Cruffins

If you’ve ever craved the buttery, flaky texture of a croissant but wished for the convenience of a muffin, then cruffins are your dream pastry! This delightful hybrid combines the best of both worlds—soft, airy layers baked into a muffin shape, making them easy to grab and enjoy

From humble bakery origins to becoming a viral sensation, cruffins have taken the baking world by storm. They can be enjoyed in their classic cinnamon-sugar form, filled with decadent creams and jams, or even transformed into savory delights. Whether you’re a home baker looking to perfect your recipe or a pastry lover hunting for the best cruffins in town, this guide covers everything you need to know.

In this article, we’ll explore the history and rise of cruffins, step-by-step instructions for making them at home, popular variations, expert baking tips, and where to buy them. Plus, we’ll answer the most frequently asked questions about this trendy pastry.

Let’s dive into the world of cruffins and discover what makes them so irresistibly delicious!

What Are Cruffins?

The Origin of Cruffins

The cruffin craze began in 2013 when pastry chefs started experimenting with hybrid pastries. However, it was Mr. Holmes Bakehouse in San Francisco that truly popularized this flaky treat. Their signature cruffins—filled with luscious creams and dusted with sugar—quickly became an Instagram sensation, leading to long lines outside their bakery.

Since then, cruffins have spread globally, with bakeries and home bakers putting their own spin on the recipe. From simple cinnamon sugar coatings to elaborate fillings like Nutella, custard, and fruit compotes, this pastry has evolved into a versatile and beloved treat.

Definition: A Croissant-Muffin Hybrid

So, what exactly is a cruffin? Think of it as a croissant that’s been reshaped into a muffin tin. The dough is laminated—just like a croissant—to create delicate, buttery layers. Instead of rolling and baking it flat, the dough is twisted and placed into muffin molds, giving it its signature spiral shape.

The result? A golden-brown, flaky exterior with a soft, airy interior that practically melts in your mouth. Whether enjoyed plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or bursting with a rich filling, cruffins are a must-try for any pastry lover.

The Growing Popularity of Cruffins Worldwide

In recent years, cruffins have gained a loyal following across the world. Bakeries in cities like London, New York, and Melbourne now feature cruffins as a staple on their menus. Social media platforms, especially Instagram and TikTok, have fueled their popularity, with influencers sharing creative versions of the pastry.

Moreover, home bakers have embraced the trend, experimenting with different dough types, fillings, and toppings. Whether made from scratch or using store-bought puff pastry, cruffins have become a fun and rewarding baking project.

As their popularity continues to rise, so does the variety of flavors and techniques used to make them. From sweet to savory, classic to innovative, cruffins are here to stay—and this guide will help you master them!

How to Make Cruffins – A Step-by-Step Guide

Craving homemade cruffins but not sure where to start? This guide will walk you through everything you need to know—from selecting the right dough to achieving that signature flaky texture. Whether you’re using store-bought puff pastry or making croissant dough from scratch, these tips will help you bake perfect cruffins every time.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Cruffins

To create delicious cruffins, you’ll need:

Flour – All-purpose flour works well, but bread flour gives a chewier texture.
Yeast – Active dry or instant yeast is essential for a proper rise.
Milk – Helps create a soft, tender crumb.
Butter – The key to flaky layers. Use high-quality unsalted butter.
Sugar – Enhances flavor and helps with caramelization.
Salt – Balances sweetness and strengthens the dough structure.
Eggs – Add richness and structure to the dough.

If you’re short on time, store-bought puff pastry can be a great alternative. However, for an authentic bakery-style cruffin, homemade croissant dough is the way to go.

Choosing the Right Dough: Croissant vs. Puff Pastry

The type of dough you use will impact the texture of your cruffins.

Croissant Dough – This is the traditional choice, involving a labor-intensive lamination process that results in soft, layered, and buttery pastries.
Puff Pastry – A quicker option, but lacks the yeasty, bread-like texture of croissant dough. It’s still flaky and delicious, making it a great shortcut.

If you’re a beginner, using puff pastry is an excellent starting point. Once you’re comfortable, try making cruffins with homemade croissant dough for a more authentic experience.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Bake Flaky Cruffins

1. Prepare the Dough

If making from scratch, mix flour, yeast, sugar, salt, milk, and eggs. Knead the dough until smooth, then let it rise until doubled in size. If using puff pastry, move directly to the rolling step.

2. Roll and Laminate

Roll out the dough into a thin rectangle. Spread softened butter evenly over it, then fold it into layers. Repeat this process several times to create those signature flaky layers.

3. Shape the Cruffins

Slice the laminated dough into strips, roll them into tight spirals, and place them into a greased muffin tin. Let them proof until puffy and airy.

4. Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake cruffins for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown.

