Homemade Cruffins – Flaky, Buttery, and Irresistible

There’s something truly magical about the combination of a croissant and a muffin—two beloved pastries coming together in perfect harmony. If you’ve never had a cruffin before, imagine the flaky, buttery layers of a croissant, shaped like a muffin, with a crisp golden exterior and a soft, airy center. It’s a bakery-style treat that looks fancy but is surprisingly simple to make at home!

I remember the first time I tried a cruffin at a charming little bakery during a weekend getaway. It was warm, slightly crisp on the outside, and had this delicate, buttery texture that melted in my mouth. I couldn’t believe I had gone so long without tasting such a delightful pastry! That moment sparked my obsession with recreating them in my own kitchen. After many trials (and a few floured countertops), I finally perfected a homemade version that’s just as good—if not better—than any bakery cruffin.

If you love warm, flaky pastries that pair perfectly with your morning coffee or tea, you’ll fall in love with this easy homemade cruffin recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flaky and Buttery – Just like a croissant, but in a fun muffin shape!
• Easier Than You Think – No complicated techniques, just simple rolling and baking.
• Customizable – Fill them with cinnamon sugar, chocolate, or fruit preserves for extra flavor.
• Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat with coffee.
• Looks Impressive – Your family and friends will think you bought them from a fancy bakery!

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 2 ½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
• ¾ cup (180ml) warm milk
• 4 tablespoons (57g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 6 tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, softened (for laminating the dough)
• Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)

How to Make Cruffins

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by warming the milk to about 110°F (just warm to the touch, not hot). In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm milk and let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy. This step ensures your yeast is active and will help your dough rise beautifully.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Create a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture along with the vanilla extract and softened butter. Mix everything together until a rough dough forms.

Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 8-10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. You’ll know the dough is ready when it stretches slightly without tearing. If using a stand mixer, knead on medium speed for about 5 minutes with a dough hook attachment.

Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

Step 2: Roll and Laminate the Dough

Once the dough has risen, transfer it to a lightly floured surface and roll it out into a large rectangle, about 10×20 inches. Spread the softened butter evenly over the surface, making sure to cover every inch—this is what creates those signature flaky layers.

Now, roll the dough up tightly from the long side, just like you would with cinnamon rolls. You should end up with a long, buttery log.

Step 3: Shape the Cruffins

Using a sharp knife, cut the log in half lengthwise so you have two long strips with visible layers. Then, roll each strip into a spiral shape, tucking the end underneath. Place each spiral into a greased muffin tin.

Cover the muffin tin loosely with plastic wrap and let the cruffins rise again for about 30-45 minutes, until puffy.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the cruffins for 18-22 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crispy on the outside. The smell of buttery, flaky pastry filling your kitchen will be irresistible!

Let them cool for a few minutes before removing them from the tin. For an extra touch of sweetness, dust them with powdered sugar.

Helpful Tips for the Best Cruffins

• Use Room Temperature Butter – Softened butter spreads more easily, ensuring even layers.
• Don’t Skip the Second Rise – This gives the cruffins their light, airy texture.
• Make Sure to Roll Tightly – A tight roll helps create distinct flaky layers.
• Experiment with Fillings – Try adding cinnamon sugar, chocolate chips, or fruit preserves for extra flavor.
• Best Enjoyed Fresh – Cruffins are at their best the same day they’re baked, but they can be reheated for a crisp texture.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus rise time)
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours
• Yield: 6 cruffins
• Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French-inspired
• Diet: Vegetarian

Notes

• Flour Matters – Using all-purpose flour works best for a soft yet sturdy dough. Avoid using cake flour, as it lacks the necessary gluten to create flaky layers.
• Check Your Yeast – If your yeast doesn’t foam after sitting in warm milk for 5-10 minutes, it might be expired. Always use fresh yeast for the best rise.
• Rolling Tip – When rolling out the dough, try to keep it as even as possible to ensure uniform layers when baking.
• Butter Quality Counts – Since butter is a key ingredient in cruffins, using high-quality unsalted butter enhances the flavor and texture.
• Cooling is Important – Let the cruffins cool slightly before removing them from the muffin tin to prevent them from breaking apart.
• Sweet or Savory? – While cruffins are often served sweet, you can experiment with savory versions by adding cheese, herbs, or garlic butter.
• Baking Adjustments – Oven temperatures can vary, so keep an eye on your cruffins around the 18-minute mark. They should be golden brown and crisp on the outside.
• Extra Flakiness Hack – For even more layers, chill the rolled dough for 10 minutes before slicing and shaping.
• Serving Suggestion – Enjoy with coffee, tea, or a light fruit jam for the perfect pairing.

Storage Instructions

Room Temperature: Store leftover cruffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If they start to lose their crispness, pop them in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes to refresh them.

Freezing: Cruffins freeze beautifully! Wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm them in the oven at 325°F for about 10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Store-Bought Dough?

Yes! If you’re short on time, you can use pre-made croissant dough to achieve a similar effect. However, homemade dough gives the best texture and flavor.

Why Did My Cruffins Turn Out Dense?

This usually happens if the dough didn’t rise properly. Make sure your yeast is fresh, and give the dough enough time to proof.

Can I Make These the Night Before?

Absolutely! You can prepare the shaped cruffins, cover them, and let them rise overnight in the fridge. In the morning, let them come to room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.

Related Recipes

If you loved these cruffins, try these other delicious baked treats:

• Cookies and Cream Cinnamon Rolls
• The Ultimate Guide to Creamy and Delicious Overnight Oats
• Savory Chicken Crescent Rolls – Flaky, Creamy, and Perfectly Delicious
• Savory Ground Beef Empanadas – Perfectly Crispy and Irresistibly Delicious!

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like a freshly baked cruffin—flaky, buttery, and just the right amount of crisp on the outside. Whether you enjoy them plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or filled with something sweet, they’re sure to become a favorite in your home.

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