If you adore the rich, grassy flavor of matcha and the flaky, buttery layers of a croissant but want something a bit more playful and fun, this Easy Matcha Cruffins Recipe is going to become your new favorite treat. Imagine tender puff pastry rolled with matcha sugar, baked into buttery spirals, and filled with luscious matcha milk jam — it’s like the best parts of a cronut and a muffin joined in perfect harmony. Whether for a special breakfast or an afternoon indulgence, this recipe brings together simplicity and elegance with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Easy Matcha Cruffins Recipe relies on a handful of simple yet essential ingredients that each bring something unique to the table. From the flaky puff pastry base to the fragrant matcha powder, every component plays a role in creating those irresistible layers and vibrant flavors.
- 1 sheet puff pastry (defrosted overnight): The foundation of your cruffins, providing buttery, flaky layers that puff beautifully in the oven.
- 1 tsp unsalted butter (melted + extra for greasing tin): Adds a golden richness and helps crisp the edges while preventing sticking.
- 1 Tbsp granulated cane sugar: Sprinkled over the dough to create a delightful caramelized sweetness.
- 2 tsp matcha (sifted): The star ingredient, giving the cruffins their signature bright green color and earthy flavor.
- 2 Tbsp granulated cane sugar + 1 tsp matcha (for coating): Mixed together to dust the finished cruffins, enhancing sweetness while keeping the matcha kick.
- 1 batch Matcha Milk Jam: A creamy, luscious filling that makes these cruffins truly memorable and irresistible.
How to Make Easy Matcha Cruffins Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Muffin Tin
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (191°C) so it reaches the perfect baking temperature. Lightly grease 4 wells of a muffin tin with melted butter to ensure your cruffins slide out easily once baked.
Step 2: Unroll and Butter the Puff Pastry
Carefully unravel the defrosted puff pastry, keeping it on its original parchment paper. Then, using a pastry brush, spread the melted butter evenly over the entire surface. This buttery layer is key for that flaky texture and golden finish.
Step 3: Sprinkle Matcha and Sugar
Evenly sprinkle 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar mixed with 2 teaspoons of sifted matcha over the buttered pastry sheet. This combo adds sweetness and that unmistakable green tea flavor, which will infuse the puff pastry as it bakes.
Step 4: Roll and Slice the Pastry
Starting from one end, carefully roll up the puff pastry without the parchment paper to ensure it coils tightly. Cut the rolled log in half to make two smaller rolls. Then, using a pastry wheel cutter or sharp knife, slice each roll lengthwise so the inner layers and matcha sugar stripes are exposed beautifully.
Step 5: Shape the Cruffins
Take each sliced piece and coil it up like a snail shell, making sure the swirls remain visible from the top. Place each coiled cruffin gently into the prepared muffin tin wells. Repeat until all four wells are filled.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cruffins at 375°F (191°C) for 45 to 50 minutes. The cruffins should puff up fully and turn a lovely golden brown with crisp edges. This slow bake allows all those layers to fully cook and develop incredible texture.
Step 7: Add the Finishing Touches
Once baked, remove the cruffins from the oven and immediately coat them in the remaining sugar and matcha mix for a sparkly, sweet crust. Allow them to cool completely — this step prevents the filling from melting when added.
Step 8: Fill with Matcha Milk Jam
Carefully poke a small hole at the top of each cooled cruffin and pipe about 1 tablespoon of rich, smooth Matcha Milk Jam inside. This luscious filling takes the flavor to an entirely new level — indulgent, creamy, and just a little surprising.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy
Serve these cruffins immediately to enjoy the contrast of the flaky, buttery exterior and soft, creamy filling. You’ve just made a restaurant-worthy treat that’s bound to impress!
How to Serve Easy Matcha Cruffins Recipe
Garnishes
While the matcha sugar coating and Matcha Milk Jam are stars in their own right, adding a few delicate finishing touches can really elevate your presentation. Consider dusting with extra sifted matcha powder or decorating with edible flowers for a stunning look. A light drizzle of white chocolate or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds adds a unique flair and texture contrast.
Side Dishes
These matcha cruffins pair beautifully with lightly brewed green or jasmine tea to complement their flavors. For a more indulgent snack, serve them alongside fresh fruit like ripe strawberries or tangy yuzu segments. A dollop of lightly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side can turn this into a luxurious dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these cruffins on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of extra Matcha Milk Jam for dipping, making it fun and interactive. Wrap individual cruffins in parchment tied with twine for a charming gift or party favor. For brunch, stack several on a tiered stand alongside scones and fruit for a delightful green-themed spread that everyone will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers from your batch of Easy Matcha Cruffins Recipe, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. The cruffins will maintain most of their texture, but best enjoyed fresh for maximum flakiness.