5. Coat or Fill

Once baked, roll them in cinnamon sugar, drizzle with icing, or inject fillings like Nutella, pastry cream, or fruit preserves.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Cruffins

Skipping the proofing process – This results in dense cruffins instead of light and flaky pastries.
Using too much butter – While butter is key, excess butter can cause the layers to separate too much.
Not rolling tightly – Loose rolls lead to uneven baking and less defined layers.

Now that you know how to make them, let’s explore some exciting variations!

Popular Cruffin Variations

One of the best things about cruffins is their versatility! Whether you prefer sweet or savory flavors, there’s a variation for everyone. Below are some of the most popular cruffin recipes that you can try.

Classic Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins

The simplest yet most beloved version, cinnamon sugar cruffins are coated in a fragrant mix of cinnamon and sugar right after baking. The contrast of the crispy exterior and soft interior makes them utterly irresistible.

How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins:

Prepare and bake cruffins following the basic recipe.
While warm, brush them with melted butter.
Roll them generously in a mix of cinnamon and sugar.

If you love cinnamon-based pastries, you might also enjoy these Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls!

Chocolate-Filled Cruffins for Dessert Lovers

For a richer treat, chocolate-filled cruffins are the way to go. You can fill them with melted chocolate, Nutella, or even chocolate pastry cream.

How to Add Chocolate Filling:

Pre-bake Method: Spread melted chocolate onto the dough before rolling and shaping.
Post-bake Method: Inject cruffins with Nutella or ganache using a piping bag.

Savory Cruffins: Cheese, Herbs, and More

Who says cruffins have to be sweet? Savory versions make an excellent breakfast or brunch option. Try incorporating:

Cheese – Parmesan, cheddar, or gouda add a bold flavor.
Herbs & Spices – Rosemary, garlic, and black pepper enhance the taste.
Bacon or Ham – For a protein-packed pastry.

For another great savory breakfast idea, check out these Breakfast Enchiladas!

Seasonal and Festive Cruffin Ideas

Pumpkin Spice Cruffins – Perfect for fall, made with pumpkin purée and warm spices.
Cranberry Orange Cruffins – A fresh citrusy twist for the holiday season.
Strawberry Cream Cruffins – Great for spring and summer, filled with strawberry jam and whipped cream.

Want another delicious seasonal treat? You might like these Pumpkin Scones.

No matter the variation, cruffins are a delightful treat that can be customized to your taste. Up next, let’s explore expert baking tips to ensure perfect results every time!

Tips for Perfecting Your Cruffin Recipe

Making cruffins at home may seem intimidating, but with the right techniques, you can achieve bakery-quality results. From getting the perfect flakiness to avoiding common baking pitfalls, these expert tips will help you create the best cruffins every time.

The Importance of Dough Lamination

Lamination is the secret to achieving light, flaky layers in cruffins. This process involves folding butter into the dough multiple times to create ultra-thin layers. Here’s how to do it right:

Use cold butter – Soft butter melts too fast and prevents proper layering.
Chill the dough between folds – This prevents the butter from leaking out.
Roll evenly – Consistent thickness ensures even baking.

Skipping or rushing this step can lead to dense cruffins instead of delicate, airy pastries.

How to Achieve the Perfect Flaky Texture

Flakiness comes from the combination of proper lamination, proofing, and baking. Follow these tips to get it just right:

Don’t overwork the dough – Too much handling destroys the layers.
Let the shaped cruffins rise properly – Underproofed dough won’t expand enough in the oven.
Bake at high heat – A temperature of 375°F (190°C) ensures a crisp exterior while keeping the inside soft.

Baking Temperatures and Timing for Best Results

Baking cruffins at the right temperature is crucial. If it’s too low, they’ll turn out soggy; too high, and they’ll burn before cooking through.

Bake at 375°F (190°C) – The ideal temperature for golden, crispy cruffins.
Check at 20 minutes – Most cruffins take 20–25 minutes to bake.
Rotate the tray halfway through – This helps them bake evenly.

By following these tips, you’ll get the perfect balance of crispiness, flakiness, and softness in your cruffins. Now, let’s explore where to find the best cruffins if you’re not in the mood to bake!

Where to Buy Cruffins or Enjoy Them Locally

Not everyone has the time to make cruffins from scratch, but that doesn’t mean you have to miss out! Many bakeries and online stores offer delicious, freshly baked cruffins. Here’s where to find them.

Best Bakeries Offering Cruffins Around the World

Some of the most famous bakeries known for their cruffins include:

Mr. Holmes Bakehouse (San Francisco & Los Angeles, USA) – The bakery that made cruffins a global trend.
Dominique Ansel Bakery (New York, USA & London, UK) – Known for innovative pastries, including cruffin variations.
Lune Croissanterie (Melbourne, Australia) – Famous for flaky, buttery laminated pastries, including unique cruffin flavors.

