Cruffins are the ultimate pastry mashup, combining the rich, buttery layers of a croissant with the charming form of a muffin. Whether you serve them for breakfast, dessert, or as an anytime indulgence, these flaky delights are sure to impress. In this guide, you’ll learn how to make cruffins at home, plus tips and tricks to ensure they turn out bakery-perfect every time.
Why You’ll Love These Cruffins
- Unique Texture: Flaky croissant layers meet soft muffin interiors.
- Versatile Fillings: Sweet or savory, the choice is yours—jam, Nutella, cheese, or even lemon curd.
- Elegant Look: These pastries are as pretty as they are delicious, perfect for brunches or special gatherings.
Ingredients for Homemade Cruffins
Dough:
- 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
- ¾ cup (180 ml) warm milk
- ¼ cup (60 ml) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 egg
Butter Layers:
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
Optional Fillings:
- Cinnamon sugar, jam, chocolate spread, or grated cheese
Toppings:
- Powdered sugar, melted chocolate, or flaky salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Dough
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, salt, and yeast.
- Add warm milk, melted butter, and egg. Mix until a rough dough forms.
- Knead on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes (or 5–6 minutes in a stand mixer) until smooth and elastic.
- Transfer dough to a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled in size.
- Roll, Fill, and Shape
- Punch down the risen dough and divide into 6 equal portions.
- Roll each piece into a thin rectangle. Spread a layer of softened butter.
- Add desired filling (optional), then roll tightly into a log.
- Slice the log lengthwise to expose the layers. Coil each strip into a spiral, with cut sides facing out.
- Place each cruffin into a greased muffin tin.
- Second Rise and Bake
- Cover the muffin tin lightly and let the cruffins proof for 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden and flaky.
- Cool and Top
- Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- Dust with powdered sugar, drizzle with chocolate, or sprinkle with flaky salt.
Tips for Success
- Use Cold Butter: This helps create distinct, flaky layers.
- Don’t Rush the Rise: Full proofing ensures light, airy cruffins.
- Customize: Sweet or savory, get creative with your fillings!
Serving Suggestions
- Enjoy cruffins warm from the oven for peak flakiness.
- Serve with coffee or tea for a cozy breakfast or brunch.
- Add extra flair with melted chocolate or flavored glazes.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Store at room temp in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Freeze for up to 1 month; reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes.
- Avoid refrigerating to prevent soggy layers.
- Make the dough ahead and refrigerate overnight; bring to room temp before shaping and baking.
FAQs About Cruffins
Can I make cruffins ahead of time? Yes! Prepare the dough the night before and refrigerate. Shape and bake in the morning.
Can I use store-bought croissant dough? You can use store-bought dough for a shortcut, but homemade dough gives better texture and flavor.
How do I make them extra flaky? Use cold butter, and chill the dough between steps to preserve layers.
Can I make savory cruffins? Definitely! Try fillings like cheese, ham, spinach, or pesto.
Final Thoughts Making cruffins at home is fun, rewarding, and yields an impressive pastry that everyone will love. With buttery layers, beautiful spirals, and endless flavor options, these homemade cruffins might just become your new favorite bake.