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This churro cruffin recipe transforms ordinary puff pastry into a delectable treat that combines the best of croissants and muffins with the beloved cinnamon-sugar coating of churros. I discovered this fusion dessert at a local bakery and immediately knew I had to recreate it at home for weekend brunches.
I first made these cruffins for a Sunday brunch with friends, and they disappeared faster than any other pastry on the table. The combination of flaky layers and cinnamon sugar reminds me of mornings at the Spanish market where I first fell in love with traditional churros.
Ingredients
- Puff pastry sheet: provides those beautiful flaky layers without the work of making laminated dough from scratch. Look for all-butter varieties for the best flavor.
- Unsalted butter: adds richness and helps the cinnamon sugar coating adhere. Use European-style butter for an extra indulgent result.
- Granulated sugar: creates that signature sweet exterior. Choose fine granulated for the best coating.
- Ground cinnamon: brings the classic churro flavor. Invest in high-quality Ceylon cinnamon for a more complex flavor profile.
- Dulce de leche or chocolate spread: optional fillings that elevate these treats to another level. Homemade dulce de leche offers the richest flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat Your Oven:
- Set your oven to 375°F. This moderate temperature allows the puff pastry to rise properly while developing a golden exterior. Proper greasing of your muffin tin is crucial to prevent sticking. Use butter rather than cooking spray for added flavor.
- Prepare the Dough:
- Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface until smooth. Gentle handling is key here. Brush generously with melted butter, ensuring every inch is covered as this adds flavor and helps the layers separate during baking.
- Roll and Cut:
- Starting from the long edge, roll the pastry tightly into a log, applying gentle pressure as you go. The tighter the roll, the more defined your layers will be. Use a sharp knife to cut 1-inch slices, cleaning the knife between cuts for the cleanest edges.
- Shape the Cruffins:
- Take each slice and twist slightly to create that beautiful spiral pattern. This twisting action helps expose more layers, creating more surface area for the cinnamon sugar to cling to later. Place each twist in your muffin tin with the cut side facing upward to showcase the layers.
- Bake to Perfection:
- Bake for exactly 20-25 minutes, checking at the 18-minute mark. Look for a deep golden color and significant rise. The layers should be visibly separated and the edges slightly crisp while the center remains tender.
- Create the Coating:
- While baking, thoroughly mix your sugar and cinnamon in a wide, shallow bowl. The wider the bowl, the easier it will be to coat the cruffins evenly. Brush each warm cruffin generously with melted butter before rolling in the cinnamon sugar mixture, ensuring every crevice is coated.
- Add Optional Filling:
- If filling your cruffins, allow them to cool for 10 minutes first. Insert your piping tip deep into the center of each cruffin and apply gentle, consistent pressure while slowly withdrawing the tip to create an even distribution of filling throughout the layers.
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My favorite aspect of this recipe is how the butter between the pastry layers creates those distinctive crispy edges that caramelize slightly during baking. It reminds me of watching street vendors in Madrid expertly twist and fry churros before dusting them with cinnamon sugar. The aroma fills the kitchen with the same warmth and comfort.
Storing Your Cruffins
These delightful pastries maintain their best texture when stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. The cinnamon sugar coating has a tendency to absorb moisture from the air, so avoid refrigeration which accelerates this process and makes them soggy. If you need to store them longer, freeze the unfilled cruffins before adding the cinnamon sugar coating. When ready to serve, reheat them in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes, then brush with butter and roll in the cinnamon sugar mixture.
Adapting Your Cruffins
While the classic cinnamon sugar coating is traditional, you can experiment with different flavor profiles. Try adding orange zest to the sugar mixture for a citrusy version or replace some of the sugar with cocoa powder for a chocolate variation. For the filling, consider homemade apple butter during fall months or lemon curd for spring brunches. You can also add a teaspoon of cardamom or nutmeg to the sugar mixture for a more complex spice profile that complements the buttery layers.
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Serving Suggestions
Serve these cruffins as the centerpiece of a weekend brunch alongside fresh fruit and hot coffee. For an indulgent dessert presentation, drizzle warm cruffins with chocolate sauce and add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. During holiday gatherings, arrange them on a tiered stand with other pastries for an impressive display. The contrast between the crispy exterior and soft interior pairs beautifully with hot beverages, particularly Mexican hot chocolate or café con leche to honor their churro inspiration.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What type of pastry is used for churro cruffins?
Churro cruffins are made with puff pastry, which creates a flaky, buttery texture.
- → How do you achieve the cinnamon-sugar coating?
After baking, brush the cruffins with melted butter, then roll them in a cinnamon-sugar mixture for a delightful flavor.
- → Can I add a filling to the cruffins?
Yes! You can fill cruffins with dulce de leche, chocolate spread, or your preferred filling using a piping bag.
- → Can I customize the cinnamon-sugar mixture?
Absolutely! Add a pinch of nutmeg or other warming spices to the mixture for extra flavor.
- → How do I store leftover cruffins?
Store leftover cruffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- → What equipment do I need to make churro cruffins?
You’ll need a muffin tin, rolling pin, pastry brush, and an oven to prepare churro cruffins.