Easy Cruffins with Crescent Rolls
Get ready to indulge in the delightful world of Cruffins—a scrumptious fusion of croissants and muffins that will elevate your breakfast or brunch game! These flaky, buttery treats are shaped like muffins but boast the irresistible layers of a croissant, making them the perfect pastry for any occasion. And the best part? We’re using crescent roll dough to make this recipe super simple and quick, so you can enjoy bakery-quality cruffins right from your oven in under an hour!
Whether you’re hosting friends, planning a festive breakfast, or just craving something special with your coffee, this cruffin recipe is your answer. Let’s dive into the magic of making these delicious pastries!
What You’ll Need
Before we get started, gather these essential tools to make the process smooth and enjoyable:
- Muffin tin (standard size)
- Rolling pin
- Pastry brush
- Sharp knife or pizza cutter
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Silicone spatula or spoon
- Wire cooling rack
Ingredients for Your Cruffins
- 2 cans of refrigerated crescent roll dough (8 oz each)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
- Filling of choice: Nutella, fruit preserves, or cream cheese (optional)
How to Make Easy Cruffins Step-by-Step
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease your muffin tin or line it with muffin liners for easy removal.
Step 2: Roll Out the Dough
Unroll the crescent dough and pinch the perforations together to create a seamless sheet. Use your rolling pin to gently flatten the dough, making it nice and even.
Step 3: Add Filling and Roll
Brush the entire surface with melted butter, then sprinkle generously with cinnamon sugar. If you’re feeling adventurous, spread a thin layer of Nutella, jam, or cream cheese on top for an extra flavor boost.
Step 4: Slice and Twist
Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the dough lengthwise into 1-inch wide strips. Roll each strip into a tight spiral, then cut the spiral in half lengthwise to expose those beautiful layers. Twist each half and coil it into a muffin shape.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Place each twisted dough piece into a muffin cup. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and puffed up. Let them cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar before serving if you like!
Variations to Try
The beauty of cruffins lies in their versatility! Here are some delicious ideas to customize your cruffins:
- Chocolate Lovers: Spread a layer of Nutella or sprinkle in chocolate chips before rolling.
- Fruity Flavors: Use raspberry jam, apricot preserves, or lemon curd for a refreshing twist.
- Creamy Indulgence: A dollop of sweetened cream cheese or mascarpone can elevate the richness.
- Nutty Crunch: Add finely chopped nuts like pecans, walnuts, or almonds for a delightful texture.
- Spice It Up: Experiment with pumpkin spice, apple pie spice, or cardamom instead of cinnamon.
- Savory Option: Skip the sugar and use garlic butter, shredded cheese, or cooked bacon for a brunch-style cruffin.
Feel free to mix and match fillings to create a variety of flavors in one batch!
Cooking Notes
When baking cruffins, remember not to overfill your muffin tin. The dough will puff up significantly, so leaving some space prevents overflow. Roll and twist the dough firmly but gently to keep those flaky layers intact.
For a richer flavor, consider using European-style butter, which has a higher fat content and enhances both texture and taste. If your cruffins start to brown too quickly, tent them with foil halfway through baking.
Let them rest in the tin for a few minutes after baking, but transfer them to a cooling rack while still warm to maintain a crisp exterior. If you’re serving them later, reheat in the oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes to revive their freshness.
Serving Suggestions
Cruffins are best enjoyed warm, either plain or with a light dusting of powdered sugar. Pair them with fresh fruit and a cup of coffee or tea for a comforting breakfast. They also make a lovely accompaniment to a mimosa or cappuccino for brunch!
If you’re hosting, create a cruffin platter with various flavors—some sweet, some savory—so guests can sample different kinds. A simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk drizzled on top adds an extra touch of sweetness.
For dessert, serve a warm cruffin with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce. The combination of warm pastry and cold cream is simply irresistible!
Helpful Tips
- Use Seamless Dough: If your crescent roll dough has perforations, pinch them tightly to prevent the filling from leaking.
- Butter Evenly: Spread melted butter evenly across the entire surface for consistent flavor.
- Keep Fillings Thin: A thin, even layer of filling works best to avoid oozing during rolling or baking.
- Chill If Needed: If the dough gets too soft or sticky while handling, chill it in the fridge for about 10 minutes.
- Cut with Care: Use a pizza cutter for clean, straight strips, and a sharp knife to slice spirals in half.
- Grease the Tin Well: Prevent sticking by using non-stick spray or butter, especially if you’re skipping liners.
- Don’t Skip the Twist: Exposing the layers by cutting and twisting creates that signature flaky look.
- Cool Completely: Let cruffins cool fully before storing to avoid condensation.
- Double the Batch: These go fast, so make extras for freezing!
- Add Toppings: A sprinkle of sugar, glaze, or cinnamon after baking adds visual appeal and flavor.
Timing Overview
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Cruffin – Approximate)
- Calories: 230
- Protein: 3g
- Sodium: 210mg
FAQs
Can I use puff pastry instead of crescent rolls?
Yes, but puff pastry may require more baking time and careful layering.
Can I prepare them in advance?
Absolutely! Assemble and refrigerate overnight, then bake in the morning.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 1–2 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes, just use gluten-free crescent roll dough if available.
What’s the best way to reheat them?
Warm in the oven at 300°F for 5–7 minutes.
Conclusion
Cruffins with crescent rolls are a modern marvel of pastry-making, blending simplicity with decadence. With their beautiful layers, rich flavor, and endless filling possibilities, they’re destined to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re baking for guests or treating yourself, this easy recipe delivers big on flavor and style.
Ready in just 35 minutes with minimal cleanup, cruffins offer the satisfaction of homemade baking without the hassle. So grab your dough, pick your favorite filling, and start twisting your way to pastry perfection today! 🥐✨
