Name: Churro Cruffins Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-489404H29M52S
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Fusion
Ingredients: 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 tbsp ground cinnamon; Dulce de leche or chocolate spread

Churro Cruffins are the delicious collision of your favorite croissant and muffin, crafted into irresistible muffin-shaped swirls coated in cinnamon sugar and sometimes bursting with creamy fillings. The golden, flaky pastry delivers the nostalgia of churros straight from the street carts, all with the flaky sophistication of French pastry and the grab-and-go charm of a muffin. Every bite feels like a celebration, whether you’re baking them up for brunch, dessert, or a special treat to share. If you’re ready to channel bakery magic in your own kitchen, it’s time for Churro Cruffins!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Baking Churro Cruffins only requires a handful of simple ingredients, but each component plays a vital role in achieving that signature texture and unforgettable flavor. Here’s what you’ll need, plus exactly why they matter.

Puff Pastry Sheet: The key to those trademark flaky layers and buttery bite—store-bought or homemade both work beautifully.
Unsalted Butter: Brushed onto the pastry for rich flavor, and used again to help cinnamon-sugar cling to every swirl.
Granulated Sugar: Delivers that familiar churro sweetness and forms the crunchy, sparkly coating.
Ground Cinnamon: The unmistakable warm spice that defines a churro, mixed right into the sugar for an aromatic finish.
Dulce de Leche or Chocolate Spread (optional): For stuffing the centers with creamy, gooey decadence—highly recommended for extra indulgence!

How to Make Churro Cruffins

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Tin

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), ensuring it’s hot and ready to bake your Churro Cruffins to a golden crisp. Lightly grease your muffin tin so nothing sticks and those gorgeous pastry layers lift out with ease.

Step 2: Roll out the Puff Pastry

On a lightly floured surface, lay your puff pastry sheet flat. Use a rolling pin to gently smooth out any creases or folds, keeping the thickness even. This step is crucial for perfect layering and the best possible rise.

Step 3: Brush with Butter

Melt your butter and, using a pastry brush, paint the entire surface of the puff pastry. This little splash of richness not only adds flavor but also encourages that golden, bakery-style finish as the Churro Cruffins bake.

Step 4: Roll and Slice

Starting at one edge of the pastry, roll it up tightly into a log, just like you’re making cinnamon rolls. Use a sharp knife to cut the log into 1-inch slices—these will become the individual Churro Cruffins.

Step 5: Shape the Cruffins

Take each sliced round and gently twist it into a spiral shape for that signature cruffin look. Set each twist into a cavity in the greased muffin tin, cut side facing up. The shape is part of the magic!

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Transfer the muffin tin to your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know your Churro Cruffins are ready when they’re puffed, golden brown, and your whole kitchen smells like a dream bakery.

Step 7: Coat with Cinnamon Sugar

While the cruffins bake, mix the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a shallow bowl. As soon as they’re done, let them cool for a few minutes, then brush each with a little more melted butter and roll generously in the cinnamon-sugar blend. This is what gives Churro Cruffins their iconic texture and flavor!

Step 8: Fill the Cruffins (Optional)

For an extra-special touch, load a piping bag with dulce de leche or chocolate spread. Gently insert it into the center of each cooled cruffin and squeeze in your filling of choice—don’t be shy, more is always welcome.

How to Serve Churro Cruffins

Garnishes

Churro Cruffins shine with just their cinnamon-sugar crust, but a dusting of powdered sugar adds that bakery flourish. For maximum wow-factor, drizzle a little chocolate or caramel sauce on top, or sprinkle over some finely chopped toasted nuts if you love texture and crunch.

Side Dishes

These treats pair perfectly with steaming coffee, spiced chai, or even a cold glass of milk to balance the sweetness. For brunch, serve alongside fresh berries or a tangy fruit salad; the juicy tartness brings out the warm spice in your Churro Cruffins.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, serve the Churro Cruffins stacked on a tiered cake stand with little bowls of dipping sauces—think dulce de leche, chocolate, or berry coulis. For a party, try mini cruffins in mini muffin tins, or tuck a little flag in each for a festive dessert bar display.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Churro Cruffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. The pastry will stay deliciously tender, but it’s best to enjoy them fresh to keep that outer crunch alive. If you’ve filled them, refrigerate to keep the fillings safe and creamy.

Freezing

Churro Cruffins freeze beautifully! Arrange cooled, unfilled cruffins in a single layer, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. They’ll keep for up to a month. Thaw at room temperature and refresh them with a quick reheat before serving.

Reheating

To enjoy that just-baked magic, reheat Churro Cruffins in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5-8 minutes. If you’ve already coated them in sugar, keep an eye out so the coating doesn’t caramelize too much! If filled, let them cool a bit so fillings don’t get too hot inside.

FAQs

Can I make Churro Cruffins without a muffin tin?

A muffin tin gives the perfect cruffin shape and helps the pastry rise tall and fluffy, but in a pinch, you can use ramekins or even oven-safe teacups for similar results. Just be sure to grease them well.

What kind of puff pastry works best?

Both all-butter and standard puff pastry yield great Churro Cruffins, but all-butter varieties have a richer, more authentic flavor and flakier layers. Just ensure the pastry is fully thawed but still cold when working with it.

Can I add other spices to the sugar coating?

Absolutely! While cinnamon is classic, a pinch of nutmeg, cardamom, or even orange zest can add a fun twist to your Churro Cruffins’ flavor profile. Get creative with your favorite warm spices.

How do I avoid soggy Churro Cruffins?

Let them cool slightly before coating in butter and sugar to prevent steaming and sogginess. Also, make sure your filling, if using, isn’t too runny—pipe only after the pastries have cooled completely.

Can I make these ahead for a party?

Definitely! You can assemble and shape the Churro Cruffins ahead of time, then refrigerate them in the tin covered with plastic wrap overnight. Bake fresh in the morning, coat with cinnamon sugar, and you’re ready to dazzle your guests.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a treat that brings bakery-level delight right to your kitchen, Churro Cruffins are an absolute must-try. Grab that pastry, swirl up some magic, roll in cinnamon sugar, and discover why this recipe is destined to become a favorite for every occasion!

Churro Cruffins Recipe

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Churro Cruffins are a delightful fusion of croissants and muffins, inspired by the flavors of churros.

Author: Paula
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 cruffins
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Fusion
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

For the Dough:

1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Coating:

1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tbsp ground cinnamon

For the Filling (optional):

Dulce de leche or chocolate spread

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a muffin tin.
Prepare the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry sheet to smooth any creases. Brush the entire surface of the puff pastry with melted butter.
Roll and Cut the Dough: Starting from one end, tightly roll up the puff pastry to form a log. Cut the log into 1-inch slices.
Shape the Cruffins: Take each slice and gently twist it to form a spiral. Place each twisted slice into a greased muffin tin cavity, with the cut side facing up.
Bake the Cruffins: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.
Coat the Cruffins: While the cruffins are baking, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a shallow bowl. Once the cruffins are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Brush each cruffin with melted butter, then roll in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until well coated.
Fill the Cruffins (Optional): If desired, fill a piping bag with dulce de leche or chocolate spread. Insert the tip into the center of each cruffin and squeeze gently to fill.