Delicious Cruffins

There’s something magical about the moment you bite into a cruffin—that buttery, flaky croissant texture wrapped in the compact, portable shape of a muffin. This cruffin recipe blends elegance and ease, offering bakery-style sophistication right from your home kitchen.

Originating as a trendy café treat, cruffins have become beloved for their beautiful swirled layers, crisp golden tops, and customizable flavors. Whether you crave a cinnamon sugar swirl, a decadent jam center, or even a savory cheese twist, this versatile pastry delivers every time.

Why You’ll Love These Cruffins

• Buttery Layers: Just like a croissant, with fewer steps.
• Simple Dough: No laminating, just rolling and shaping.
• Filling Options: Go sweet or savory based on your cravings.
• Freezer-Friendly: Make ahead and reheat for on-demand pastry delight.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 3 cups (375 g) all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 2¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
• ¾ cup (180 ml) warm milk
• ¼ cup (60 ml) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 egg

For the Butter Layers:

• ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened

Optional Fillings:

• Cinnamon sugar
• Jam or chocolate spread
• Grated cheese or herbs for savory versions

Toppings:

• Powdered sugar or melted chocolate
• Flaky salt for savory options

Kitchen Equipment

• Muffin tin
• Rolling pin
• Pastry brush
• Sharp knife
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk or stand mixer with dough hook

How to Make Cruffins

1. Make the Dough

In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. Add warm milk, melted butter, and egg. Stir to form a rough dough.

Knead on a lightly floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook on medium speed for 5–6 minutes.

Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1½ hours, or until doubled in size.

2. Roll and Butter the Dough

Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide into 6 equal portions.

Working one piece at a time, roll it out into a very thin rectangle—almost see-through if possible. Spread a thin layer of softened butter evenly over the surface.

Optional: Sprinkle cinnamon sugar or spread jam or Nutella at this stage.

Roll the dough tightly into a log, then slice it lengthwise to expose the layers.

3. Shape the Cruffins

Take each strip and roll it up into a spiral, like a cinnamon roll, with the cut side facing outward. Place each coil into a greased muffin tin well.

Repeat with remaining dough pieces. You’ll end up with 12 cruffins total.

Cover loosely and let them rise for another 30 minutes while you preheat the oven.

4. Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until puffed and deeply golden brown. The layers should have a lovely crisp edge, especially at the top.

Let them cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

5. Add Finishing Touches

Once slightly cooled, dust sweet cruffins with powdered sugar, drizzle with melted chocolate, or even pipe in a filling like jam or cream cheese.

For savory ones, finish with flaky salt, cheese, or herbs.

Flavor Ideas & Variations

• Sweet Fillings:
  • Cinnamon sugar + butter
  • Raspberry jam or lemon curd
  • Nutella + chopped hazelnuts
• Savory Fillings:
  • Pesto + mozzarella
  • Garlic butter + parmesan
  • Crumbled bacon + cheddar
• Glaze Options:
  • Vanilla glaze with citrus zest
  • Chocolate ganache drizzle
  • Maple icing

Tips for Success

• Thin Rolling: The thinner the dough, the more defined your layers will be. Don’t worry if it seems almost too thin—it’s perfect!
• Use Softened, Not Melted Butter: It spreads evenly and gives flaky separation.
• Watch the Oven: Each oven varies—start checking at 18 minutes for doneness.
• Make Ahead: Shape and refrigerate overnight. Bring to room temp and bake fresh in the morning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! After the first rise, refrigerate it overnight and proceed with rolling and shaping the next day.

Can I use puff pastry instead?
You can—it’s a shortcut, but won’t have quite the same rich flavor or rise as homemade dough.

How do I store leftovers?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or freeze and reheat in the oven to restore crispness.

Can I make mini cruffins?
Absolutely! Use a mini muffin tin and shorten bake time to 12–15 minutes.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re new to baking or just looking to try something dazzling and different, cruffins are your next go-to project. Buttery and flaky with eye-catching swirls, they offer endless creativity in flavors and finishes. Perfect for brunch, gifting, or just treating yourself to something really special.

Enjoy these stunning little spirals of pastry happiness—because your mornings (and dessert hours) deserve a bit of elegance.

The Goods