Description
Cruffins are a delightful hybrid between a croissant and a muffin, featuring buttery, flaky layers rolled into a spiral and baked in a muffin tin. This recipe yields tender, golden-brown pastries that are perfect for breakfast or an indulgent snack, finished with a dusting of powdered sugar and a crunchy sugar coating.
Ingredients
Scale
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 large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, active dry yeast, and salt. Add the warm water, softened butter, and egg. Knead the mixture vigorously for about 10 minutes until a smooth and elastic dough forms. Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
- Roll and Shape: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough into two equal portions. On a lightly floured surface, roll each portion into a large rectangular shape. Evenly spread the softened butter over the surface of the dough rectangles. Then, tightly roll each rectangle into a jelly roll shape. Slice each roll into 1-inch wide pieces.
- Form the Cruffins: Take each 1-inch slice, flatten it slightly, and twist it gently into a spiral shape to enhance the layered effect. Place each spiral into a greased muffin tin cup. Cover and allow them to rise for another 30 minutes to puff up.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the cruffins in the oven for 15 to 20 minutes or until they turn golden brown and cooked through.
- Finish: Once baked, brush the warm cruffins with melted butter to add moisture and shine. Sprinkle granulated sugar over them for a slight crunch and finish with a dusting of powdered sugar for a sweet, decorative touch.
Notes
- Ensure the water is warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.
- For best results, use unsalted butter to control the saltiness of the dough.
- The dough should be kneaded well to develop gluten, which gives the cruffins their structure.
- Allowing the dough to rise properly ensures a light and airy texture.
- Use a sharp knife to cut the rolled dough pieces to maintain clean edges.
- The twisting of the dough pieces creates distinct flaky layers reminiscent of croissants.
- Brush with melted butter while warm to keep the cruffins soft and add flavor before adding sugar coatings.
- You can substitute powdered sugar with cinnamon sugar for a different flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-American
