Cruffins Recipe

Have you ever bitten into a pastry that's somehow both a croissant and a muffin, with layers so flaky they practically melt in your mouth? That's the magic of cruffins; a delightful hybrid that's taken bakeries by storm. Making cruffins at home might sound intimidating, but I'm here to tell you it's easier than you think. This recipe breaks down the process into simple steps anyone can follow, even if you've never worked with laminated dough before. Whether you're planning a weekend brunch or just want to treat yourself to something special, these homemade cruffins will have everyone asking for seconds.

The beauty of cruffins lies in their versatility and that incredible texture. You get all the buttery, flaky layers of a croissant wrapped up in the convenient shape of a muffin. This recipe uses puff pastry as a shortcut, so you can skip the time-consuming lamination process while still achieving those gorgeous layers. Trust me, once you master this recipe, you'll be filling your kitchen with the aroma of fresh-baked pastries every weekend.

Background & Why This Recipe Stands Out

Cruffins became a sensation when bakeries in San Francisco started experimenting with croissant dough shaped into muffin tins. The result was an Instagram-worthy pastry that combined the best of both worlds. While traditional cruffins require making croissant dough from scratch, this recipe simplifies the process without sacrificing quality. By using store-bought puff pastry, you're cutting down hours of prep time while still creating those signature flaky layers that make cruffins so irresistible.

What makes this cruffins recipe truly stand out is its flexibility. You can keep them classic with cinnamon sugar, go decadent with Nutella, or try savory versions with cheese and herbs. The technique remains the same, but the flavor possibilities are endless. I've tested this recipe countless times to perfect the roll, cut, and twist method that creates those beautiful spiral layers. The result is bakery-style cruffins that look professional but are surprisingly simple to make at home.

Jump to:

• Background & Why This Recipe Stands Out
• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Recipe Variations & Substitutions
• Equipment Recommendations
• Storage & Meal Prep Tips
• The Secret That Changed Everything
• FAQ
• Why These Buttery Beauties Deserve a Spot in Your Recipe Box
• Related
• Pairing
• Cruffins Recipe

Ingredients

For the Base

• Frozen puff pastry (thawed according to package directions)
• Unsalted butter (melted)
• Granulated sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Egg (beaten, for egg wash)
• Whole milk

For the Filling (Optional)

• Nutella, jam, or cream cheese filling
• Chopped nuts (optional)
• Fresh berries for topping

For the Glaze

• Powdered sugar
• Milk or cream
• Vanilla extract

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace and Puff Pastry

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and generously grease a 12-cup muffin tin with butter or cooking spray.
2. Remove puff pastry sheets from the refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes until pliable but still cold.
3. Lightly flour your work surface to prevent sticking.
4. Unfold one sheet of puff pastry and gently roll it out to smooth any creases, creating a rectangle about 10x12 inches.

Step 2: Add the Cinnamon Sugar Coating

1. Brush the entire surface of the puff pastry generously with melted butter, making sure to cover every corner.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and cinnamon until well combined.
3. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the buttered pastry, pressing it gently into the dough.
4. If adding Nutella or jam, spread a thin layer over the cinnamon sugar, leaving a ½-inch border around the edges.

Step 3: Roll and Cut the Dough

1. Starting from the long edge, tightly roll the puff pastry into a log, keeping the roll as even as possible.
2. Use a sharp knife to cut the log into 6 equal pieces, each about 2 inches wide.
3. Repeat this entire process with the second sheet of puff pastry to make 12 cruffins total.
4. Don't worry if they look messy at this stage; they'll transform beautifully in the oven.

Step 4: Shape and Fill the Muffin Tin

1. Take each piece and gently stretch it upward, twisting it once or twice to create more visible layers.
2. Coil each twisted piece into a spiral and place it into a prepared muffin cup, cut side up.
3. Press down gently on the top to ensure the dough sits firmly in the cup.
4. Repeat with all remaining pieces, spacing them evenly in the muffin tin.

Step 5: Apply Egg Wash and Bake

1. Whisk together the beaten egg and milk to create a glossy egg wash.
2. Brush the top of each cruffin with the egg wash, being careful not to let it pool in the layers.
3. Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and puffed.
4. The cruffins should be crispy on the outside and fully cooked through; if they're browning too quickly, tent them with foil.

Step 6: Cool and Prepare the Glaze

1. Remove the cruffins from the oven and let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes.
2. Carefully remove each cruffin from the muffin tin and place on a wire rack to cool completely.
3. While they cool, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable.
4. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk to thin or more sugar to thicken.

Step 7: Glaze and Serve

1. Once the cruffins have cooled for about 10 minutes (still slightly warm), drizzle or dip them in the glaze.
2. If desired, sprinkle with additional cinnamon sugar, chopped nuts, or fresh berries while the glaze is still wet.
3. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving for the best presentation.
4. Serve immediately for maximum flakiness and enjoy your homemade cruffins!

