Introduction
I still remember the first time I made churro cruffins. It was a quiet Sunday morning, and I was craving something sweet but a little different. I had croissant dough in the fridge, leftover from a pastry experiment, and a sudden craving for churros. That’s when the idea hit me—why not combine the two? The result was something magical: crisp, caramelized layers of dough, rolled in cinnamon sugar, warm and golden straight from the oven. My kitchen smelled like a bakery in the heart of Spain. Since that day, churro cruffins have become a weekend ritual in my home. Friends and family now request them regularly, and I’m always happy to oblige. The best part? They look and taste like they came straight from a gourmet bakery, but they’re surprisingly easy to make.
Why you’ll love this recipe:
Versatile
This recipe works beautifully for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. You can serve churro cruffins with chocolate sauce, fruit compote, or a simple dusting of powdered sugar. They’re easy to dress up or down depending on the occasion. You can even experiment with fillings like vanilla custard or cream cheese for a twist.
Budget-friendly
The ingredients are pantry staples. You don’t need anything fancy—just croissant dough, sugar, cinnamon, butter, and a muffin tin. You probably already have most of it in your kitchen. No need for high-end ingredients or specialty equipment.
Ingredients for the recipe
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1 sheet of croissant dough (store-bought or homemade)
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1/3 cup melted unsalted butter (plus more for brushing)
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1/2 cup granulated sugar
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1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
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Pinch of salt
How to make this recipe
Step-by-step instructions
To begin, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a standard 6-cup muffin tin with melted butter, ensuring each cup is well-coated. This step is essential to prevent sticking and to give your cruffins that beautiful, golden crust.
Next, unroll your croissant dough on a clean surface. If you’re using a store-bought sheet, gently press the seams together if it’s pre-cut. You want a single rectangular sheet. Brush the entire surface of the dough evenly with melted butter, making sure to cover every corner. This helps the sugar-cinnamon mixture adhere and creates those rich, buttery layers.
In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Sprinkle half of this mixture evenly over the buttered dough. Use your hands or a spatula to gently press the sugar into the dough so it sticks well.
Now, it’s time to roll. Starting from the long side of the rectangle, tightly roll the dough into a log. Once it’s rolled up, use a sharp knife to cut the log in half lengthwise so you have two long strips with layers visible. Then, cut each strip in half again to create four shorter strips.
Take one strip and, with the cut sides facing out, coil it loosely into a spiral or knot, tucking the end underneath. Place it into one of the muffin cups. Repeat with the remaining strips until all cups are filled.
Bake the cruffins in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until they’re puffed and deeply golden. You’ll notice the sugar starts to caramelize at the edges, giving that irresistible churro-like crunch. Check them around the 18-minute mark to avoid overbaking.
While the cruffins are baking, prepare the cinnamon sugar coating. In a shallow bowl, combine the remaining cinnamon sugar mixture. You can add a little more sugar and cinnamon if you need extra.
Once the cruffins are out of the oven, let them cool in the tin for about 5 minutes—just enough to handle them but while they’re still warm. Gently remove each cruffin and immediately roll it in the cinnamon sugar coating until well covered on all sides. The residual heat helps the coating stick and gives it that signature churro flavor.
If you want to add a filling, now’s the perfect time. Use a piping bag to inject the center of each cruffin with vanilla cream, chocolate ganache, or even a smooth fruit jam. But honestly, they’re just as delicious plain.
Quick and easy
This recipe doesn’t require complicated skills or equipment. Pre-made croissant dough cuts the prep time in half, and you’ll have a tray of bakery-quality pastries in under 30 minutes. Clean-up is simple too—one bowl, one muffin tin, and you’re done. It’s the perfect treat when you want something sweet without the fuss.
Customizable
One of the best things about churro cruffins is how easy it is to make them your own. Swap cinnamon for cardamom, add a touch of nutmeg, or sprinkle in some citrus zest for brightness. Want a gooey center? Fill them with hazelnut spread or a spoonful of lemon curd. You can even make a savory version by skipping the sugar and filling the layers with turkey bacon bits and cheese.
Another option is to use mini muffin tins for bite-sized cruffins, great for parties or dessert platters. Just reduce the baking time to 12–15 minutes if you go mini.
Perfect for guests
These cruffins are always a showstopper. Guests will think you spent hours making laminated dough from scratch, but the secret is all in the simple prep. Serve them for brunch, high tea, or as an elegant dessert with a warm dipping sauce on the side. They’re easy to make ahead too—just reheat in a low oven for a few minutes before serving, and they’ll be as fresh as when you first baked them.
The golden, flaky exterior combined with the sweet, crunchy coating makes churro cruffins an unforgettable treat. They’re rich without being too heavy, and their size makes them ideal for individual servings. Whether you’re hosting friends or simply indulging in a cozy weekend morning, these cruffins will impress every time.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Can I use puff pastry instead of croissant dough?
Yes, you can. Puff pastry will yield a crispier texture with more defined layers. However, croissant dough offers a more buttery and soft interior, closer to traditional cruffins.
How long do churro cruffins stay fresh?
They are best enjoyed fresh on the day they’re baked. However, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to restore their crispiness.
Can I freeze churro cruffins?
Yes. After baking and cooling, wrap them tightly and freeze for up to one month. To reheat, place them in a 300°F (150°C) oven until warmed through.
Is it possible to make them ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble the cruffins, cover the muffin tin, and refrigerate overnight. Bake them the next day as instructed. This is great for planning brunches or special events.
What can I serve with churro cruffins?
They pair beautifully with hot chocolate, coffee, or a warm vanilla dipping sauce. For an extra treat, serve them with a side of fresh berries or a light whipped cream.