Imagine the delicate flakiness of a croissant combined with the delightful convenience of a muffin, and you have cruffins! These delectable treats are the best of both worlds, offering buttery layers packed into a muffin shape. Originating from artisan bakeries, cruffins have become a trendy pastry for home bakers seeking to impress their families and guests. Whether enjoyed with a dusting of powdered sugar, a dollop of jam, or a drizzle of chocolate, cruffins are as versatile as they are irresistible. Let’s dive into this step-by-step guide to making perfect cruffins from scratch.
Ingredients
For the dough:
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast (1 packet)
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup warm milk (110°F)
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
For laminating:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (for layering)
Optional fillings and toppings:
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Nutella or fruit jam for filling
- Melted chocolate for drizzling
Preparation
Step 1: Prepare the dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
- Add eggs, softened butter, salt, and flour. Mix until the dough comes together.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5–7 minutes.
- Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1–2 hours, or until doubled in size.
Step 2: Roll and laminate the dough
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 6 equal portions.
- Roll each portion into a thin rectangle on a floured surface.
- Spread a thin layer of softened butter over each rectangle.
- Roll the dough tightly into a log, then slice the log in half lengthwise to expose the layers.
Step 3: Shape the cruffins
- Twist the sliced dough halves into spirals and tuck them into greased muffin tins, cut side up.
- Cover with a clean towel and let the cruffins rise for 30–45 minutes, until puffy.
Step 4: Bake the cruffins
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake the cruffins for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes before removing from the tins.
Step 5: Add toppings
- Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with melted chocolate.
- If desired, pipe in fillings like Nutella or fruit jam for an extra burst of flavor.
Variations
- Savory Cruffins: Add grated cheese and herbs between the layers for a savory twist.
- Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins: Sprinkle cinnamon and sugar on the buttered dough before rolling.
- Fruit-Filled Cruffins: Incorporate dried fruits or spread jam on the dough for fruity layers.
Cooking Notes
- Use room-temperature butter for easy spreading during lamination.
- Avoid overfilling the muffin tins to prevent spillage during baking.
- Cruffins are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair cruffins with coffee or tea for a cozy breakfast.
- Serve as a dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Include cruffins in a brunch spread alongside fresh fruit and yogurt.
Tips
- For even layers, roll the dough as thin as possible before spreading the butter.
- Use a sharp knife to slice the dough cleanly, preserving the lamination.
- Experiment with fillings and toppings to suit your taste preferences.
Prep Time:
2 hours (includes dough rising time)
Cooking Time:
25 minutes
Total Time:
2 hours 25 minutes
Nutritional Information (per cruffin):
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 5g
- Sodium: 200mg
FAQs
Q: Can I make cruffins without a stand mixer?
Yes! You can knead the dough by hand. It takes a little extra effort, but the results are just as delicious.
Q: How do I store leftover cruffins?
Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in a microwave for a few seconds to refresh.
Q: Can I freeze cruffins?
Absolutely! Freeze unbaked cruffins after shaping. When ready to bake, thaw, let rise, and bake as usual.
Q: What can I use if I don’t have a muffin tin?
You can bake cruffins on a parchment-lined baking sheet, but they may lose their defined shape.
Conclusion
Cruffins are a labor of love, blending the artistry of croissants with the simplicity of muffins. While they take time to prepare, the reward is a buttery, flaky pastry that’s versatile and utterly delightful. Whether you enjoy them plain, filled, or topped with a sweet glaze, cruffins are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. So, roll up your sleeves, grab your ingredients, and bring these bakery-worthy treats to life in your own kitchen!