Name: Homemade Cruffins Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 28 min
Total time: 4 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup (240ml) whole milk, warmed to about 110°F (43°C); 2 and 1/4 teaspoons (7g) instant or active dry yeast (1 standard packet); 3 Tablespoons (38g) granulated sugar; 3 Tablespoons (43g) unsalted or salted butter, softened to room temperature and cut into 3 pieces; 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled), plus more as needed; 1 and 1/4 teaspoons salt; 1 cup (16 Tbsp; 226g) salted butter, slightly softened (ideally European-style butter); 1 Tablespoon all-purpose flour; 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar; 1 Tablespoon ground cinnamon; Optional fillings: 6 Tablespoons Nutella, jam, lemon curd, or pastry cream

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 1 review

If you’ve ever wished for a flaky, buttery pastry that combines the best qualities of a croissant and a muffin, look no further. This Homemade Cruffins Recipe is your golden ticket to creating an irresistible, layered treat that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or any time you crave something spectacular. Bursting with cinnamon sugar and optional fillings like Nutella or jam, these charming pastries boast a tender, buttery crumb wrapped in delicate, crisp layers. I’m beyond excited to share this delightful recipe with you—once you try it, cruffins will become one of your go-to indulgences!

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up of a single pastry slice showing multiple soft, flaky layers of light golden brown dough swirled with a darker cinnamon spice layer. The center is filled with smooth, melted milk chocolate that oozes slightly into the soft dough. The top has a light dusting of cinnamon sugar, giving it a slightly textured, sugary crust. The pastry sits on a white marbled surface, highlighting its warm color and rich filling. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

With surprisingly simple ingredients, this recipe lets the quality of each component shine. Every item plays a crucial role in creating that buttery, flaky texture and the sweet, spiced finish that makes this Homemade Cruffins Recipe so special.

Whole milk (1 cup): Warmed just right to activate the yeast and create tender dough.
Instant or active dry yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons): Gives the dough its perfect rise and lightness.
Granulated sugar (3 tablespoons + ¾ cup): Adds subtle sweetness to the dough and a crunchy coating to the finished cruffins.
Butter, softened and salted (for dough and lamination): The heart of flakiness and rich flavor; softened butter is important for easy incorporation and layers.
All-purpose flour (3 cups + 1 tablespoon): The foundation of the dough and lamination mixture, providing structure.
Salt (1 ¼ teaspoons): Balances sweetness and enhances flavor throughout.
Cinnamon (1 tablespoon): Pairs beautifully with sugar for that cozy, warming spice.
Optional fillings (Nutella, jam, lemon curd, pastry cream): Customize your cruffins with delightful surprises inside.

How to Make Homemade Cruffins Recipe

Step 1: Activate Yeast and Begin Dough

Start by whisking warm milk, yeast, and sugar until the yeast wakes up and becomes foamy on top. This bubbly mixture is the foundation for your dough’s light, airy structure, so don’t rush this step—it usually takes about 5 minutes.

Step 2: Add Butter, Flour, and Salt

Mix in softened butter, a good portion of flour, and salt, then beat on medium speed to combine. The butter should still be in small chunks—it’s a good sign, as these pockets of fat create those dreamy flaky layers later. Gradually add the remaining flour until your dough forms softly and just pulls away from the bowl.

Step 3: Knead the Dough

Give your dough a solid 5-minute knead, either in the mixer or by hand on a lightly floured surface. A well-kneaded dough stretches nicely without tearing, passing the “windowpane test” and setting you up for a magnificent rise and texture.

Step 4: First Rise

Coat a large bowl with oil, place the dough inside, and cover it tightly. Leave it in a warm spot to rise until nearly doubled in size—about 2 hours. This resting period is where the dough develops its character and fluffiness.

Step 5: Shape and Chill Dough

After gently deflating the dough, roll it into a rectangle on a silicone baking mat or parchment. Pop it in the refrigerator for 20 minutes to rest. This cool-down helps relax the gluten and makes the lamination process smoother.

Step 6: Prepare the Lamination Butter

Beat slightly softened salted butter with flour until smooth. This mixture will be folded into your dough to create those signature layers, so getting the consistency right is key.

Step 7: Laminate the Dough – First Fold

Spread the butter mixture down the dough’s center third, fold one edge over it, then the other edge on top, sealing the edges carefully. Roll out the folded dough, then fold it like a business letter once more. Chill for 20 minutes to firm up the layers.

Step 8: Second and Third Laminations

Repeat the rolling and folding process two more times, resting in the fridge for 20 minutes between folds. These laminations build the irresistible flaky layers that make this Homemade Cruffins Recipe stand out.

Step 9: Cut, Roll, and Fill

Divide the dough into thirds, roll each part out, then sprinkle liberally with cinnamon sugar. Cut into strips, stack and roll them into spirals before placing each roll into a greased muffin cup. If you want fillings, you’ll add them after baking.

Step 10: Final Rise and Bake

Let your shaped cruffins rise for about an hour until puffy and almost doubled. Then bake at 350°F (177°C) for 25-28 minutes until golden and cooked through. A quick temperature check of around 200°F (93°C) inside confirms perfection!

Step 11: Coat and Fill

While still warm but handleable, roll the cruffins in cinnamon sugar for that extra sweet crunch. If you want to fill them, use a piping bag to gently insert your favorite filling inside each pastry.

How to Serve Homemade Cruffins Recipe

The image shows six cinnamon sugar pastries shaped like roses arranged closely on a round white plate. Each pastry has multiple light brown to golden layers spiraled to form a flower shape, with a dusting of cinnamon sugar giving the surface a slightly grainy texture. Small, dark chocolate swirls sit at the center of some of the rose shapes, adding a glossy contrast. The plate is set on a white marbled surface, with a green cloth partially visible on the bottom left. In the background, there is a glass mug filled with coffee topped with light foam, slightly out of focus, adding warmth to the scene. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Simple is often best! A dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of glaze highlights the delicate layers and cinnamon sugar crust. Fresh berries or a sprinkle of chopped nuts add color and texture if you’re feeling fancy.

Side Dishes

Crisp bacon or savory breakfast sausage elevates the experience by balancing the sweetness of cruffins. Pair with a rich, velvety cup of coffee or your favorite latte to complete a cozy morning feast.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack cruffins on a pretty cake stand for brunch or fill with whipped cream and fresh fruit for a dessert twist. You can also transform any leftovers into decadent bread pudding or crumble them over yogurt for a special treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your cruffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They’re best enjoyed fresh but will hold up nicely if you protect them from drying out.

Freezing

Wrap each cruffin individually once fully cooled, then freeze in a container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying—just like freshly baked!

Reheating

Warm cruffins gently in a 300°F oven for about 5-7 minutes or pop them in a toaster oven. This will revive their crisp layers and tender crumb beautifully, bringing back that fresh-baked magic.

FAQs

Can I make these cruffins without a stand mixer?

Absolutely! You can mix and knead by hand with a wooden spoon and your hands. It takes a bit more elbow grease but is very doable—and honestly, kneading by hand helps you connect with the dough.

Is it possible to make the dough in advance?

Yes! You can refrigerate the dough after shaping the cruffins for up to 12 hours. Just allow them to rise at room temperature before baking. This makes it easy to bake fresh cruffins in the morning.

What if my dough tears while rolling during lamination?

Don’t worry if that happens! Lightly sprinkle flour on the torn spots and gently press the dough back together. Letting the dough rest for a few minutes can help it relax before continuing.

Can I swap the flour or butter with alternatives?

You can experiment with different flours, but all-purpose is ideal for the perfect texture. For butter, European-style salted butter works best for flavor and lamination ease, but feel free to use what you have, adjusting as needed.

How do I know when the cruffins are fully baked?

They should be golden brown, and the internal temperature should read about 200°F. The tops will feel firm but not hard when gently pressed, indicating that the layers are set perfectly.

Final Thoughts

This Homemade Cruffins Recipe is truly a game changer for anyone who loves buttery, flaky pastries with a twist. Whether you’re treating yourself or impressing guests, these irresistible cruffins bring warmth and joy with every bite. Give them a whirl in your kitchen—you might just discover your new favorite sweet indulgence!