Delicious Cruffins

The Ultimate Indulgence—flaky, buttery layers swirled with cinnamon sugar and baked to golden perfection. Cruffins are the magical lovechild of croissants and muffins, delivering the rich elegance of a croissant with the cozy, approachable charm of a muffin. Whether you’re planning a weekend brunch or looking to impress guests, these homemade Cruffins are a must-try treat that looks bakery-worthy but is surprisingly fun to make!

Why You’ll Love Homemade Cruffins

• Croissant-muffin magic: Flaky, buttery croissant dough baked in a muffin tin delivers the ultimate texture—crisp edges, tender layers, and a soft center.
• Customizable flavors: Fill them with cinnamon sugar, Nutella, fruit jam, or even cheese for savory twists. The possibilities are endless!
• Bakery vibes at home: These look super fancy, but you don’t need to be a pro baker to pull them off.
• Impressive yet easy: With a few folds and rolls, you’ll get those gorgeous layers that wow every time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredient	Amount
All-purpose flour	3 cups
Unsalted butter (cold, cubed)	1 cup (for laminating)
Granulated sugar	2 tbsp
Salt	1 tsp
Active dry yeast	2¼ tsp
Warm milk	¾ cup
Water	¼ cup
Egg	1
Optional fillings	Cinnamon sugar, jam
Optional toppings	Powdered sugar, cinnamon sugar, caramel drizzle

How to Make Cruffins

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

• In a bowl, combine warm milk, water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit until foamy (about 5-10 minutes).
• Add flour, salt, and egg. Mix until a soft dough forms. Knead for 5–8 minutes until smooth.
• Cover and let rise until doubled in size (about 1 hour).

Step 2: Laminate with Butter

• Roll out dough into a rectangle. Place slices of cold butter evenly over ⅔ of the dough.
• Fold into thirds like a letter. Rotate, roll, and repeat 3 times, chilling in between folds.

Step 3: Shape the Cruffins

• Roll out dough into a large rectangle.
• Spread your chosen filling (e.g., cinnamon sugar or Nutella).
• Roll tightly into a log, then slice lengthwise.
• Coil each piece into a spiral and place into greased muffin tins.

Step 4: Proof and Bake

• Let the cruffins rise for 30–45 minutes until puffy.
• Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown.

Step 5: Finishing Touches

• While still warm, roll in cinnamon sugar or dust with powdered sugar.
• Optional: Drizzle with caramel or melted chocolate for extra decadence.

Expert Tips for Success

• Use cold butter: This is key to achieving distinct, flaky layers in your cruffins.
• Rest between folds: Chill the dough for 20–30 minutes between laminating folds to prevent melting.
• Don’t overfill: Too much filling can leak out or prevent proper rising.
• Grease your muffin tins well: These buttery layers love to stick if the pan isn’t well-prepped.
• Let them cool slightly before removing: This helps the cruffins maintain their shape.

Health and Nutrition

Cruffins are an indulgent pastry, meant to be savored as a treat:

• Calories per cruffin: Approx. 300–400 depending on filling
• Rich in carbs and fat due to the buttery dough
• Enjoy in moderation as a luxurious weekend bake or special celebration treat

FAQs

Can I use store-bought dough for cruffins?

Yes! Crescent roll dough or puff pastry can work in a pinch, but homemade dough gives the best texture and flavor.

How long do cruffins stay fresh?

Best enjoyed the day they’re made, but they can be stored in an airtight container at room temp for up to 2 days. Reheat slightly before serving.

Can I freeze cruffins?

Yes—freeze baked cruffins for up to 1 month. Let thaw at room temp and reheat in the oven for a few minutes.

Do I need a muffin tin to make cruffins?

It’s highly recommended. Muffin tins help the dough rise vertically and maintain the signature shape.

Why are my cruffins dense?

Likely due to under-proofing or rolling too tightly. Make sure the dough rises fully before baking and avoid over-handling.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely. Prepare the dough, laminate, and chill overnight. Proceed with shaping and baking the next day.