Expert Cooking Tips

Getting your cruffins to turn out perfectly requires a few insider tricks that professional bakers use. Here's what I've learned from making these dozens of times.

• Keep Everything Cold Working with puff pastry requires keeping the butter layers cold. If your kitchen is warm, work quickly and consider chilling the rolled pastry for 10 minutes before cutting. Cold butter creates steam in the oven, which is what gives cruffins those beautiful flaky layers.
• Don't Overfill the Layers When adding fillings like Nutella or jam, less is more. Too much filling will ooze out during baking and prevent proper puffing. A thin, even layer is all you need for great flavor.
• The Right Twist Makes All the Difference After cutting your rolls, gently pull each piece upward to elongate it slightly, then give it one or two twists. This creates more visible spiral layers and helps the cruffins rise evenly in the muffin tin.
• Watch the Oven Temperature Puff pastry needs high heat to puff properly, but every oven is different. If your cruffins are browning too quickly on top but seem undercooked inside, reduce the temperature to 350°F and bake a bit longer.
• Timing Is Everything for Glazing Apply your glaze while the cruffins are still slightly warm; not hot, not cold. This helps the glaze set properly without making the pastry soggy or sliding off completely.

Recipe Variations & Substitutions

The basic cruffins technique opens up endless possibilities for customization. Here are some variations I love making.

• Sweet Variations Try chocolate cruffins by spreading Nutella inside and adding chocolate chips. For strawberry cruffins, use strawberry jam and top with fresh berries and cream cheese glaze. Lemon curd cruffins are perfect for spring; fill with lemon curd and dust with powdered sugar. Blueberry cruffins work beautifully with blueberry jam and a vanilla glaze.
• Savory Options Cheesy garlic cruffins are amazing for brunch; brush with garlic butter and sprinkle with parmesan and mozzarella. Herb and cheese cruffins use fresh herbs, gruyere, and a bit of black pepper. These savory cruffins pair perfectly with eggs or soup.
• Dietary Substitutions For gluten-free cruffins, use a quality gluten-free puff pastry brand; the technique remains the same. Vegan cruffins work with vegan puff pastry, plant-based butter, and an aquafaba egg wash. The results are nearly identical to the traditional version.
• Filling Ideas Beyond cinnamon sugar, try almond cream filling with sliced almonds on top, maple pecan filling for fall, or cream cheese with fruit preserves. Each filling transforms the basic cruffins into something new.

Equipment Recommendations

Having the right tools makes creating perfect cruffins much easier.

• Standard 12-cup muffin tin: Essential for shaping; non-stick works best but regular tins work fine if well-greased
• Rolling pin: Helps smooth out puff pastry and create even thickness
• Sharp knife or bench scraper: Clean cuts prevent squishing the layers
• Pastry brush: For applying butter, egg wash, and glazes evenly
• Wire cooling rack: Allows air circulation for crispy bottoms
• Mixing bowls: Various sizes for butter, sugar mixture, and glaze
• Silicone baking mat or parchment paper: Keeps your workspace clean and prevents sticking

Storage & Meal Prep Tips

Proper storage keeps your cruffins fresh and delicious for days.

• Short-Term Storage Store cooled cruffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They'll lose some crispness but remain delicious. To refresh, warm them in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes.
• Freezing Instructions Cruffins freeze beautifully for up to 2 months. Freeze them unglazed in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag. Thaw at room temperature and warm in the oven before glazing and serving.
• Make-Ahead Tips You can assemble unbaked cruffins and refrigerate them overnight. Cover the muffin tin tightly with plastic wrap. In the morning, let them sit at room temperature for 15 minutes, then brush with egg wash and bake as directed. This is perfect for holiday mornings when you want fresh pastries without the early morning work.
• Reheating for Best Results Never microwave cruffins as it makes them soggy. Instead, reheat in a 325°F oven for 5-7 minutes until warmed through. The layers will crisp up again, making them taste freshly baked.

FAQ

Why These Buttery Beauties Deserve a Spot in Your Recipe Box

Making cruffins at home is one of those accomplishments that feels almost magical. The way simple puff pastry transforms into golden, flaky spirals never gets old, and the impressed looks from family and friends are worth every minute of prep time. This recipe has become my go-to for weekend brunch, holiday mornings, and whenever I want to feel like a professional pastry chef in my own kitchen.

Once you've mastered the basic technique, you'll find yourself experimenting with different fillings and flavors. Try the Peach Pie Cruffins Recipe for a summery twist with fresh fruit and warm spices, or explore the Raspberry Cream Cheese Cruffins Recipe for an elegant combination that's perfect for special occasions. Each variation uses the same simple method you've learned here, proving that cruffins are endlessly adaptable. Whether you keep them classic or get creative, these beautiful pastries will quickly become a beloved tradition in your home.

With love from my kitchen to yours,
Taylor Monroe

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Pairing

These are my favorite dishes to serve with this cruffins recipe: