Introduction
Welcome to the wonderful world of cruffins! If you’re not familiar, cruffins are the delightful union of a croissant and a muffin, resulting in a light, flaky, and utterly scrumptious treat that’s perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack. Picture soft, buttery layers getting all cozy with a sweet cinnamon filling, then baked to a gorgeous golden brown. Trust me, these cruffins will become a staple in your home, beckoning you to indulge again and again!
Ingredients
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened for filling
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar for dusting
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
Yield: 12 cruffins
Directions and Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy and bubbly.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, melted butter, egg, and the frothy yeast mixture until well combined.
- Gradually add in the flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it for about 5-10 minutes until it feels smooth and elastic.
- Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl, cover it with a cloth, and set it in a warm spot to rise for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the cinnamon and brown sugar to create the filling.
- Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle, about ¼ inch thick.
- Spread the softened butter generously over the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly on top.
- Carefully roll the dough tightly from one end to the other to form a log.
- Using a sharp knife, cut the log into equal pieces, about 3-4 inches wide, and place each piece in a greased muffin tin, cut side up.
- Cover the muffin tin and let the cruffins rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) during the last few minutes of the rising time.
- Bake the cruffins for 18-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and have puffed up beautifully.
- Once baked, allow them to cool in the tin for a few minutes before dusting with powdered sugar.
Notes or Tips
For an extra flavor twist, consider adding chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the cinnamon sugar mixture. If you’re short on time, you can also use store-bought dough, but nothing beats the aroma and taste of homemade cruffins!
Cooking Techniques
Kneading is key to developing the dough’s elasticity and lightness, so take your time with this step! Also, ensuring the yeast is activated properly will guarantee those delicious fluffy layers. Make sure to let your cruffins rise enough; this will give them that perfect airy texture.
FAQ
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough, let it rise, punch it down, and refrigerate it overnight. Just remember to bring it back to room temperature before rolling it out.
How should I store leftover cruffins?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for a day or two, or in the fridge for longer freshness. They’re also delicious when reheated slightly.
Conclusion
There you have it—a delightful cruffin recipe that fills your kitchen with warmth and promises amazing flavors in every bite! These pastries are a testament to the joy of baking, perfect for sharing with friends and family or simply enjoying with your morning coffee. So roll up your sleeves and get ready for some delicious fun; your future self will thank you!