Introduction
Welcome to the delightful world of cruffins! These scrumptious pastry hybrids combine the flaky goodness of a croissant with the soft, airy texture of a muffin. Perfect for brunch or a sweet afternoon treat, these cruffins are filled with your choice of luscious fillings—from rich chocolate to vibrant fruit jams—making them a customizable delight. Let’s dive into the fun of making your very own cruffins that will surely impress family and friends!
Ingredients
- 1 cup milk, warmed
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 3 1/2 to 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup filling of your choice (such as almond paste, chocolate, or fruit jam)
- Extra melted butter for brushing
- Extra sugar for sprinkling
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Yield: 12 cruffins
Directions and Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the warmed milk, yeast, and granulated sugar. Allow it to sit for about 5 minutes or until it becomes frothy and fragrant.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, eggs, and the frothy yeast mixture. Mix well until everything is fully combined.
- Gradually add in the flour and salt, stirring until a soft dough begins to form.
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot for approximately 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- After rising, punch down the dough gently and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle about 1/4-inch thick.
- Evenly spread your chosen filling over the rolled-out dough, making sure to cover every edge.
- Starting from one long side, carefully roll the dough tightly into a log, ensuring the filling stays tucked inside.
- Using a sharp knife, cut the log into 12 equal pieces. Place each piece, cut side up, into a greased muffin tin.
- Cover the muffin tin and let the cruffins rise for another 30 minutes, allowing them to puff up beautifully.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) during the last minutes of rising.
- Once ready, brush the tops of the cruffins with extra melted butter and sprinkle with a touch of sugar for that lovely golden finish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and the aroma fills your kitchen.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy the warm, flaky goodness!
Notes or Tips
Feel free to get creative with the fillings! Whether it’s a decadent chocolate spread or a refreshing fruit preserve, the options are endless. Also, make sure not to skip the second rise; it’s what gives the cruffins their light texture!
Cooking Techniques
Kneading is key in developing the gluten in the dough, which allows the cruffins to rise and achieve that characteristic airy quality. Pay attention to the texture—once it’s smooth and elastic, you’ll know you’ve done it right!
FAQ
Can I make these ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight. Just allow it to come to room temperature before shaping and baking.
What other fillings can I use? You can use anything from peanut butter and jam to pastry cream or even savory options like cheese and herbs. Get creative!
Conclusion
There you have it—a deliciously simple recipe for homemade cruffins that are sure to become a new favorite in your baking repertoire. With their flaky layers and delightful fillings, these treats are perfect for any occasion. So grab your ingredients and start baking—your taste buds will thank you!