Name: Homemade Cruffins Recipe
Prep time: 24 h 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 24 h 35 min
Cuisine: French-inspired
Ingredients: 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast (or active dry yeast); 160 g whole milk (lukewarm); 120 g water; 470 g all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting); 50 g granulated sugar; 1 1/2 teaspoons salt; 30 g unsalted butter (room temperature); 250 g unsalted butter (room temperature); 1 1/2 tbsp all-purpose flour; Granulated sugar (for rolling); Lemon curd, jam, or Nutella (for filling)

If you have been dreaming about the perfect hybrid pastry that brings together the flaky layers of a croissant and the delightful shape of a muffin, then you are in for a treat with this Homemade Cruffins Recipe. Each bite delivers buttery, tender flakes wrapped around a tender crumb that just melts in your mouth. Whether enjoyed at breakfast, brunch, or as a special weekend indulgence, these cruffins offer a playful twist on two beloved favorites that will quickly become your go-to pastry for impressing friends or savoring a warm, comforting moment at home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a smooth, light beige dough folded twice into a neat rectangular shape, creating three visible soft layers with slight curves on the edges. The dough has a matte texture with a few tiny flour specks and rests on a white marbled surface, giving an overall clean and simple look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this recipe lies in how straightforward the ingredients are, yet each one plays a crucial role in building the distinctive texture and flavor of the cruffins. From the richness of butter to the gentle sweetness of sugar, every element contributes to that perfect balance of crispy, flaky exterior and soft, layered inside.

Instant yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons): Ensures your dough rises beautifully and develops great flavor fast, but active dry yeast works too with a little extra prep time.
Whole milk (160 g, lukewarm): Adds moisture and richness, helping create a tender crumb.
Water (120 g): Hydrates the flour, activating the yeast and binding ingredients.
All-purpose flour (470 g plus extra for dusting): The perfect flour choice for a flaky yet delicate pastry structure.
Granulated sugar (50 g): Adds just the right touch of sweetness to balance the buttery layers.
Salt (1 1/2 teaspoons): Enhances the flavors and strengthens the gluten structure.
Unsalted butter (30 g, room temperature): Incorporated into the dough for richness and softness.
Unsalted butter (250 g, room temperature): The star of laminating—the layers of butter create that signature flakiness!
All-purpose flour (1 1/2 tablespoons): Mixed with the butter to form the laminated butter block for easy rolling.
Granulated sugar (for rolling): Provides a sweet, crunchy finish after baking.
Fillings such as lemon curd, jam, or Nutella: Add your favorite flavors to the center for a glorious surprise inside.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Homemade Cruffins Recipe

Step 1: Activate the Yeast and Mix the Dough

Start by combining lukewarm milk, water, yeast, and sugar in a large bowl. If you’re using active dry yeast, let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it’s frothy—this little bubbly sign means the yeast is alive and kicking! If you’ve chosen instant yeast, you can skip this waiting step and move right into adding your flour and salt. Mix until a rough dough forms that’s ready for some kneading.

Step 2: Knead and Incorporate Butter for Softness

Transfer your dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 3 minutes to start developing the gluten—that’s where the magic of stretch and structure begins. As the dough becomes smooth and less sticky, add the room temperature 30 grams of butter. Knead some more until this butter is fully blended in, creating a rich and pliable dough that’s just perfect for the next step. Wrap it up and chill in the fridge for a minimum of 2 hours or overnight if you can wait.

Step 3: Prepare the Laminated Butter Block

This part might sound fancy, but it’s straightforward and key to those flaky layers. Mix the larger batch of butter with flour until combined. Place this mixture between parchment paper sheets and roll it out into a neat 20 by 15-centimeter rectangle about a quarter inch thick. Folding the parchment edges around the butter helps get clean edges. Chill this butter block until firm.

Step 4: Laminate the Dough with Butter

Remove your chilled butter block and gently roll it out just enough to make it pliable but still cold. On a floured surface, roll your chilled dough to a 20 by 32-centimeter rectangle, about twice as tall as your butter block. Place the butter in the center, then fold the dough edges over to envelope it completely, pressing to seal. Small slits along the edges help release tension as the butter wants to move during rolling.

Step 5: Rolling and Folding for Layers

Turn the dough so the sealed seam is vertical in front of you, then roll gently into a long rectangle about 6 millimeters thick. Don’t stress on the width here; focus on rolling evenly and lengthwise. Trim uneven edges, brush off excess flour, and fold into thirds like a letter. Wrap it in plastic and chill for 30 to 60 minutes. Repeat this rolling, trimming, folding, and chilling process two more times, chilling at least 2 hours after the final fold. This keeps your butter cold and creates the irresistible layers you’re after.

