Why You’ll Love How to Make Cruffins from Scratch Recipe

This cruffin recipe from Cooking with Manuela is a perfect blend of simplicity and indulgence. With a dough enriched by warm milk, eggs, and orange zest, these cruffins are not only easy to make but also bursting with flavor. The process involves minimal equipment, making it accessible for both novice and experienced bakers. The result is a batch of 12 golden, flaky pastries that are sure to impress.

Ingredients

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

2 large eggs
1 cup (235 ml) warm milk
1/2 cup (100 g) sugar
5 oz (150 g) unsalted butter, melted
Zest of 1 orange
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 packet (7.5 g) active dry yeast
4 cups (520 g) all-purpose flour
Sugar for rolling

Directions

In a large bowl, combine the eggs, warm milk, sugar, and 2 oz (60 g) of melted butter. Beat well.
Add the orange zest, salt, flour, and yeast to the mixture. Stir until the dough begins to come together.
Knead the dough for several minutes until smooth. Form into a ball and place in a lightly floured bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and a kitchen towel. Let rise in a draft-free area for about 4 hours, or until doubled in size.
Once risen, turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead briefly and divide into 6 equal parts.
Roll each piece into a thin rectangle. Brush with melted butter and tightly roll up from the shortest side.
Cut each log in half lengthwise, revealing the layers. Twist each half into a spiral and place into a greased muffin tin.
Cover and let rise for an additional 30 to 60 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until golden brown.
Remove from the oven and cool for 2 minutes. While still warm, roll each cruffin in sugar to coat.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 12 cruffins
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Inactive Time (rising): 5 hours
Baking Time: 15–18 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 5 hours and 50 minutes

Variations

Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins: After baking, brush with melted butter and roll in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar for a spiced twist.
Fruit-Filled Cruffins: Add a spoonful of jam or fresh berries between the dough layers before rolling for a fruity flavor.
Chocolate Hazelnut Cruffins: Spread a layer of chocolate hazelnut spread on the dough before rolling for a rich, nutty taste.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Keep cruffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Freezing: Wrap individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month.
Reheating: Warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes to restore flakiness.

FAQs

How can I make cruffins without yeast?

You can substitute yeast with baking powder by using 2 teaspoons of baking powder for every 1 packet of yeast. However, the texture may differ slightly, lacking the characteristic flakiness of traditional cruffins.

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier texture. Keep in mind that this may affect the rise and texture of the cruffins.

Is it necessary to let the dough rise for 4 hours?

Allowing the dough to rise for 4 hours ensures it becomes light and airy. Rushing this step may result in denser cruffins.

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

While margarine can be used, butter imparts a richer flavor and flakier texture. If using margarine, opt for one with a high fat content.

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

Grease the muffin tin thoroughly with butter or non-stick spray. Alternatively, line with parchment paper liners for easy removal.

Can I add fillings like custard or cream?

Yes, after baking, you can inject fillings like custard or whipped cream into the center of each cruffin using a piping bag.

What can I use instead of orange zest?

Lemon zest can be used as a substitute for orange zest, offering a different citrus flavor.

Are cruffins suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, this cruffin recipe is vegetarian-friendly.

Can I make the dough the night before?

Yes, prepare the dough the night before and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight. Allow it to come to room temperature before shaping and baking the next day.

How do I make cruffins vegan?

To make vegan cruffins, substitute eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water, use plant-based milk, and replace butter with vegan margarine. Note that the texture and flavor may vary.

Conclusion

Cruffins are a delightful fusion of two beloved pastries, offering a unique and delicious treat. With this straightforward recipe from Cooking with Manuela, you can enjoy the flaky, buttery goodness of cruffins right from your own kitchen. Whether for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack, these cruffins are sure to impress and satisfy.

How to Make Cruffins from Scratch

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Discover how to make cruffins from scratch with this easy-to-follow recipe. These delightful pastries combine the flaky layers of croissants with the soft texture of muffins, resulting in a treat that’s both buttery and sweet. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, cruffins are sure to impress your family and friends.

Author: Emily
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 5 hours 50 minutes
Yield: 12 cruffins
Category: Breakfast
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine the eggs, warm milk, sugar, and 2 oz (60 g) melted butter. Beat well.
Add the orange zest, salt, flour, and yeast. Mix until a dough forms.
Knead the dough for several minutes until smooth. Shape into a ball, place in a lightly floured bowl, cover, and let rise in a draft-free area for about 4 hours or until doubled in size.
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead briefly, then divide into 6 equal parts.
Roll each piece into a thin rectangle. Brush with melted butter and roll tightly from the shortest side.
Cut the log lengthwise in half. Twist each half to expose the layers and coil into a muffin shape.
Place each twisted dough into a greased muffin tin. Repeat with remaining dough.
Cover and let rise for 30 to 60 minutes.
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Bake for 15 to 18 minutes or until golden brown.
Remove and cool for 2 minutes.
While warm, roll each cruffin in sugar to coat.

Notes

For richer flavor, add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to the dough.
Use warm, not hot, milk to activate yeast properly.
Best enjoyed fresh; store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.