If you’ve ever craved the flakiness of a croissant and the cozy comfort of a muffin in one bite, Cruffins are the treat you need in your life. These bakery-style delights look impressive with their golden, buttery spirals and dusting of sugar, yet they’re delightfully quick and simple to make at home. With just a handful of accessible ingredients and a little kitchen magic, you’ll have a batch of Cruffins ready to wow your friends, family, or just your own sweet tooth on a cozy weekend morning.
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Puff Pastry:
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed if frozen)
Cinnamon Sugar Mixture:
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Additional:
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
- butter or nonstick spray for greasing muffin tin
How to Make Cruffins
Step 1: Prep Your Muffin Tin and Oven
Start by getting your oven preheated to 375°F and thoroughly grease your muffin tin with either butter or a good nonstick spray. This simple prep step ensures every Cruffin will pop out easily, perfectly shaped and golden.
Step 2: Roll and Butter the Puff Pastry
Lay your thawed puff pastry out on a lightly floured surface. Gently roll it out just enough to smooth any folds or creases from the package. Brush the entire surface lavishly with the melted butter—don’t skimp! This is what helps deliver a gorgeously crisp and tender pastry.
Step 3: Sprinkle the Cinnamon Sugar
Mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Sprinkle this mixture evenly all over the buttery puff pastry. Take your time so each bite ends up perfectly spiced and sweet.
Step 4: Cut and Roll the Cruffins
Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the pastry vertically into 4 long strips. Roll each strip up into a tight coil—think little cinnamon swirl rolls. Then, cut each spiral in half crosswise, giving you 8 short little rolls, which becomes the signature Cruffin “rose.”
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
With the cut side facing up, nestle each little spiral into a greased muffin cup. Pop your filled muffin tin into the oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes, until the Cruffins are puffed and deeply golden. Let them cool in the pan for just a few minutes—patience pays off here so they keep their beautiful structure—then transfer to a wire rack.
Step 6: Finish and Enjoy
If you like a touch of extra sweetness, dust the warm Cruffins with powdered sugar right before serving. The bakery-style look and melt-in-your-mouth quality make them completely irresistible!
How to Serve Cruffins
Garnishes
A classic sprinkle of powdered sugar is always a winner on Cruffins, but feel free to branch out—try a drizzle of simple glaze, a hint of citrus zest, or even a few fresh berries alongside for color and an extra pop of flavor. If you’re feeling fancy, a dollop of whipped cream never hurts!
Side Dishes
Cruffins make a fabulous centerpiece for breakfast or brunch. Pair them with a platter of fresh fruit, a hot mug of coffee or tea, or a bowl of creamy Greek yogurt. For a satisfying spread, serve alongside eggs, bacon, or a savory frittata for contrasting flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful with your presentation: stack Cruffins on a cake stand for a brunch buffet, arrange them in a pretty basket lined with a cloth napkin, or personalize each one with mini flags for a brunch party. And don’t hesitate to go beyond classic cinnamon-sugar—smear on a bit of jam, Nutella, or lemon curd before rolling for a twist everyone will remember!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have any Cruffins leftover, let them cool to room temperature before storing. Pop them into an airtight container at room temperature, and they’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to two days—just long enough to savor every last one with your morning coffee or as a sweet afternoon pick-me-up.
Freezing
Cruffins freeze beautifully! Once cooled, wrap each one individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to a month. When a craving hits, you’ll have a magical treat ready in moments.
Reheating
To revive that fresh-from-the-oven crispness, reheat Cruffins in a 350°F oven for 5 to 8 minutes. They’ll come out warm, flaky, and as delightful as the day they were baked. If you’re in a hurry, a quick zap in the microwave will do, but the oven is definitely your friend for flakiness!
FAQs
Can I make Cruffins with homemade puff pastry?
Absolutely! If you have some time and want to go the extra mile, homemade puff pastry will make your Cruffins even more incredible. Just use your favorite recipe and follow the same steps for assembling and baking.
What’s the best way to thaw frozen puff pastry?
The best method is to transfer your frozen puff pastry sheet from the freezer to the fridge and let it thaw overnight. If you’re in a rush, you can leave it out at room temperature for about 30 to 40 minutes, just until pliable but not sticky.
Can I add fillings to Cruffins before rolling?
Definitely! One of the joys of Cruffins is how customizable they are. Spread a thin layer of jam, Nutella, lemon curd, or even a bit of sweetened cream cheese on the pastry before the cinnamon sugar. Just avoid adding too much to prevent leaks or soggy bottoms.
How do I prevent my Cruffins from sticking to the pan?
A generous coating of melted butter or nonstick spray in each muffin cup is key. If you want extra insurance, you can cut little strips of parchment to create slings that will help lift the Cruffins out cleanly.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Yes, Cruffins double beautifully! Just use two sheets of puff pastry and scale your other ingredients accordingly. Bake in batches or use multiple muffin tins for a brunch feast that’s sure to impress.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly joyful about baking a tray of Cruffins—the aroma, the golden flake, the gooey swirls, and that first warm bite. I hope you give these easy, irresistible pastries a try; they’re bound to become a new favorite for both special mornings and just-because moments. Happy baking!
Print
Cruffins Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 cruffins 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cruffins are a delightful pastry hybrid that combines the flakiness of a croissant with the shape and convenience of a muffin. These cinnamon sugar cruffins are easy to make and perfect for a special breakfast treat.
Ingredients
Puff Pastry:
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed if frozen)
Cinnamon Sugar Mixture:
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Additional:
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
- butter or nonstick spray for greasing muffin tin
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease a standard muffin tin.
- Prepare the pastry: Roll out the puff pastry and brush with melted butter. Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Cut and roll: Cut the pastry into strips, roll each strip into a spiral, then cut into shorter rolls. Place in muffin cups.
- Bake: Bake for 18–22 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve: Let cool slightly, then dust with powdered sugar if desired.
Notes
- For a fun twist, add jam, Nutella, or lemon curd before rolling.
- Best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated in the oven.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cruffin
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 125mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
