Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s something magical about the fusion of croissants and churros, and churro cruffins take that combination to a whole new level. The light, buttery layers of the cruffin are coated in a perfect blend of cinnamon and sugar, making every bite irresistible. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to make, especially if you use store-bought puff pastry! These treats look as impressive as they taste, so they’re great for impressing guests or enjoying on your own.
If you’re a fan of both cinnamon rolls and croissants, churro cruffins are a must-try. The crispy exterior gives way to a tender, flaky interior that perfectly complements the sweet cinnamon-sugar topping. Whether you’re a pastry pro or just looking for an easy yet indulgent treat, churro cruffins will quickly become a favorite.
Ingredients
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1 package of puff pastry (or croissant dough)
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1/2 cup of unsalted butter, melted
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1/2 cup of granulated sugar
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2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon
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1/4 teaspoon of salt
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a muffin tin or line it with muffin liners.
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Roll out the puff pastry or croissant dough on a clean surface. If using puff pastry, press the seams together if needed. Roll the dough into a rectangle.
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Brush the entire surface of the dough with the melted butter.
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In a small bowl, combine the sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Sprinkle this cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the buttered dough.
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Carefully roll the dough up into a tight log. Slice the log into 8 equal pieces.
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Place each slice into a muffin tin, cut-side up.
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Bake in the preheated oven for about 18-20 minutes or until the cruffins are golden brown and puffed up.
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Once baked, remove the cruffins from the tin and let them cool slightly. Optionally, you can brush them with additional melted butter and sprinkle more cinnamon-sugar on top before serving.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 8 cruffins
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Preparation time: 15 minutes
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Cook time: 18-20 minutes
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Total time: 35-40 minutes
Variations
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Chocolate Churro Cruffins: Add a few chocolate chips or chopped chocolate into the dough before rolling it up for a chocolatey twist.
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Nutella Churro Cruffins: Spread a thin layer of Nutella over the dough before sprinkling with the cinnamon-sugar mix for a creamy, indulgent filling.
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Vegan Version: Use plant-based puff pastry and swap out the butter for a vegan alternative.
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Stuffed Cruffins: Add a dollop of fruit preserves, such as raspberry or strawberry jam, in the center of each cruffin before baking for a fruity surprise.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Churro cruffins are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, store them in the fridge for up to 5 days.
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Reheating: To reheat, simply place the cruffins in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave them for 15-20 seconds, but the oven will help retain their crispiness.
FAQs
1. Can I use store-bought dough for churro cruffins?
Yes, using store-bought puff pastry or croissant dough is a great shortcut and still results in delicious cruffins.
2. How do I make churro cruffins without puff pastry?
If you don’t have puff pastry, you can use store-bought croissant dough or even biscuit dough as an alternative. The texture will differ slightly but will still be delicious.
3. Can I freeze churro cruffins?
Yes, you can freeze unbaked cruffins. Just assemble the cruffins, place them in a muffin tin, and freeze them. Once frozen, you can transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
4. How long should I bake churro cruffins?
Bake churro cruffins for 18-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and puffed up. Oven times can vary, so keep an eye on them towards the end.
5. Can I use other types of sugar for the cinnamon coating?
Yes, you can substitute brown sugar or coconut sugar for a different flavor. Brown sugar will add a bit of molasses flavor, while coconut sugar will provide a subtle caramel taste.
6. Can I make churro cruffins without cinnamon?
While cinnamon is a key flavor in churros, you can experiment with other spices like nutmeg or cardamom if you prefer.
7. Can I make these churro cruffins gluten-free?
To make churro cruffins gluten-free, simply use a gluten-free puff pastry or croissant dough. Be sure to check the other ingredients, such as the butter, to ensure they’re gluten-free as well.
8. Can I make churro cruffins ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare churro cruffins ahead of time. You can assemble them the night before and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake them the next day.
9. Can I add other fillings to churro cruffins?
Definitely! You can add chocolate, cream cheese, fruit preserves, or even a caramel filling for extra flavor.
10. Can I use a different fat instead of butter?
You can substitute butter with margarine, coconut oil, or a plant-based butter alternative if you prefer a non-dairy option.
Conclusion
Churro cruffins are a fantastic and fun treat that brings together the best aspects of croissants and churros. With their flaky, buttery layers and irresistible cinnamon-sugar coating, they’re perfect for any occasion. Whether you enjoy them for breakfast, dessert, or just a snack, churro cruffins are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.
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Churro Cruffins
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- Author: Amina
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Yield: 8 cruffins
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Churro Cruffins are a delightful hybrid of croissants and churros, offering the flaky layers of a croissant with the cinnamon-sugar sweetness of a churro. Easy to make with puff pastry, these treats are perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a snack. With a crispy exterior and soft, buttery interior, churro cruffins will become your new favorite indulgence!
Ingredients
1 package of puff pastry (or croissant dough)
1/2 cup of unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup of granulated sugar
2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon of salt
Instructions
-
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a muffin tin or line it with muffin liners.
-
Roll out the puff pastry or croissant dough on a clean surface. If using puff pastry, press seams together. Roll the dough into a rectangle.
-
Brush the entire surface of the dough with melted butter.
-
In a small bowl, mix sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the buttered dough.
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Roll the dough into a tight log and slice into 8 equal pieces.
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Place each slice in the muffin tin, cut-side up.
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Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed up.
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Remove from the tin and let cool slightly. Optionally, brush with more melted butter and sprinkle with additional cinnamon-sugar before serving.
Notes
- Tip: If using puff pastry, be sure to press the seams together to avoid openings.
- For a richer taste, brush with additional butter after baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18-20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American