Cruffins are a bakery-style treat you can make at home with minimal effort and maximum payoff. With their crispy, golden exteriors and soft, spiraled centers, they deliver the rich flavor of a croissant with the convenience and charm of a muffin. Whether served for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, they’re endlessly customizable and guaranteed to impress guests—or just treat yourself.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
store-bought puff pastry or crescent roll dough (or homemade croissant dough) unsalted butter, softened granulated sugar (for rolling or sprinkling) optional: cinnamon, jam, chocolate spread, or fruit preserves optional: powdered sugar for dusting after baking
Directions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a muffin tin.
Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface into a thin rectangle.
Spread softened butter evenly over the dough.
If desired, sprinkle with sugar, cinnamon, or spread a thin layer of jam or chocolate.
Roll the dough up tightly from the long side into a log.
Slice the log in half lengthwise to expose the layers.
With the cut sides facing out, roll each half into a spiral or twist and place into a greased muffin cup.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.
Let cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Dust with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields 6–8 cruffins, depending on the size of your dough and muffin tin. Prep time: 20 minutes Bake time: 25–30 minutes Total time: 45–50 minutes
Variations
Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins: Sprinkle cinnamon and sugar inside before rolling for a classic flavor.
Jam-Filled Cruffins: Add a layer of raspberry, strawberry, or apricot jam before rolling.
Chocolate Hazelnut Cruffins: Spread Nutella or similar chocolate spread inside for a rich twist.
Lemon Sugar Cruffins: Use lemon zest and sugar for a bright, citrusy flavor.
Savory Cruffins: Fill with pesto, shredded cheese, or garlic butter for a savory version.
Almond Cruffins: Add almond paste or marzipan and top with sliced almonds.
Pumpkin Spice Cruffins: Mix in pumpkin purée and spices for a seasonal option.
Glazed Cruffins: Drizzle with icing or glaze after baking for extra sweetness.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover cruffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5–8 minutes or microwave for about 15 seconds. For longer storage, freeze baked and cooled cruffins in a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven for best texture.
FAQs
What’s the difference between a cruffin and a croissant?
A cruffin is made from croissant-like dough but baked in a muffin tin, giving it a vertical, spiral shape and crispier exterior.
Can I use store-bought puff pastry?
Yes, store-bought puff pastry or crescent roll dough is a great shortcut for making cruffins quickly and easily.
How do I keep the layers from sticking together?
Lightly dust your work surface and rolling pin with flour, and don’t skip slicing the dough in half lengthwise to expose layers before shaping.
Can I make cruffins with homemade croissant dough?
Absolutely. Using homemade dough will give you the flakiest, most authentic texture, though it’s more time-intensive.
Do I need to let the dough rise?
If using puff pastry or crescent dough, no rising is needed. For yeasted croissant dough, allow it to rise according to the recipe instructions.
Can I make them ahead of time?
Yes, you can shape the cruffins and refrigerate overnight. Bake them fresh in the morning for best results.
Why are my cruffins not puffing up?
Make sure your oven is fully preheated and avoid overfilling the muffin tins. Also, check that your dough is fresh and hasn’t warmed too much before baking.
Can I fill them after baking?
Yes, you can inject fillings like pastry cream or jam into the center after baking and cooling.
How do I make them extra crispy?
Use a light hand with the butter and fillings, and bake until deeply golden. A metal muffin tin also helps with crisping.
What toppings work best for cruffins?
Powdered sugar, a light glaze, or a simple sugar-cinnamon dusting all complement the buttery pastry well.
Conclusion
Cruffins are a show-stopping pastry that marries the sophistication of croissants with the comfort of muffins. With their buttery layers, customizable fillings, and eye-catching shape, they’re a creative way to elevate any breakfast or brunch spread. Whether you go sweet or savory, simple or filled, cruffins are sure to become a go-to favorite in your baking rotation.
Cruffins are flaky, buttery pastries made by baking croissant-style dough in muffin tins. With crisp exteriors and soft, spiraled interiors, they’re a stunning and delicious hybrid of croissants and muffins.
Author:Catherine
Prep Time:20 minutes
Cook Time:30 minutes
Total Time:50 minutes
Yield:6–8 cruffins
Category:Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
Method:Baking
Cuisine:Fusion
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
1 sheet store-bought puff pastry or crescent roll dough (or homemade croissant dough)
2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
2–3 tbsp granulated sugar (for rolling or sprinkling)
Optional: 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Optional: 2–3 tbsp jam, chocolate spread, or fruit preserves
Optional: powdered sugar for dusting after baking
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a muffin tin.
Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface into a thin rectangle.
Spread softened butter evenly over the dough.
If desired, sprinkle with sugar, cinnamon, or spread a thin layer of jam or chocolate.
Roll the dough up tightly from the long side into a log.
Slice the log in half lengthwise to expose the layers.
With the cut sides facing out, roll each half into a spiral or twist and place into a greased muffin cup.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.
Let cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Dust with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.
Notes
Use store-bought dough for a quick version or homemade croissant dough for a flakier texture.Make them sweet or savory by adjusting fillings and toppings.To get crispier layers, use a metal muffin tin and avoid overfilling.You can prep the cruffins the night before and bake them fresh in the morning.Fillings like pastry cream or jam can be added after baking for extra indulgence.
