Craving something delightfully flaky, sweet, and impossibly easy to make? Let me introduce you to my absolute obsession: Puff Pastry Cruffins. Layer upon golden layer, this pastry is pure magic—crisp on the outside, soft and swirled with cinnamon sugar inside, and all made from humble store-bought puff pastry. Whether you need a breakfast treat for a crowd or a quick dessert that dazzles, these cruffins are the answer. One bite, and you’ll be swooning right alongside me!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things wonderfully simple, calling for just a handful of ingredients that create layers of texture and cozy flavor. Each element works together to build that irresistible flakiness, sweet-spiced aroma, and classic pastry charm.
- Puff Pastry: The real star! Store-bought, frozen puff pastry saves time and ensures those impressive, buttery layers.
- Unsalted Butter: Softened so it spreads easily, this adds richness and helps create gorgeous pockets of flavor.
- Granulated Sugar: Sprinkled inside for a touch of sweetness and just the right amount of crunch.
- Ground Cinnamon: Infuses the cruffins with warmth and coziness—think classic cinnamon roll vibes!
- Vanilla Extract (optional): Just a dash brings extra depth and sweet bakery aroma to every bite.
- Powdered Sugar: A light dusting over the top makes these cruffins look (and taste) bakery-worthy.
- Nonstick Spray or Butter: For greasing the muffin tin and making sure your cruffins pop out perfectly intact.
How to Make Puff Pastry Cruffins
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Muffin Tin
First things first: get your oven warming up to 375°F (190°C), so it’s hot and ready by the time your cruffins are shaped. Grease a standard 6-cup muffin tin with a little butter or a quick spray of nonstick cooking spray. This prevents any sticky mishaps and gives your Puff Pastry Cruffins those crisp, golden edges.
Step 2: Roll Out the Puff Pastry
On a lightly floured surface, unfold that sheet of puff pastry. Grab your rolling pin and gently roll it out to a rectangle about 10 by 12 inches, just enough to smooth the seams while keeping those precious layers intact. You don’t need perfection here—just an even surface for even baking.
Step 3: Add Butter, Sugar, Cinnamon, and Vanilla
Spread the softened butter all over the surface of the pastry, reaching right to the edges. Sprinkle the granulated sugar and cinnamon evenly over the top (the aroma is already dreamy!). For extra flavor, dot a few drops of vanilla extract around and gently spread it out with the back of a spoon.
Step 4: Roll, Slice, and Spiral
Starting from one long edge, roll the pastry up tightly into a log, keeping the roll as even as possible. With a sharp knife, carefully slice the log in half, lengthwise—this reveals those gorgeous, cinnamon-swirled layers. Now, take each strip and gently coil it into a spiral, making sure the cut layers are facing outward, then nestle each one upright into a muffin tin cup.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden
Slide the tin into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. The Puff Pastry Cruffins will rise, separate into crisp layers, and develop a lovely golden crust. Don’t worry if the centers look a bit soft when they come out—they’ll firm up as they cool.
Step 6: Cool and Finish
Let your cruffins cool in the tin for a few minutes before carefully lifting them out. Place them on a rack and dust the tops with plenty of powdered sugar. They’re spectacular warm, but just as irresistible at room temperature.
How to Serve Puff Pastry Cruffins
Garnishes
A snowy shower of powdered sugar is classic, but you can get playful here! Try a drizzle of simple glaze (just mix powdered sugar with a little milk), a scattering of finely chopped nuts, or even a single raspberry on each for a pop of color. Each garnish adds its own little flourish to your Puff Pastry Cruffins.
Side Dishes
These cruffins are made for coffee or tea—their delicate sweetness is perfect with a robust drink. For a heartier spread, pair them with fresh fruit, creamy yogurt, or scrambled eggs to balance out the richness and turn breakfast into a celebration.
Creative Ways to Present
For a wow-worthy presentation, stack your Puff Pastry Cruffins on a tiered cake stand and sprinkle with extra cinnamon. Wrap each cruffin in a parchment paper band for a bakery-café vibe. Gifting? Tuck them into a pretty pastry box lined with tissue, and you’ll instantly brighten anyone’s day.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you—miraculously—have extras, let them cool completely before sealing them in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh at room temperature for up to two days, and still taste fabulous with their flaky texture intact.
Freezing
Puff Pastry Cruffins freeze like a dream! Once cooled, wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag or container. They’ll keep perfectly for up to a month, making future snack cravings a breeze to satisfy.
Reheating
To bring back that oven-fresh, crisp exterior, simply pop a cruffin in a 300°F oven for about 8–10 minutes (straight from the freezer, give it a couple of extra minutes). Avoid the microwave if you can—it softens the pastry and you’ll miss those irresistible layers.
FAQs
Can I use homemade puff pastry?
Absolutely! If you have a favorite homemade puff pastry recipe, these cruffins will be over-the-top good. Just make sure to keep your dough cold and work quickly to preserve those delicate, flaky layers.
What other fillings work well in Puff Pastry Cruffins?
The beauty of this recipe is that it’s endlessly adaptable! Try adding a thin swipe of chocolate spread, a spoonful of fruit jam, a sprinkle of chopped nuts, or even a little orange zest for a citrusy lift.
Why do I slice the rolled dough lengthwise?
Cutting the log lengthwise exposes those beautiful layers of cinnamon sugar and butter, which puff up into crisp, spiraled edges as they bake. It’s the secret behind that signature cruffin look!
Can I double the batch?
Definitely—just use a 12-cup muffin tin and double all the ingredients. Make sure to space them evenly for the best rise and color on each Puff Pastry Cruffin.
Do Puff Pastry Cruffins need to be served warm?
They’re divine warm from the oven, but also truly delicious at room temperature. If you want that just-baked warmth later, a few minutes in the oven does the trick.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to wow your taste buds (and maybe a few lucky friends), give these Puff Pastry Cruffins a try. With just a handful of ingredients and a swirl of cinnamon-sugar magic, you’ll have a bakery-style treat that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Happy baking!
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Puff Pastry Cruffins Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 cruffins
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and easy-to-make Puff Pastry Cruffins that are a delightful combination of flaky puff pastry, cinnamon sugar, and a hint of vanilla. These sweet treats are perfect for breakfast or as a dessert.
Ingredients
Puff Pastry:
1 sheet frozen puff pastry (thawed)
Butter Mixture:
2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened), 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Additional Items:
powdered sugar (for dusting), nonstick spray or butter (for greasing muffin tin)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 6-cup muffin tin. Roll out puff pastry and spread butter, sugar, and cinnamon. Roll, slice, and place in muffin cups.
- Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown. Let cool slightly and dust with powdered sugar.
Notes
- Try adding a glaze of powdered sugar and milk for extra sweetness.
- Experiment with fillings like chocolate spread or fruit jam for added flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, French-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cruffin
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
