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If you've ever craved the flakiness of a croissant but wanted something easy to make, these Delicious Cruffins are just the treat for you! They combine buttery, laminated layers with the soft, fluffy texture of a muffin, making them perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
Unlike traditional croissants, these require no complicated laminating process—just rolling, folding, and baking. With customizable sweet and savory fillings, cruffins are versatile, elegant, and unbelievably delicious!
I love making cruffins for special occasions—they look impressive, but they’re so much easier than making croissants from scratch. Plus, with different filling options, everyone gets to enjoy their favorite flavor!
Essential Ingredients for Flaky Homemade Cruffins
- All-Purpose Flour (4 cups / 500g): Creates a soft yet structured dough.
- Unsalted Butter (1 cup / 226g, softened): Adds richness and helps create the flaky layers.
- Granulated Sugar (1 cup / 200g): Adds light sweetness to balance the buttery dough.
- Whole Milk (1 cup / 240ml, warmed): Helps activate the yeast and keep the dough soft.
- Active Dry Yeast (2 tsp / 7g): Provides a light, airy rise.
- Eggs (2 large, divided): One for the dough, and one for the egg wash.
For the Filling (Choose One or Mix & Match!)
- Chocolate Chips (1 cup): For a gooey, melty center.
- Fruit Preserves (1 cup): Adds a sweet, jam-like filling.
- Cinnamon-Sugar (1 tbsp cinnamon + ¼ cup sugar): A classic warm, spiced filling.
- Cream Cheese & Honey (½ cup cream cheese + honey drizzle): For a rich, tangy contrast.
For Topping (Optional, but Highly Recommended!)
- Powdered Sugar: A light dusting makes them extra elegant.
- Melted Chocolate or Glaze: Drizzle on top for extra indulgence.
💡 Savory Variations: Try pesto & mozzarella, ham & cheese, or sun-dried tomato & feta for a savory brunch option!
Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Homemade Cruffins
- Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- Whisk together the dry ingredients – In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, salt (if using), and yeast.
- Add warm milk & egg – Make a well in the center, pour in warm milk and 1 beaten egg, and mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough – Turn onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise – Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
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- Step 2: Roll & Layer with Butter
- Roll out the dough into a large rectangle (about ¼ inch thick).
- Spread softened butter evenly over two-thirds of the dough.
- Fold the unbuttered side over the middle, then fold the other side over (like folding a letter).
- Roll it out again to ¼ inch thickness, then repeat the buttering and folding process one more time.
- Step 3: Cut & Fill the Cruffins
- Roll out the dough into a ½-inch thick rectangle, then cut into 3-inch squares.
- Add 1 tbsp of filling to the center of each square.
- Fold the corners toward the center, pinching tightly to seal the filling inside.
- Step 4: Second Rise & Baking
- Arrange in greased muffin tins – Place the filled dough pockets upright with space between them.
- Second Rise (30 minutes) – Cover with a towel and let rise until slightly puffed.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Brush with egg wash – This gives the cruffins a glossy, golden crust.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, until golden brown and flaky.
Serving & Storing Cruffins
- 🍫 Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with melted chocolate for extra indulgence.
- ☕ Pair with coffee or tea for the ultimate breakfast treat.
- 🍓 Serve with fresh fruit & whipped cream for a brunch-worthy presentation.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
- ✅ Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- ✅ Refrigerate: Keep in a sealed container for up to 5 days.
- ✅ Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
- ✅ Reheat: Warm in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes or microwave for 20 seconds.
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Final Thoughts: The Ultimate Buttery, Flaky Cruffin Recipe!
These homemade cruffins are the perfect combination of a croissant and a muffin—flaky, buttery, and endlessly customizable. Whether you're filling them with chocolate, cinnamon sugar, or a savory surprise, these beautiful pastries are guaranteed to impress.
🔥 Try them today and enjoy bakery-quality cruffins—right from your own kitchen! 🥐✨
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use homemade puff pastry?
- Yes! Homemade puff pastry will make them even more flaky and buttery.
- → How do I store cruffins?
- Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- → Can I freeze cruffins?
- Yes! Freeze baked cruffins for up to a month. Reheat in the oven before serving.
- → What else can I add to cruffins?
- Try adding fruit preserves, chocolate chips, or a drizzle of caramel.
- → Can I make these ahead of time?
- Yes, you can roll and cut the dough, then refrigerate it overnight before baking.