Save Recipe
A cruffin combines the best qualities of a croissant and muffin into one irresistible pastry. The delicate, flaky layers wrap into a beautiful spiral shape while maintaining their buttery, tender texture. This recipe was perfected over countless early mornings in a small bakery kitchen, resulting in a pastry that brings professional quality to your home oven.
The true magic of cruffins reveals itself when shared. At a recent family gathering, these pastries disappeared within minutes, with everyone marveling at the perfectly flaky texture and rich butter flavor that permeated each delicate layer.
Key Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: Provides the ideal protein content for proper layer development. Unbleached flour offers optimal flavor
- Active dry yeast: Creates the perfect rise and texture. Fresh yeast ensures consistent results
- Warm milk: Activates the yeast and adds richness. Temperature should be 105-110°F
- European-style butter: Higher fat content creates distinct, flaky layers
- Fine sea salt: Balances flavors and controls fermentation
Method
- Prepare the Dough:
- Combine warm milk with yeast and let bloom. Mix in salt and sugar until dissolved. Gradually incorporate flour, kneading until smooth and elastic.
- Lamination:
- Roll dough into a rectangle. Spread butter evenly across surface. Fold and roll repeatedly to create distinct layers, keeping ingredients cool.
- Form and Proof:
- Cut and shape dough into spirals. Place in muffin tins. Allow to rise until puffy and doubled in size.
- Baking:
- Bake until deeply golden and layers are visibly separated. Cool briefly before finishing with preferred toppings.
Save Recipe
Quality ingredients make all the difference in this recipe. Premium European-style butter creates distinct, crispy layers that simply cannot be achieved with standard butter. This small investment elevates the entire pastry.
Serving Suggestions
Serve cruffins warm with fresh coffee for an elegant breakfast. Offer an assortment of fillings like lemon curd, pastry cream, or chocolate ganache. For brunch presentations, create a beautiful display with fresh fruits and whipped cream.
Recipe Variations
Incorporate cocoa powder for chocolate versions. Add herbs and cheese between layers for savory applications. Reduce size for bite-sized treats. Season with warming spices like cinnamon and cardamom during autumn months.
Storage Instructions
Store in airtight containers with parchment paper between layers. Best consumed within 48 hours at room temperature. Freeze individually wrapped for extended storage, reheating at 350°F until crisp.
Save Recipe
Creating perfect cruffins requires practice and attention to detail. Each batch teaches valuable lessons about dough handling and timing. The satisfaction of producing beautifully layered pastries makes the effort worthwhile.
Recipe Tips & Help
- → Can I prep the dough in advance?
- Absolutely! You can make the dough the day before and refrigerate it. Just let it warm up to room temperature before shaping the cruffins.
- → How long will these cruffins stay good?
- You can keep cruffins fresh for up to 2 days in a sealed container at room temperature. Or pop them in the freezer for up to a month.
- → What are some great fillings for cruffins?
- Sweet fillings like chocolate, jam, or lemon curd are always a hit. Savory choices like pesto, cheese, or even sun-dried tomatoes are delicious too.
- → Do I need any specific tools to bake cruffins?
- You’ll need a muffin tin and a rolling pin. A stand mixer with a dough hook can make things easier, but kneading by hand works as well.
- → Why didn’t my cruffins come out flaky?
- For that perfect flakiness, make sure your butter is soft but not melted, and roll the dough until it’s very thin. Don’t smush the layers when shaping them!