’re feeling ambitious, homemade puff pastry is wonderful, but store-bought works perfectly for a quick, reliable treat. The magic truly comes from the shaping and baking—not just the dough.

What’s the best way to keep Cruffins crispy?

For best texture, let them cool slightly, then store Cruffins uncovered or in a paper bag for a few hours. Seal in an airtight container after that to prevent them from drying out, but do avoid plastic when they’re warm.

Can I use other spices besides cinnamon?

Definitely! Cardamom, nutmeg, or even pumpkin pie spice can stand in for cinnamon if you want to shake things up. You can also add citrus zest or a pinch of instant espresso powder for a flavor twist.

Final Thoughts

It’s easy to see why Cruffins have become such a beloved treat—they’re beautiful, incredibly fun to make, and undeniably delicious. Whether you’re baking for yourself or sharing with friends, these swirly pastries are sure to impress. Go ahead, give Cruffins a try and make your next baking day a little more special!

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Cruffins Recipe

Cruffins Recipe

4.7 from 32 reviews

Cruffins are a delightful hybrid of croissants and muffins, featuring flaky puff pastry rolled with cinnamon sugar and baked in a muffin tin until golden brown. These sweet treats are perfect for breakfast or dessert.

  • Author: nadia
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6 cruffins
  • Category: Breakfast, Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: French-American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Puff Pastry:

1 sheet puff pastry (thawed if frozen)

Melted Butter:

2 tablespoons

Granulated Sugar:

1/4 cup

Ground Cinnamon:

1 teaspoon

Additional Sugar for Rolling (optional)

Powdered Sugar for Dusting (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a standard muffin tin.
  2. Prepare the Puff Pastry: Roll out the puff pastry sheet into a rectangle on a lightly floured surface. Brush evenly with melted butter.
  3. Make Cinnamon Sugar Mixture: In a small bowl, mix together sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle it generously over the buttered pastry.
  4. Roll the Pastry: Starting from the short end, tightly roll the pastry into a log. Slice the log lengthwise to expose the inner layers.
  5. Shape and Bake: With the cut sides facing out, roll each half into a spiral and place into the muffin tin, cut-side up. Bake for 20–25 minutes until puffed and golden brown.
  6. Cool and Serve: Let cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Optionally, roll in additional sugar while warm or dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Notes

  • You can fill cruffins with jam, Nutella, or pastry cream before rolling for a sweet surprise.
  • Try using chocolate chips or chopped nuts for extra texture.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cruffin
  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 13g
  • Saturated Fat: 4.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7.5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 22g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 10mg

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