If you have ever dreamed of combining the delicate flakiness of a croissant with the easy, handheld enjoyment of a muffin, then this Almond Croissant Muffins (Cruffins) Recipe is going to become your new favorite treat. These croissant-muffin hybrids boast golden, buttery layers swirled with a sweet almond filling and topped with slivered almonds. Whether you’re looking for a stunning breakfast addition, a brunch star, or a delightful dessert, these cruffins deliver bakery-worthy flavor and charm that will impress anyone lucky enough to take a bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple staples, but each one plays a crucial role in crafting the texture, flavor, and appearance that make this Almond Croissant Muffins (Cruffins) Recipe truly special. From the flaky puff pastry to the rich almond filling, every element brings something delicious to the table.
- Puff pastry, 1 sheet, thawed: This is the foundation for those beautiful buttery layers that flake apart with every bite.
- Almond flour, â…“ cup: Adds a moist, nutty richness to the filling while keeping it light.
- Granulated sugar, ¼ cup: Sweetens the almond mixture, creating that irresistible sweet profile.
- Unsalted butter, 3 tablespoons, softened: Brings a creamy texture and enhances flakiness in the filling.
- Egg yolk, 1: Binds the filling together with a smooth finish and helps with browning.
- Almond extract, ½ teaspoon: Packs in an intense almond aroma and flavor for that unmistakable taste.
- All-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon: Used for rolling out the puff pastry without sticking.
- Sliced almonds, 2 tablespoons: Toasted to perfection on top, adding crunch and visual appeal.
- Powdered sugar: A delicate dusting to finish off your cruffins with a touch of sweetness and elegance.
How to Make Almond Croissant Muffins (Cruffins) Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Muffin Tin
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 6-cup muffin tin or line it with baking cups. This setup ensures your cruffins rise evenly and come out effortlessly without sticking to the pan.
Step 2: Make the Almond Filling
In a small bowl, combine the almond flour, granulated sugar, softened butter, egg yolk, and almond extract. Mix thoroughly until the texture is smooth and creamy. This filling will melt luxuriously into the layers of puff pastry, creating that signature sweet almond core.
Step 3: Roll Out the Puff Pastry
Lightly dust your clean surface with the tablespoon of all-purpose flour to prevent sticking, then roll the thawed puff pastry into a 12 by 10-inch rectangle. Rolling the dough out evenly is key to achieving consistent layers in each cruffin.
Step 4: Spread the Almond Mixture
Evenly spread the almond filling over the entire surface of the rolled-out puff pastry. This generous layer brings deep flavor and a luscious texture that contrasts perfectly with the flaky pastry.
Step 5: Roll and Slice the Dough
Starting from the long side of the rectangle, carefully roll the pastry into a tight log, locking in the almond filling. Then slice the log in half lengthwise, exposing the layers inside. Cut each half into three equal pieces so that you end up with six beautiful strips ready to be shaped.
Step 6: Form the Cruffins
Take each strip and roll it into a spiral, making sure those irresistible layers are visible. Place each spiral into one of the muffin tin cups. This shape not only looks stunning but also helps bake the pastry evenly.
Step 7: Top and Bake
Sprinkle the sliced almonds generously on top of each cruffin, adding crunch and a nutty aroma during baking. Bake for 22 to 25 minutes until the cruffins are golden brown and delightfully puffed. The aroma filling your kitchen will be pure happiness.
Step 8: Cool and Finish
Once baked, allow the cruffins to cool slightly in the tin before removing. Just before serving, dust them with powdered sugar for a picture-perfect finish and a hint of extra sweetness that complements the almond filling.
How to Serve Almond Croissant Muffins (Cruffins) Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar elevates the elegance of these cruffins, but feel free to get creative. A light drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of cinnamon can add a delightful twist and extra warmth to the flavor profile.
Side Dishes
The best companions for these cruffins are fresh fruits like berries or citrus slices, which add a refreshing contrast. Pair with a cup of strong coffee, a creamy latte, or even a delicate tea to round out your almond croissant muffin experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your Almond Croissant Muffins (Cruffins) Recipe on a tiered serving tray for brunch or breakfast gatherings. Wrap leftover cruffins individually in parchment paper for a charming gift or grab-and-go treat. They also look stunning under a glass cloche to keep them fresh and make an elegant table centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any cruffins left after the first round of enjoyment, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They maintain their fresh flavor and texture best within two days, making it easy to savor them later without sacrificing quality.
