Flaky Homemade Cruffins – The Ultimate Croissant-Muffin Treat

These Flaky Homemade Cruffins – The Ultimate Croissant-Muffin Treat are a stunning combination of croissant-style layers and muffin convenience. Buttery, flaky, and perfectly golden, each cruffin is a tender spiral of laminated dough baked in a muffin tin until puffed and crisp. Whether I enjoy them plain, dusted with sugar, or filled with jam or cream, cruffins make breakfast or brunch feel like a bakery experience.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how these cruffins look fancy and taste incredible, yet they’re surprisingly simple to make—especially with store-bought dough. The flaky, buttery layers puff up beautifully in the oven, and the muffin shape makes them easy to serve and enjoy. They’re versatile, fun to customize, and always impressive whether I’m making them for a weekend treat, brunch with friends, or a cozy coffee break at home.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Store-bought crescent roll dough or puff pastry (thawed if frozen)
• Unsalted butter, melted
• Granulated sugar (for rolling or dusting)
• Cinnamon (optional)
• Jam, Nutella, or pastry cream (optional filling)
• Powdered sugar (for dusting)
• Muffin tin for baking

directions

1. I preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a muffin tin.

2. I roll out the crescent dough or puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and brush it with melted butter.

3. I sprinkle the dough with sugar and cinnamon if using, then spread a thin layer of jam or filling if I want extra flavor.

4. I roll the dough tightly into a log, then cut it lengthwise to expose the layers.

5. I twist each strip into a spiral and coil it into a muffin cup, layering the exposed edges upward.

6. I bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cruffins are puffed and golden brown.

7. I let them cool for a few minutes, then dust with powdered sugar or roll in extra sugar while warm.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 6 cruffins, depending on dough size.

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Chocolate hazelnut: I spread Nutella inside before rolling for a gooey chocolate center.

• Fruit-filled: I use raspberry, strawberry, or apricot jam for a fruity cruffin twist.

• Cream cheese swirl: I add a dollop of sweetened cream cheese inside the roll before baking.

• Savory version: I skip the sugar and fill with cheese, herbs for a savory brunch option.

• Cinnamon sugar roll: I coat the baked cruffins in cinnamon sugar for a churro-inspired finish.

storage/reheating

I store leftover cruffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, I pop them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5–7 minutes to refresh the flaky texture. I don’t recommend microwaving, as it softens the layers. For longer storage, I freeze the baked cruffins, then reheat in the oven straight from frozen until warm and crisp.

FAQs

What’s the difference between a cruffin and a croissant?

A cruffin uses croissant-style dough but is shaped and baked in a muffin tin. It has the same flaky layers but with a unique muffin-style presentation.

Can I use homemade croissant dough?

Absolutely! I use homemade laminated dough if I have the time—it gives the most authentic texture and flavor.

How do I get the layers to show?

I make sure to slice the rolled dough lengthwise before coiling it—this exposes the buttery layers and helps create the signature spiral top.

Can I make cruffins ahead of time?

Yes, I shape them the night before, store them covered in the fridge, and bake them fresh in the morning.

Can I make mini cruffins?

Yes, I use a mini muffin pan and smaller strips of dough for bite-sized versions—just reduce the baking time by a few minutes.

Conclusion

These Flaky Homemade Cruffins – The Ultimate Croissant-Muffin Treat are a delightful twist on classic pastries that always impress. With buttery layers, endless filling possibilities, and a crisp golden crust, they’re the kind of treat I love baking and sharing. Whether sweet or savory, served fresh or reheated, cruffins bring bakery-quality joy to my home kitchen with ease.