Step 6: Shape the Cruffins

Once chilled, roll the dough into a large rectangle roughly 30 by 40 centimeters. Cut it lengthwise in half to make two long strips, then slice horizontally 7 times to create 16 strips total. Cut one strip lengthwise to get thinner pieces about 2.5 centimeters wide, then overlap two strips by half a centimeter and roll them up from the center into a coil shape. This rolling technique creates beautiful spiraled layers that distinguish the cruffin’s look and texture.

Step 7: Rise and Bake Until Golden

Place each rolled cruffin into a muffin tin with the spiral on top exposed. Let them rise for about 2 hours until doubled in size, adjusting for your room temperature. When ready, preheat your oven to 200°C or 400°F. Bake the cruffins for 20 to 25 minutes until a deep golden brown and heavenly aroma wafts through your kitchen. Let them cool briefly in the pan, then roll in granulated sugar for a delightful sweet crust.

Step 8: Fill and Enjoy Your Creation

Once cooled completely, take a small knife to create a pocket in the middle and fill with your favorite indulgence—whether it’s tangy lemon curd, luscious jam, or rich Nutella. Now you have an irresistible showstopper that merges the buttery decadence of a croissant with the cozy charm of a muffin. Enjoy every flaky, soft, sugary bite!

How to Serve Homemade Cruffins Recipe

The image shows several round pastries with a spiral shape, each in its own silver baking tin. The pastries have many layers of flaky, golden-brown crust with darker browned edges, showing a crisp texture. The layers swirl from the center outwards, with a mix of light yellow and deep brown colors that highlight the baked dough's folds. They are placed on a surface that looks like a white marbled texture, creating a clean and bright background. The close-up view focuses on the detailed layers and the smooth, shiny baked top of the pastries. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Enhance the beauty and flavor of your cruffins with simple garnishes. A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance, or drizzle some melted chocolate or a glaze on top for a sweet finish. Fresh berries paired alongside can add a refreshing tang and vibrant color, making your serving plate pop with delight.

Side Dishes

Cruffins shine best alongside a hot beverage like freshly brewed coffee, a creamy latte, or fragrant tea, balancing their rich layers. For a fuller brunch spread, serve with fresh fruit salad or a crisp green salad for contrast, turning what could be a quick treat into a full-on memorable meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful when serving your Homemade Cruffins Recipe by presenting them stacked on a tiered stand for an impressive display at your next gathering. You can also slice them in half horizontally and sandwich with cream cheese or mascarpone for a savory twist. Wrapping each individually in parchment paper with a ribbon makes a lovely gift too—because who wouldn’t love a homemade cruffin surprise?

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with more cruffins than you can eat in one sitting, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This keeps them fresh while maintaining their tender, flaky texture. Avoid refrigeration if possible, as it can dry out the pastry and dull the buttery layers.

Freezing

For longer storage, cruffins freeze beautifully. Wrap each tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They keep well for up to one month without significant loss of quality. When you’re ready to indulge, thaw them at room temperature or gently warm in a low oven.

Reheating

To revive the cruffins’ flaky goodness, reheat in a 175°C (350°F) oven for about 8 to 10 minutes. This warms the pastry through and refreshes the crispy exterior. Avoid microwaving, which can make them soggy or chewy, and instead opt for the oven for that fresh-baked feeling.

FAQs

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

Absolutely! If you use active dry yeast, just be sure to bloom it with the warm milk, water, and sugar for 5 to 10 minutes until frothy before mixing it into the flour. This ensures your dough rises properly and gets that lovely texture.

Do I need a stand mixer to make this recipe?

You don’t need a stand mixer at all! While it can make kneading easier, this recipe works wonderfully with some elbow grease on a floured surface. Hand kneading allows you to feel the dough’s texture and adjust accordingly.

What fillings work best for cruffins?

The sky is the limit here! Classic options like lemon curd, strawberry jam, or Nutella are popular favorites, but you can get creative with pastry cream, peanut butter, or even a savory cheese spread for an unexpected twist.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

This recipe relies on gluten development for its structure and flakiness, so substituting gluten-free flour is tricky and may not yield the traditional texture. However, there are specialty gluten-free lamination techniques if you’re eager to experiment!

How long will the entire process take?

Patience is key with this Homemade Cruffins Recipe. From start to finish, including all chilling and rising times, plan for roughly 24 hours to get the best results. Many steps can be done ahead of time, so it’s perfect for a relaxing weekend baking project.

Final Thoughts

There is something genuinely magical about making your own pastries at home, and this Homemade Cruffins Recipe combines the best of croissants and muffins into one irresistible treat. Once you bite into those buttery, spiraled layers with your chosen filling, you’ll wonder why you waited so long to try making these yourself. So give the process a go, enjoy filling your kitchen with the scent of fresh baking, and savor every flaky, delicious moment with loved ones!