Delicious Cruffins

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cruffins are the ultimate pastry for those who love the buttery layers of croissants but want the convenience and portability of muffins. With their delicate, flaky texture and slightly sweet flavor, these pastries are perfect for any occasion. The best part is that they’re easier to make than traditional croissants while still delivering that same satisfying, melt-in-your-mouth experience. Whether you’re baking for a special event or just treating yourself, cruffins are sure to impress!

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

• 1 tablespoon active dry yeast

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 cup warm milk

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (for brushing)

• 1 large egg

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1/2 cup brown sugar (for the filling)

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for the filling)

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

Directions

1. In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes frothy.

2. In a large bowl, mix the flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Create a well in the center and add the yeast mixture, egg, softened butter, and vanilla extract. Stir until a dough forms.

3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover with a clean towel. Let it rise for 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.

4. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out into a large rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick.

5. Brush the surface of the dough with melted butter. Mix the brown sugar and cinnamon together, then sprinkle this mixture evenly over the dough.

6. Carefully roll the dough into a tight log, then slice it into about 12 equal pieces.

7. Grease a muffin tin and place the dough slices into the cups, swirling them to fit the shape of the muffin tin.

8. Cover the muffin tin and let the dough rise for 30-45 minutes, or until the cruffins have puffed up.

9. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the cruffins for 18-22 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy on the edges.

10. Remove from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12 cruffins

• Prep time: 30 minutes (not including rising time)

• Cook time: 18-22 minutes

• Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes (including rising time)

Variations

1. Chocolate Cruffins: Add a handful of chocolate chips or chopped chocolate to the brown sugar and cinnamon filling for a rich, chocolatey twist.

2. Fruit-Filled Cruffins: Use jam or fruit preserves (like raspberry, strawberry, or apricot) as the filling for a fruity cruffin experience.

3. Lemon Cruffins: Add lemon zest to the dough and use lemon curd as a filling for a refreshing citrus flavor.

4. Nutty Cruffins: Sprinkle chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, into the sugar-cinnamon filling for added texture and flavor.

5. Vegan Cruffins: Use plant-based butter and non-dairy milk to make these cruffins vegan-friendly.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover cruffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also refrigerate them for up to 5 days.

• Reheating: Reheat cruffins in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore their flakiness. Alternatively, you can use a toaster oven or microwave for quicker reheating.

FAQs

1. Can I make cruffins without yeast?

No, yeast is crucial for giving cruffins their light, flaky texture. However, you can experiment with other types of dough, like puff pastry, for a similar effect.

2. Can I make the dough in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time. After the first rise, place the dough in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Let it come to room temperature before rolling it out.

3. Can I freeze cruffins?

Yes, you can freeze unbaked cruffins. Place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, let them rise for 30 minutes before baking.

4. Can I use a different filling for cruffins?

Absolutely! You can experiment with various fillings like Nutella, cream cheese, or caramelized apples. Be creative and tailor the flavors to your taste.

5. Do I need to use brown sugar for the filling?

Brown sugar adds a deeper, molasses-like flavor that complements the cinnamon. However, you can substitute it with granulated sugar if you prefer a lighter sweetness.

6. How can I make the cruffins extra flaky?

Make sure to use cold butter when rolling the dough, and handle the dough gently to keep the layers intact. The butter creates the layers of flakiness as it melts during baking.

7. Can I make cruffins without a muffin tin?

While a muffin tin is ideal for shaping the cruffins, you can also bake them on a baking sheet, shaping them by coiling the dough into small swirls. The shape may not be as uniform, but they’ll still be delicious.

8. Can I make cruffins with store-bought dough?

Yes, if you’re short on time, you can use store-bought croissant or puff pastry dough. Just follow the same steps for rolling, filling, and baking.

9. What can I serve with cruffins?

Cruffins are perfect on their own, but you can pair them with coffee, tea, or fresh fruit for a more complete breakfast or brunch.

10. Why are my cruffins dense instead of flaky?

If your cruffins turn out dense, it could be due to insufficient rising time or overworking the dough. Ensure the dough rises properly, and handle it gently to preserve the flaky texture.

Conclusion

These delicious cruffins are a perfect balance of buttery, flaky croissants and the easy-to-eat muffin shape. They are sure to be a hit at any gathering or as a treat for yourself. With endless variations and simple preparation, cruffins bring a fun twist to your baking repertoire. Try them today and enjoy this irresistible pastry at home!