Cruffins are the perfect balance between a croissant and a muffin, offering golden, flaky layers with a light, airy texture. Their unique shape makes them an eye-catching addition to any breakfast or brunch table. Whether dusted with powdered sugar or filled with rich, creamy spreads, these buttery delights melt in your mouth with every bite. What makes Cruffins even more special is their versatility. You can keep them simple or get creative with sweet and savory fillings like Nutella, fruit jam, or even a cheese and herb mixture. No matter how you enjoy them, one thing is certain once you taste a freshly baked Cruffin, you’ll be hooked for life!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- ¾ cup warm milk
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (plus extra for greasing)
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Optional Fillings: Jam, Nutella, or custard
Directions:
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Prepare the Dough
- In a large bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
- Add sugar, salt, and flour to the yeast mixture. Knead into a smooth dough for 8–10 minutes.
- Cover the dough with a clean towel and let it rise for about an hour or until doubled in size.
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Roll and Layer
- Divide the dough into equal portions (8–10 pieces).
- Roll each piece into a thin rectangle and spread softened butter evenly over the surface.
- Roll each rectangle into a tight log and cut it lengthwise to reveal layers.
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Shape and Bake
- Coil the cut dough halves into greased muffin tins, layering the exposed edges upward to create the cruffin shape.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Allow the cruffins to proof in the tins for another 30 minutes.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown.
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Add Fillings and Serve
- Once cool, fill the cruffins with your favorite filling using a piping bag or leave them plain.
- Dust with powdered sugar for a final touch.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes Kcal: 275 kcal | Servings: 8-10 cruffins
The Origins of Cruffins
The concept of cruffins may seem modern, but it is rooted in the long-standing tradition of laminated dough pastries. Laminated dough, a key element in croissants and puff pastry, involves folding butter into the dough multiple times to create thin, flaky layers. This technique dates back centuries to classic French baking.
However, the cruffin itself rose to popularity in the early 2010s, credited to pastry chefs experimenting with croissant dough in muffin tins. The cruffin craze gained significant momentum when a bakery in San Francisco, Mr. Holmes Bakehouse, made them famous. The bakery’s signature cruffins, filled with various creams and custards, quickly became a social media sensation, leading to long lines of eager customers every morning. Today, cruffins can be found in bakeries worldwide, and many home bakers have taken on the challenge of creating their own.
What Makes Cruffins Special?
Cruffins stand out because they offer the best of both worlds. They have the sophisticated, delicate layers of a croissant but the easy-to-eat shape of a muffin. The contrast between the crisp, golden exterior and the soft, buttery interior makes every bite an indulgence.
Their versatility is another key feature. Cruffins can be enjoyed plain, but they are even better when filled with sweet or savory ingredients. Popular fillings include Nutella, fruit preserves, vanilla custard, and cream cheese frosting. On the savory side, options like cheese, pesto, or ham can turn cruffins into a delicious brunch or appetizer.
Tips for Making the Best Cruffins at Home
Although cruffins require a bit of patience, the process is well worth the effort. Here are some expert tips to ensure your homemade cruffins turn out just as delicious as those from a bakery:
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Use High-Quality Ingredients – Since butter plays a crucial role in creating flaky layers, use a high-quality unsalted butter with a rich flavor. Similarly, fresh yeast or high-quality instant yeast will give the dough the best rise.
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Chill the Dough – One of the secrets to successful laminated dough is keeping it cold. If the butter gets too soft while rolling, refrigerate the dough for a short time before continuing. This helps maintain the flaky layers.
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Roll the Dough Thinly – The thinner the dough, the more layers your cruffins will have. When rolling out the dough, aim for a very thin sheet before spreading the butter.
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Allow Proper Proofing Time – After shaping the cruffins, let them proof in the muffin tins for at least 30 minutes before baking. This step ensures a light, airy texture.
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Bake at the Right Temperature – A preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) is ideal for cruffins. The high temperature helps create a crisp exterior while keeping the inside soft.
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Experiment with Fillings and Toppings – While classic cruffins are simply dusted with powdered sugar, don’t be afraid to get creative. A drizzle of caramel, a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar, or a filling of fruit curd can take your cruffins to the next level.
Popular Variations of Cruffins
One of the best things about cruffins is their adaptability. Here are some popular variations to try:
Sweet Cruffins
- Chocolate Cruffins – Filled with melted chocolate or Nutella, these are a dream for any chocolate lover.
- Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins – Rolled in cinnamon sugar after baking, these taste like a cross between a croissant and a cinnamon roll.
- Fruit-Filled Cruffins – Add raspberry jam, lemon curd, or apple compote for a fruity burst of flavor.
- Pastry Cream Cruffins – Filled with vanilla or chocolate pastry cream, these are reminiscent of classic French desserts.
Savory Cruffins
- Cheese and Herb Cruffins – Filled with cream cheese, cheddar, or goat cheese and sprinkled with fresh herbs.
- Pesto Cruffins – A combination of basil pesto and Parmesan cheese gives these cruffins a bold, savory taste.
- Bacon and Egg Cruffins – The ultimate breakfast treat, filled with scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, and cheese.
- Garlic Butter Cruffins – Brushed with garlic butter and topped with flaky salt, perfect as a side for dinner.
Serving and Storing Cruffins
Cruffins are best enjoyed fresh and warm, straight from the oven. However, if you have leftovers, here’s how to store them:
- Room Temperature: Keep cruffins in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigeration: Not recommended, as it can make them stale faster.
- Freezing: Cruffins freeze well. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes.
To elevate your serving experience, pair cruffins with a hot beverage like coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. They also make a great addition to brunch spreads alongside fresh fruit, yogurt, and scrambled eggs.
Conclusion:
Cruffins are a testament to the creativity and innovation in modern baking. By combining the delicate, flaky layers of croissants with the convenience of muffin shapes, these pastries have become a favorite treat for many. Whether you prefer them sweet or savory, filled or plain, there’s no doubt that cruffins are a delightful indulgence.
Making cruffins at home may take some time and effort, but the reward is well worth it. By following the right techniques and experimenting with flavors, you can create a bakery-quality pastry that will impress your family and friends. So why not give it a try? Bake a batch of cruffins today and experience the magic of this unique and delicious treat!