Freezing
To keep your Almond Croissant Muffins (Cruffins) Recipe ready for whenever you want, wrap each cruffin tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to one month without losing their buttery goodness.
Reheating
For a freshly-baked crispness, take your cruffins out of the freezer or container and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwaving, which can make the pastry soggy. Reheating this way restores that flaky texture and brings back the irresistible almond aroma.
FAQs
Can I use homemade puff pastry for this Almond Croissant Muffins (Cruffins) Recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade puff pastry will give your cruffins an extra touch of freshness and buttery flavor, although store-bought puff pastry works wonderfully well to save time without compromising taste.
Is it possible to make these cruffins nut-free?
Since almond flour and almond extract are key to the flavor, replacing them isn’t recommended. However, you could experiment with a seed flour alternative and a different extract, but the classic almond croissant muffin signature might be lost.
Can I double the recipe to make more cruffins?
Definitely! Just double all ingredients and use a larger muffin tin or bake in multiple batches. These cruffins are a crowd-pleaser, so having extras isn’t ever a problem.
What kind of almond extract should I use?
Look for pure almond extract for the best flavor punch. Some imitation extracts can taste artificial and weaken the almond essence that makes these cruffins so special.
How do I prevent the cruffins from sticking to the muffin tin?
Make sure to either grease the muffin cups well with butter or baking spray or use paper liners. This helps the delicate, flaky cruffins release easily and keeps their beautiful shape intact.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend this Almond Croissant Muffins (Cruffins) Recipe enough. It’s one of those joyful baking experiences where the process is almost as rewarding as the final bite. Whether you’re sharing them with friends or indulging in a quiet moment to yourself, these cruffins bring warmth, sweetness, and a touch of French-inspired magic to your kitchen. Give it a try, and I’m sure you’ll be reaching for the recipe again and again!
Print
Almond Croissant Muffins (Cruffins) Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 cruffins
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Almond Croissant Muffins, also known as Cruffins, are a delightful hybrid of flaky croissants and tender muffins. These treats feature layered puff pastry rolled with a sweet almond filling and baked in muffin tins to achieve golden, buttery perfection. Finished with a dusting of powdered sugar and topped with slivered almonds, cruffins are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, offering a luxurious bakery-style pastry experience at home.
Ingredients
Almond Filling
- â…“ cup almond flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 egg yolk
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
Puff Pastry and Toppings
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (for rolling)
- 2 tablespoons sliced almonds
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease or line a standard 6-cup muffin tin to prevent sticking.
- Make the Almond Filling: In a small bowl, combine the almond flour, granulated sugar, softened butter, egg yolk, and almond extract. Mix thoroughly until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy, ensuring all ingredients are well blended to create a rich almond spread.
- Roll Out the Puff Pastry: Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the thawed puff pastry into a 12×10-inch rectangle. This provides enough surface area to spread the filling evenly and roll the pastry tightly.
- Spread the Filling: Evenly spread the almond filling mixture over the entire surface of the rolled puff pastry, ensuring full coverage to infuse flavor into every layer.
- Form the Log: Starting from the long side of the pastry rectangle, tightly roll the pastry and filling into a log shape. This tight rolling helps create the distinctive layered texture.
- Slice for Muffins: Carefully slice the log in half lengthwise, then cut each half into three equal pieces. You will end up with six strips, ready to be shaped into muffin-sized spirals.
- Shape and Place in Muffin Tin: Take each strip and roll it into a spiral, exposing the flaky layers. Place each spiral into a prepared muffin cup, arranging them so they hold their shape during baking.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle sliced almonds over the tops of each spiral to add crunch and an appealing finish.
- Bake: Bake the cruffins in the preheated oven for 22 to 25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and puffed, indicating the pastry is fully cooked and flaky.
- Cool and Finish: Remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool slightly in the pan. Then dust each cruffin with powdered sugar for a classic, sweet finish before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor and shine, brush the cruffins with simple syrup immediately after baking.
- These pastries are best enjoyed fresh on the day they are made for optimal flakiness.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days to maintain freshness.
- Reheat briefly in the oven to restore crispness before serving.