Freezing
To keep your matcha cruffins longer, place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag or airtight container. They can be frozen up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat at 325°F (160°C) in a preheated oven for about 10 minutes to bring back that crisp exterior without drying out the inside. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it softens the flaky layers and dulls the flavors.
FAQs
Can I use homemade puff pastry for this recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade puff pastry will work beautifully and give you full control over ingredients and thickness. Just ensure it’s well-chilled before beginning the recipe.
What is Matcha Milk Jam, and can I substitute it?
Matcha Milk Jam is a creamy, sweet filling infused with matcha powder, similar to a custard or thick spread. If you don’t have it on hand, you can substitute with sweetened cream cheese or custard and add a pinch of matcha powder to keep that unique flavor.
Is the recipe suitable for beginners?
Definitely! This Easy Matcha Cruffins Recipe is designed to be approachable, using pre-made puff pastry and simple steps but yielding impressive, bakery-quality results.
Can I replace granulated cane sugar with another type?
Yes, you can swap it for regular granulated sugar or even fine sugar. Just avoid powdered sugar for the coating, as it won’t caramelize quite the same way during baking.
How much matcha flavor should I expect?
The taste is wonderfully balanced — earthy and slightly bitter from the matcha powder, softened by the sweet sugar and creamy milk jam. It’s bright but harmonious, perfect for matcha lovers.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about pulling these golden green swirls out of the oven and biting into flaky layers filled with matcha goodness. This Easy Matcha Cruffins Recipe is a fantastic way to treat yourself or impress your friends with minimal fuss but maximum flavor. I can’t wait for you to try it and fall in love with every bite!
Print
Easy Matcha Cruffins Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Easy Matcha Cruffins combine flaky puff pastry with the vibrant flavor of matcha and a sweet, creamy Matcha Milk Jam filling. Perfect for a unique breakfast treat or afternoon snack, these cruffins are baked to golden perfection and filled with a luscious jam for an irresistible delight.
Ingredients
Puff Pastry Base
- 1 sheet puff pastry (defrosted overnight, preferably from Trader Joe’s)
- 1 tsp unsalted butter (melted, plus extra for greasing the muffin tin)
- 1 Tbsp granulated cane sugar
- 2 tsp matcha powder (sifted)
Coating and Filling
- 2 Tbsp granulated cane sugar
- 1 tsp matcha powder
- 1 batch Matcha Milk Jam (approximately 4 Tbsp total, 1 Tbsp per cruffin)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (191°C) to prepare for baking.
- Prepare Muffin Tin: Lightly grease four wells of a muffin tin with melted butter to prevent sticking.
- Unroll Puff Pastry: Gently unravel the defrosted puff pastry sheet, keeping it on its original parchment paper.
- Butter Puff Pastry: Use a pastry brush to evenly coat the surface of the puff pastry with the melted butter.
- Sprinkle Sugar and Matcha: Distribute granulated cane sugar and sifted matcha powder evenly over the buttered puff pastry.
- Roll Up Pastry: Carefully roll the puff pastry sheet from one end, this time removing the parchment paper as you roll.
- Cut Rolls: Slice the rolled puff pastry log in half to create two equal rolls. Then, using a pastry wheel cutter, cut each roll lengthwise to expose the layers filled with sugar and matcha.
- Form Cruffins: Coil each lengthwise cut roll like a snail and place each coil into a greased muffin tin well.
- Repeat: Continue forming and placing the remaining rolls into the muffin tin wells.
- Bake: Bake the cruffins in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Coat with Matcha Sugar: Remove from oven and carefully sprinkle or coat each cruffin with a mixture of matcha and sugar for extra flavor and presentation.
- Cool and Fill: Allow cruffins to cool completely. Then, poke a hole at the top of each and pipe in 1 tablespoon of homemade Matcha Milk Jam.
- Serve: Enjoy the cruffins immediately while fresh and flaky.
Notes
- Ensure the puff pastry is properly defrosted overnight for easy handling and best texture.
- Use a fine sieve to sift matcha powder to avoid clumps and ensure even distribution.
- Matcha Milk Jam can be made in advance and stored refrigerated for convenience.
- Be gentle when cutting and coiling the puff pastry to maintain the layers for flakiness.
- Serve fresh for the best taste and texture as puff pastry may lose crispness over time.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Japanese-inspired fusion
