The Cruffin is a delightful hybrid that brings together the flaky, buttery layers of a croissant and the convenience and charm of a muffin. This elegant pastry is rolled, twisted, and baked to perfection, resulting in crisp golden edges and a soft, airy interior, made even more irresistible with a dusting of cinnamon sugar. Whether you’re serving them for brunch, enjoying them with coffee, or impressing guests with your baking skills, these Cruffins are bound to steal the show. Despite their luxurious appearance, they’re surprisingly simple to make at home with just a few ingredients. Customize them with different fillings like jam, chocolate, or even savory cheese blends for a versatile and show-stopping treat.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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2 cups strong white bread flour
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½ teaspoon salt
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2 tablespoons granulated sugar
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2 teaspoons instant yeast
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¾ cup lukewarm water
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½ cup unsalted butter, softened
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2 tablespoons cinnamon
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¼ cup caster sugar (for coating)
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Extra flour for dusting
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Butter or oil for greasing muffin tin
Directions:
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In a large bowl, mix the bread flour, salt, sugar, and yeast. Add the lukewarm water and mix until a dough forms.
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Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Let rest, covered, for 45 minutes.
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Divide the dough into 4 equal parts. Roll out each piece into a large thin rectangle.
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Spread softened butter evenly over each rectangle, then roll up tightly like a Swiss roll.
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Slice each roll in half lengthwise to expose layers. Twist each strip and coil it into a muffin shape.
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Grease a muffin tin and place each twisted coil into the cups. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes.
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the cruffins for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown and flaky.
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While still warm, roll the cruffins in a mix of caster sugar and cinnamon.
Prep Time: 25 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 8 cruffins
The Story Behind Cruffins
Cruffins—an ingenious pastry mash-up—first took the baking world by storm in the early 2010s when a Melbourne bakery introduced them as a luxurious twist on the traditional croissant. The name “Cruffin” is a portmanteau of croissant and muffin, and that’s exactly what this recipe delivers: the buttery flakiness of a croissant and the charming, individual serving size of a muffin. Since then, bakeries around the world have added their own spin to the concept, making it a beloved staple in modern patisserie. What was once an Instagram-worthy bakery indulgence can now be made in your very own kitchen—no laminator or professional oven required.
The Cruffin stands as a shining example of culinary creativity meeting classic technique. It draws from traditional French baking—croissant-style laminated dough—while adding the cozy familiarity of muffins. Its spiraled layers and sugar-dusted crown are as beautiful to look at as they are irresistible to eat.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Cruffin Recipe
This particular Cruffin recipe is not just visually appealing—it’s approachable and achievable, even for novice bakers. Unlike traditional croissant recipes that demand hours of folding and resting, this simplified method uses a quick laminated dough that doesn’t compromise on flakiness. By using softened butter instead of a cold butter block, it streamlines the process while still creating layers upon layers of tender pastry.
What makes this version stand out is the perfect balance of sweet and spiced. The cinnamon sugar coating gives each bite a cozy, nostalgic flavor—perfect for any time of year but especially comforting during the colder months. And unlike store-bought versions that often include preservatives or overly sweet fillings, this homemade Cruffin is pure, natural comfort food. You control the ingredients, the sweetness, and the experience.
A Perfect Weekend Baking Project
One of the joys of making Cruffins at home is the process itself. It’s meditative and creative—from rolling the dough to twisting each strip into a beautiful spiral. It’s the kind of recipe that encourages you to slow down and enjoy each step. Whether you’re baking solo or with loved ones, this is the perfect project for a weekend morning or cozy afternoon.
And don’t worry about fancy tools. You don’t need a stand mixer, dough sheeter, or any special pans—just a rolling pin, a muffin tin, and some patience. The final product looks like something out of a patisserie window but is lovingly homemade in your own kitchen. Plus, your home will be filled with the warm scent of cinnamon, sugar, and butter—arguably the best natural air freshener known to mankind.
Endless Variations and Customization
Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, Cruffins are a fantastic canvas for experimentation. Want to add a fruity twist? Spread a thin layer of raspberry jam or orange marmalade over the dough before rolling. Looking for decadence? Add a few mini chocolate chips or a sprinkle of brown sugar. Prefer something savory? Try adding garlic herb butter or grated cheese and chives for a breakfast version.
You can also dress them up after baking. A dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of glaze, or even a filling of custard or pastry cream injected after baking can elevate these treats to dessert-level elegance. The possibilities are endless, making this one of the most versatile pastries in your baking repertoire.
Nutritional Benefits and Portion Control
While no one claims a Cruffin is a health food, making them at home offers surprising benefits. You can control the amount of sugar and butter, use organic or gluten-free ingredients, and make just enough to serve your family without worrying about leftovers going stale. The muffin tin naturally encourages portion control, helping you enjoy a rich, satisfying pastry without overindulgence.
Additionally, because these are made fresh and don’t rely on commercial preservatives, you’re treating yourself to a higher-quality baked good than you’d typically find in supermarkets. It’s indulgence done right—balanced, intentional, and lovingly homemade.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Cruffins are incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. They’re impressive enough for brunches, holiday breakfasts, and baby showers, yet casual enough for a quiet breakfast with coffee. Kids love the soft texture and sugary topping, while adults appreciate the complexity of the laminated layers. Serve them warm with a cup of strong coffee or an afternoon tea and watch them disappear within minutes.
You can even make them a day ahead. Simply store them in an airtight container and reheat gently before serving. The texture holds up beautifully, and a quick roll in cinnamon sugar just before serving revives their fresh-from-the-oven appeal.
Beginner-Friendly Yet Impressive
Perhaps the best thing about this Cruffin recipe is that it looks much harder than it really is. Guests and family members will be amazed that you made these from scratch—and there’s no need to tell them how simple it actually was. The reward-to-effort ratio is incredibly high, and once you try this recipe, you’ll see why so many home bakers return to it again and again.
You don’t need a culinary degree to bake like a professional. With just a few pantry staples, a little patience, and a lot of love, you’ll create bakery-style magic in your own home.
Conclusion
In a world of overcomplicated recipes and overprocessed baked goods, the homemade Cruffin shines as a perfect blend of simplicity, indulgence, and artistry. It’s a pastry with a story, a purpose, and a whole lot of flavor. Whether you’re baking for guests, family, or just yourself, these Cruffins offer a little luxury in every bite—and remind us all that baking is as much about the joy of creation as it is about the delicious result. Try them once, and they’re sure to become a beloved tradition in your kitchen.