Cruffins are the ultimate treat for pastry lovers — a perfect blend of a flaky, buttery croissant and the charming shape of a muffin. Whether for breakfast, dessert, or a decadent snack, these layered delights are sure to impress. In this guide, you’ll learn how to make bakery-style cruffins at home, with helpful tips to get them flaky, golden, and delicious every time.
Why You’ll Love Cruffins
- Unique Texture: Crispy, flaky layers like a croissant combined with a soft, tender muffin crumb.
- Versatile: Fill with anything from jam, chocolate, or custard to cheese or savory fillings.
- Show-Stopping: Perfect for brunches, special occasions, or just treating yourself.
Ingredients for Cruffins
For the Dough:
- 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- ¾ cup warm milk
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
For Butter Layers:
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
Optional Fillings:
- Jam, Nutella, cinnamon sugar, custard, or grated cheese for savory versions
For Topping:
- Powdered sugar, melted chocolate, or flaky salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough
In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. Add warm milk, melted butter, and egg. Stir to form a rough dough, then knead on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5–6 minutes. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled in size.
2. Roll and Layer
Punch down the dough and divide it into 6 equal portions. Roll each piece into a thin rectangle as thin as possible without tearing. Spread a thin layer of softened butter evenly across each rectangle. If desired, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar, jam, or your chosen filling.
3. Shape the Cruffins
Roll each rectangle tightly into a log. Slice each log lengthwise down the middle, creating two long strips. Coil each strip with the cut layers facing outward, and place the coil into a greased muffin tin cup. Repeat with all pieces. Cover the tin and let the cruffins proof for 30 minutes.
4. Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the cruffins for 20–25 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and flaky.
5. Cool and Decorate
Remove the cruffins from the oven and cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar, drizzle with melted chocolate, or sprinkle flaky salt depending on your preference.
Tips for Perfect Cruffins
- Use Cold Butter: Keeping the butter cold while rolling helps create distinct flaky layers.
- Be Patient: Allow the dough to rise fully for a light and airy texture.
- Experiment with Fillings: Sweet or savory, from lemon curd and cream cheese frosting to pesto and sun-dried tomatoes.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the dough the night before, refrigerate it, then shape and bake fresh in the morning.
Serving and Storage
Serving: Enjoy cruffins warm for the best flakiness and buttery flavor. Pair with coffee or tea for a perfect breakfast or brunch treat. Add a drizzle of chocolate or a dusting of powdered sugar to elevate the experience.
Storage: Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days. To keep them fresh longer, wrap individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes to restore crispiness.
FAQs
Can I make cruffins ahead of time?
Yes! Let the dough rise overnight in the fridge, then shape, proof, and bake fresh the next day.
Can I use store-bought croissant dough?
Absolutely! For a quicker version, simply roll out store-bought dough and follow the shaping and baking steps.
How do I get extra flaky layers?
Keep butter cold during rolling, and chill dough between steps if needed.
Can I add savory fillings?
Definitely! Cheese, ham, or herbs make delicious savory cruffins.
Final Thoughts
Mastering cruffins at home lets you enjoy bakery-quality treats anytime, with endless options to customize flavors. Their flaky layers, buttery richness, and fun shape make cruffins a delightful addition to your baking repertoire. Give this recipe a try and watch them become a favorite in your household!