Imagine the buttery layers of a croissant meeting the cozy shape of a muffin. That’s exactly what a cruffin is — a pastry that’s both beautiful and comforting, with endless possibilities for sweet or savory fillings. They look like something you’d pick up at a bakery on a Saturday morning, but the truth is, you can make them right at home with a bit of patience.
The first time I baked cruffins, I was surprised at how fun the process felt. Rolling, twisting, and shaping the dough almost felt like a little craft project in the kitchen. The reward? A batch of golden pastries that look impressive but taste even better.
Ingredients You’ll Need
3 cups (375 g) all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon salt
2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
3/4 cup (180 ml) warm milk
1/4 cup (60 ml) unsalted butter, melted
1 egg
For the butter layers:
1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
Optional fillings:
Cinnamon sugar
Jam or chocolate spread
Grated cheese (for a savory option)
For decorating:
Powdered sugar or melted chocolate for sweet cruffins
Flaky salt for savory cruffins
Tip: Keep your butter soft but not melted when spreading it on the dough. This helps create distinct layers without everything pooling in one spot.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Start by preparing the dough. Mix together the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast in a large bowl. Add the warm milk, melted butter, and egg, then stir until the dough begins to come together. Knead on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic, or let a stand mixer with a dough hook handle it in about half the time. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size — about 1 to 1 ½ hours.
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into six equal portions. Roll out one portion into a thin rectangle, then spread on a thin layer of softened butter. If you’d like, this is the moment to sprinkle cinnamon sugar, spread jam, or even add a savory twist like cheese. Roll the rectangle into a log and slice it lengthwise into two long strips.
Now it’s time to shape the cruffins. Twist each strip into a spiral, making sure the buttery layers face outward, then tuck them into a greased muffin tin. Repeat with the remaining portions of dough. Cover and let them rise for another 30 minutes while the oven preheats to 190°C (375°F).
Bake the cruffins for 20–25 minutes, until they’re golden brown and crisp on top. Let them cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a rack. For sweet cruffins, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with chocolate. For savory ones, a pinch of flaky salt adds the perfect finish.
Why You’ll Love These Cruffins
Cruffins are a true showstopper — flaky, buttery, and endlessly customizable. Whether you lean toward a classic cinnamon-sugar filling, a spoonful of jam, or even a savory cheese version, they’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. They’re the kind of pastry that makes you feel like a professional baker even if it’s your first try.
Practical tip: If you want to get ahead, you can prepare the dough the night before, let it rise in the fridge, and continue with shaping and baking the next morning. Fresh cruffins with coffee? Absolute perfection.
Storage and Serving
These pastries are best enjoyed the same day since the layers stay crisp and airy right out of the oven. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To bring back a bit of that fresh-baked magic, warm them in the oven for a few minutes before serving.
They’re lovely on their own, but pair them with coffee, tea, or even a hot chocolate, and you’ve got yourself a bakery-worthy moment at home.