If you’re lucky enough to have one of these near you, a visit is highly recommended!

Online Stores That Ship Cruffins to Your Doorstep

If you don’t have a bakery nearby, don’t worry—many online stores ship cruffins nationwide.

Goldbelly – Features cruffins from popular bakeries across the U.S.
Etsy – Some artisan bakers sell homemade cruffins through Etsy.
Local bakery websites – Many independent bakeries now offer delivery services.

Ordering online is a great way to try cruffins without the hassle of baking.

Making Cruffins at Home vs. Buying from a Bakery

Should you make or buy cruffins? Here’s a quick comparison:

Homemade Cruffins	Bakery Cruffins
Takes time & effort	Ready to eat instantly
Customizable flavors	Limited selection
Costs less overall	More expensive per piece

If you love experimenting with flavors, homemade cruffins are a great option. But if you want a quick, hassle-free treat, buying from a bakery is the way to go!

Frequently Asked Questions About Cruffins

With their growing popularity, cruffins have sparked curiosity among food lovers. Whether you’re making them at home or buying from a bakery, you might have some questions. Below, we’ve answered the most common ones!

Are Cruffins the Same as Croissants?

No, but they share similarities. Cruffins are made from laminated dough—just like croissants—but they are shaped and baked in a muffin tin rather than being rolled into a crescent. This process gives them a unique, spiraled structure with a crisp, flaky exterior and a soft, layered interior.

How Long Do Cruffins Stay Fresh?

Freshly baked cruffins taste best on the same day, but they can stay fresh for:

1–2 days at room temperature when stored in an airtight container.
Up to a week in the fridge, though they may lose some crispiness.
Up to 2 months in the freezer if wrapped well in plastic and foil.

For the best texture, reheat cruffins in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes.

Can You Freeze Cruffins for Later?

Absolutely! Freezing cruffins is a great way to enjoy them later. To freeze:

Let the cruffins cool completely.
Wrap each cruffin in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag.
When ready to eat, reheat them in the oven for a fresh-baked taste.

What Are the Best Fillings for Cruffins?

The beauty of cruffins is their versatility! Some of the best fillings include:

Sweet Fillings – Nutella, pastry cream, fruit jam, caramel, or chocolate ganache.
Savory Fillings – Cheese, pesto, scrambled eggs, or garlic butter.

Want a seasonal twist? Try pumpkin spice or cranberry-orange fillings!

What is the difference between a Cruffin and a Muffin?

Although they share a similar shape, cruffins and muffins are very different:

Cruffins are made with laminated dough, creating flaky, airy layers.
Muffins use a quick bread batter, making them soft and cakey.

Think of a cruffin as a croissant in muffin form rather than a traditional muffin!

Can I Use Store-Bought Puff Pastry to Make Cruffins?

Yes! If you don’t have time to make croissant dough from scratch, store-bought puff pastry is a great alternative. While it won’t have the exact same texture as laminated croissant dough, it still creates deliciously flaky cruffins with much less effort.

To use puff pastry:

Roll it out slightly thinner for more layers.
Brush with butter, add fillings, and roll into spirals.
Bake as usual for a quick, easy treat!

How Do You Store Cruffins to Keep Them Fresh?

If you’re not eating them immediately, store cruffins properly to maintain their freshness:

Room Temperature: Keep them in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Refrigerator: Store in the fridge for up to a week but reheat before serving.
Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months and reheat when ready to eat.

Pro tip: Always reheat cruffins in an oven instead of a microwave to maintain their crispiness!

What Are the Best Toppings for Cruffins?

Toppings can take your cruffins to the next level! Some popular options include:

Powdered Sugar – A simple yet elegant touch.
Cinnamon Sugar – Classic and delicious.
Glaze or Drizzle – Vanilla, caramel, or chocolate drizzle adds extra sweetness.
Crushed Nuts – Adds crunch and flavor.

No matter how you enjoy them, cruffins are a treat worth savoring!

The Best Drinks to Pair with Cruffins

No matter how you enjoy them, cruffins taste even better when paired with the right drink. Whether you’re having a sweet or savory cruffin, the right beverage can enhance the flavors and create the perfect treat.

Best Coffee Pairings for Cruffins

Coffee and cruffins are a match made in heaven. The buttery, flaky texture of cruffins complements the boldness of coffee beautifully. Here are some top pairings:

Espresso – A strong shot of espresso balances the sweetness of a cruffin.
Cappuccino – The creamy foam adds richness, making it an excellent choice for a cinnamon sugar cruffin.
Cold Brew – If you love iced coffee, a smooth cold brew pairs wonderfully with chocolate-filled cruffins.

If you’re a coffee lover, you might also enjoy pairing cruffins with a homemade French Toast Casserole for a complete breakfast spread!