Indulge in the deliciousness of homemade cruffins, a delightful fusion of flaky croissants and muffins. These buttery, spiral-shaped pastries are perfect for breakfast or as a sweet treat any time of the day. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, cruffins can be customized with your favorite fillings and are sure to impress family and friends. Follow our simple recipe to bake your own batch of cruffins today!
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup warm water
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 large egg
For Assembly:
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for spreading)
Granulated sugar (for sprinkling)
Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Directions:
Make the Dough:
Start by mixing the flour, granulated sugar, active dry yeast, and salt in a large bowl. Once combined, add the warm water, softened butter, and the large egg. Knead the mixture until a smooth dough forms, which should take about 10 minutes. Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
Roll and Shape the Dough:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air. Divide the dough into two equal portions and roll each portion into a large rectangle on a floured surface. Spread the softened butter evenly over the surface of the dough, making sure to cover it completely. Then, roll the dough tightly from one end to the other, similar to how you would make a jelly roll. After rolling, cut the dough into 1-inch wide pieces.
Form the Cruffins:
Take each piece of dough and flatten it slightly with your hands. Twist the flattened dough into a spiral shape and place the spirals into a greased muffin tin. Once all the pieces are in the tin, cover and let them rise again for about 30 minutes.
Bake the Cruffins:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Once preheated, bake the cruffins for 15-20 minutes or until they are golden brown and have risen beautifully.
Finish and Serve:
After baking, brush the warm cruffins with melted butter, sprinkle them with granulated sugar, and dust with powdered sugar for a sweet finishing touch. Allow them to cool slightly before serving.
Serving Tips:
Fresh Out of the Oven: Cruffins are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven while they are warm and buttery. Serve them as a delightful breakfast or an afternoon treat with a cup of coffee or tea.
Add a Dipping Sauce: Enhance the flavor by serving cruffins with a side of chocolate ganache, fruit preserves, or a cream cheese dip. This adds an extra layer of indulgence.
Garnish Options: Consider garnishing your cruffins with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or a drizzle of icing to elevate their presentation and flavor.
Pairing Suggestions: Pair cruffins with a variety of beverages like hot coffee, tea, or even a sparkling beverage for a festive brunch.
Storage Tips:
Room Temperature: If you plan to consume the cruffins within a day or two, store them at room temperature in an airtight container. This helps keep them fresh and prevents them from drying out.
Refrigeration: If you need to store cruffins for more than two days, place them in the refrigerator in an airtight container. However, be aware that refrigeration can slightly alter their texture, making them less flaky.
Freezing for Longer Storage: For longer storage, cruffins can be frozen. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating: To enjoy frozen or refrigerated cruffins, reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. This will help restore their flaky texture. You can also microwave them for a quick reheating option, though this may not maintain the same level of flakiness.
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FAQs:
What are cruffins?
Cruffins are a unique pastry that combines the flaky layers of a croissant with the shape of a muffin. They are made from a yeast-leavened dough that is rolled, twisted, and baked in a muffin tin, resulting in a delicious treat that can be enjoyed plain or filled with sweet fillings like chocolate, fruit preserves, or cream cheese.
How can I customize my cruffins?
There are numerous ways to customize cruffins! You can experiment with different fillings such as Nutella, fruit compotes, or flavored cream cheeses. Additionally, you can sprinkle spices like cinnamon or nutmeg in the dough or the filling for added flavor. Toppings can also be varied, with options like a drizzle of icing, fresh fruit, or chopped nuts to enhance both taste and presentation.
How should I store leftover cruffins?
Leftover cruffins can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to two days. If you want to keep them longer, place them in the refrigerator or freeze them for up to 2-3 months. When ready to enjoy, reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to restore their flakiness.
Can I make cruffins ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare cruffins ahead of time! After shaping the cruffins and placing them in the muffin tin, you can cover and refrigerate them overnight before baking. This allows for an easy morning treat with minimal prep. Just allow them to rise at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking if they were refrigerated!
Conclusion:
Cruffins are a delightful addition to any pastry repertoire, combining the best of both croissants and muffins. Whether enjoyed plain or filled with your favorite ingredients, these treats are sure to impress. So why not whip up a batch today? Your family and friends will thank you!
📖 Recipe:
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Cruffins
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes (including rising time)
- Yield: 12 cruffins
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
If you’re on the lookout for a delightful pastry that combines the flaky goodness of a croissant with the comforting shape of a muffin, look no further than cruffins! These sweet, buttery treats are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or any time you crave something special. Here’s how to create these delectable pastries in your own kitchen.
Ingredients
For the Dough
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup warm water
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 large egg
For Assembly
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for spreading)
Granulated sugar (for sprinkling)
Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- Make the Dough: In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Add warm water, softened butter, and egg. Knead until a smooth dough forms, about 10 minutes. Cover and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Roll and Shape: Punch down the dough, divide it into two portions, and roll each into a large rectangle. Spread softened butter evenly over the dough. Roll the dough up tightly, like a jelly roll, and cut into 1-inch wide pieces.
- Form the Cruffins: Take each piece, flatten slightly, and twist into a spiral shape. Place the spirals into a greased muffin tin. Let rise again for 30 minutes.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the cruffins for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Finish: After baking, brush the cruffins with melted butter, sprinkle with granulated sugar, and dust with powdered sugar.
Notes
For best results, ensure your yeast is fresh and active.
Feel free to add fillings like chocolate, fruit preserves, or cream cheese before rolling the dough.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Pastry
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: International
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12 cruffins