Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Irresistible Flakiness: The laminated dough creates multiple layers, resulting in a crisp and flaky texture that’s hard to resist.
Buttery Richness: Each bite offers a rich, buttery flavor, reminiscent of your favorite croissants.
Versatile Fillings: Customize your cruffins with various fillings like jam, Nutella, or custard to suit your taste preferences.
Impressive Presentation: Their elegant muffin shape and golden-brown color make them a show-stopping addition to any table.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Dough:

2 ½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
¾ cup warm milk
½ cup unsalted butter, softened (plus extra for greasing)

Optional Fillings:

Jam
Nutella
Custard

For Dusting:

Powdered sugar

Directions

Prepare the Dough:
- In a large bowl, combine the warm milk and active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
- Add the granulated sugar, salt, and all-purpose flour to the yeast mixture. Mix until a smooth dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for approximately 8–10 minutes until elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise for about an hour or until it doubles in size.
Roll and Layer:
- Once risen, punch down the dough and divide it into 8–10 equal portions.
- Roll each portion into a thin rectangle.
- Spread softened butter evenly over each rectangle.
- Optionally, add your choice of filling in the center.
- Roll each rectangle tightly into a log, then cut lengthwise to reveal the layers.
Shape and Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a muffin tin.
- Take each dough section and coil it into a muffin shape, placing the layered side facing up in the muffin tin.
- Allow the cruffins to proof in the tin for another 30 minutes.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown.
Finish and Serve:
- Once baked, remove from the oven and let them cool slightly.
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 8–10 cruffins
Prep Time: 45 minutes (including rising time)
Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes

Variations

Sweet Fillings: Incorporate fillings such as fruit jams, Nutella, or custard for added sweetness.
Savory Option: Experiment with savory fillings like cheese and herbs for a different twist.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftover cruffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Reheating: To refresh, warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes.

FAQs

What is a cruffin?

A cruffin is a hybrid pastry that combines elements of a croissant and a muffin, resulting in a flaky, buttery treat baked in a muffin tin.

Can I use store-bought puff pastry instead of making the dough from scratch?

Yes, using store-bought puff pastry can significantly reduce preparation time while still yielding delicious results.

How can I ensure my cruffins have distinct flaky layers?

Proper lamination of the dough, which involves folding and rolling with butter, is key to achieving flaky layers.

Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?

Yes, after shaping the cruffins, you can refrigerate them overnight and bake them fresh in the morning.

Are cruffins suitable for freezing?

Once baked and cooled, cruffins can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.

Can I fill cruffins with savory ingredients?

Absolutely! Savory fillings like cheese, or spinach can be used for a delightful variation.

How do I prevent the cruffins from sticking to the muffin tin?

Ensure you grease the muffin tin well or use paper liners to prevent sticking.

Can I make mini cruffins?

Yes, you can use a mini muffin tin and adjust the baking time accordingly.

What can I use instead of butter for the dough?

You can substitute butter with margarine or vegetable oil for a dairy-free version, though the texture may differ slightly.

How do I know when the cruffins are done baking?

The cruffins should be golden brown and slightly firm to the touch when done. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.

Conclusion

Cruffins are an irresistible combination of croissants and muffins, delivering a rich, buttery flavor with a light and flaky texture. This recipe gives you the flexibility to add your favorite fillings, whether sweet or savory, allowing you to customize your cruffins to suit any taste. Whether you’re baking them for breakfast, brunch, or a special occasion, these cruffins are sure to impress. With a little effort and patience, you’ll be able to enjoy these delectable pastries fresh from your own oven.