Cruffins: A Unique Pastry Blend of Croissant and Muffin

Save this recipe on:

Imagine the buttery flakiness of a croissant meeting the soft, tender crumb of a muffin. That fusion is exactly what makes cruffins so irresistible. These hybrid pastries are a bakery showstopper with their swirled layers, golden crusts, and sugar-dusted tops. When baked right, cruffins puff up beautifully in muffin tins, giving you that perfect contrast of crisp outside and airy inside.

Homemade cruffins may look like something you’d only find in an upscale cafe, but they’re surprisingly simple to make with store-bought puff pastry and a few pantry staples. Whether you’re enjoying one with your morning coffee or serving them at brunch, these pastries are sure to spark conversation and cravings alike.

Why You’ll Love This Cruffins Recipe

This cruffins recipe is a perfect balance of ease and elegance. You get to enjoy all the appeal of laminated pastry without the time-consuming process of making croissant dough from scratch. The magic lies in rolling, filling, and slicing the puff pastry just right to create those signature layers.

You can customize them endlessly: cinnamon sugar, chocolate spread, fruit jams, or even savory fillings if you’re feeling bold. They’re as fun to eat as they are to look at, and even more fun to share.

What Kind of Puff Pastry Should I Use?

For the best results, opt for a high-quality, all-butter puff pastry. The richness of butter helps create a flakier, more flavorful cruffin. While some brands use shortening or other fats, butter-based pastry will give you that crisp, golden finish and a melt-in-your-mouth texture.

If you can find puff pastry sheets that are pre-rolled, you’re already one step ahead. Just be sure to thaw the pastry properly in the fridge overnight to maintain its structure and avoid tearing during assembly.

Ingredients for the Cruffins

Making cruffins is all about choosing simple ingredients that transform into something extraordinary. You don’t need a long list of complicated items to achieve this stunning pastry. Here are the essentials that bring everything together beautifully:

• Puff pastry sheets: The foundation of cruffins. Look for all-butter sheets for a rich, flaky texture.
• Granulated sugar: Used for sweetness and that beautiful sugar crust. Cinnamon sugar works great if you’re feeling classic.
• Ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and a familiar aroma, perfect for breakfast or dessert cruffins.
• Unsalted butter: Melted and brushed on for flavor and to help the sugar stick between layers.
• All-purpose flour: Just a dusting for your work surface to prevent sticking.
• Nonstick cooking spray: Ensures the cruffins release cleanly from the muffin tin.

How To Make the Cruffins

Step 1: Prepare the Puff Pastry

Begin by thawing your puff pastry sheets in the refrigerator overnight if they are frozen. Once pliable but still cold, lightly flour your surface and roll each sheet slightly thinner to even out the thickness.

Step 2: Add Butter and Sugar

Brush melted butter generously over each rolled-out puff pastry sheet. Then sprinkle a mixture of sugar and cinnamon evenly across the surface. Press gently to adhere.

Step 3: Roll and Slice

Starting from one edge, roll the pastry tightly into a log. Use a sharp knife to slice the log lengthwise down the middle, exposing the layered interior.

Step 4: Shape and Place in Tin

With the cut sides facing out, twist each half into a loose spiral, tucking the end underneath. Spray a muffin tin with nonstick spray and gently place each spiral into a muffin cup.

Step 5: Bake and Cool

Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown. Let them cool for 5 to 10 minutes in the tin before transferring to a wire rack.

Step 6: Optional Sugar Finish

While still warm, roll or dust each cruffin with more cinnamon sugar if desired. This gives them that classic bakery sparkle and an extra layer of flavor.

Serving and Storing Cruffins

Cruffins are best enjoyed fresh from the oven when the layers are crisp and the centers are still slightly warm. If you’re hosting brunch or a holiday breakfast, serve them straight from a rustic basket or lined platter for that charming, cozy touch. This recipe yields 12 cruffins, making it a perfect fit for a small gathering or family treat.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To bring back that just-baked texture, pop them in a 300°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes. They also freeze well; just let them cool completely and wrap each in plastic before freezing.

What to Serve With Cruffins?

Coffee or Espresso

A strong cup of coffee or a silky shot of espresso brings out the buttery richness of cruffins beautifully.

Fresh Berries

Balance out the sweetness with a bowl of fresh strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries.

Whipped Cream or Mascarpone

A light dollop on the side elevates the cruffin to dessert status without overpowering it.

Soft Scrambled Eggs

For a savory touch, serve your cruffins with creamy eggs on the side. It makes for a well-rounded brunch.

Citrus Salad

A refreshing citrus salad with oranges and grapefruit slices adds brightness and a zesty kick.

Chocolate Sauce

Drizzle a bit of melted chocolate or hazelnut spread over warm cruffins for an indulgent twist.

Sparkling Wine or Mimosas

If you’re entertaining, these bubbly options pair like a dream with sweet, flaky pastries.

Want More Pastry Ideas?

If you’re loving the flakiness of these cruffins, you’ll definitely want to check out some of these equally buttery and creative bakes:

• Strawberry Flaky Puff Dreams for a fruity, flaky pastry explosion.
• Old Time Oven Peach Cobbler if you’re craving warm, comforting southern-style desserts.
• Cherry Topped Coconut Macaroons when you want something chewy, sweet, and eye-catching.
• Mini Cinnamon Roll Cheesecakes for a hybrid treat that’s equally adorable and indulgent.
• Ooey Gooey Bars if you’re all about that melt-in-your-mouth richness.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you stick with cinnamon sugar, or go bold with Nutella or jam? Did you bake them tall or keep them swirled and cozy?

I love hearing how others add their own twist to these classic bakes. Questions and tips are always welcome — let’s inspire each other!

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks on Mia Recipes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for feeling great!

Print

Save this recipe on: