ADVERTISEMENT

Churro Cruffins

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Churro Cruffins

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Start your day with a twist! đŸ„âœš These Churro Cruffins are the perfect fusion of fluffy croissant and crispy churro, coated in cinnamon-sugar magic! The layers are melt-in-your-mouth delicious, and each bite is a crunchy, sweet celebration of flavor. Whether for breakfast or a sweet treat, these cruffins will steal the spotlight! đŸ˜‹đŸ©

  • Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes

Ingredients

Scale

For the Dough:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) instant yeast
  • 1/2 cup warm water
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Sugar Coating:

  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

For the Filling (Optional but Highly Recommended):

  • 1 cup dulce de leche

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Mix them together to ensure the yeast is evenly distributed throughout the dry ingredients.
  • Gradually add 1/2 cup warm water to the dry ingredients. Stir the mixture until a dough begins to form. The warm water activates the yeast, helping the dough rise to perfection.
  • Once the dough starts coming together, knead it on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. The kneading process develops the gluten, which gives the dough its structure and creates that irresistible flakiness.
  • Once kneaded, cover the dough with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let it rest for about 1 hour. This resting time allows the yeast to work, causing the dough to rise and double in size.

Step 2: Laminate the Dough

  • After the dough has risen, it’s time to start creating the flaky layers. Roll the dough out into a rectangle on a floured surface.
  • Spread 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature, evenly across the surface of the dough. This butter is key to creating the delicate, flaky layers in the cruffin.
  • Once the butter is spread out, fold the dough into thirds, like you would fold a letter. This folding technique is known as laminating and helps build those beautiful layers.
  • Roll the dough out again into a rectangle and repeat the folding process twice more. Each time you fold, you’re creating more layers that will give the cruffins their signature flaky texture.
  • After the final fold, chill the dough for 1 hour in the refrigerator. Chilling is crucial for the dough to firm up, making it easier to cut and shape.

Step 3: Shape the Cruffins

  • After the dough has chilled, cut it into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long strip, about 8 inches long, and then coil the strip into a muffin tin that has been sprayed with non-stick spray.
  • Be sure to nestle the rolled dough snugly in each muffin cup, as this will help the cruffins rise evenly as they bake.
  • Allow the cruffins to rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until they’ve doubled in size. This final rise ensures that they’ll be light and airy when baked.

Step 4: Bake the Cruffins

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake the cruffins for about 20 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and puffed up.
  • Keep a close eye on the cruffins during the last few minutes of baking to avoid overbaking. They should be a beautiful golden brown and have a crisp, flaky exterior.

Step 5: Coat in Cinnamon Sugar

  • While the cruffins are baking, prepare the cinnamon sugar coating. In a shallow dish, combine 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon. Mix well.
  • Once the cruffins are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly, but not completely. While they’re still warm, roll each cruffin in the cinnamon sugar mixture, ensuring they’re coated generously for that signature churro flavor.

Step 6: Fill with Dulce de Leche

  • For the finishing touch, use a piping bag to fill the center of each cruffin with 1 cup dulce de leche. This step is optional, but it adds a rich, creamy sweetness that perfectly complements the cinnamon sugar coating. You can also substitute dulce de leche with other fillings such as chocolate ganache or Nutella, depending on your preferences.

Notes

  • Butter: For a dairy-free version, substitute the unsalted butter with a plant-based butter or margarine. This will still yield a rich, flaky texture.
  • Dulce de Leche: While dulce de leche is a classic filling, you can experiment with other fillings like caramel sauce, chocolate ganache, or even fruit preserves for a unique twist.
  • Cinnamon Sugar Coating: You can adjust the cinnamon and sugar ratio to suit your preferences. Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the cinnamon sugar for extra warmth and depth of flavor.
  • Yeast-Free Option: If you don’t have yeast or prefer to avoid it, you can make a quicker version of this recipe by using a baking powder-based dough instead of the yeast dough. Keep in mind that this will change the texture, but it will still result in a delicious pastry.
  • Author: Rosa
  • Prep Time: 2 hours
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes

Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm, flaky, buttery pastry with a hint of cinnamon sweetness, followed by a creamy, indulgent surprise in the center. That’s the magic of Churro Cruffins—a perfect fusion of two beloved treats: churros and cruffins. These pastries are not only visually striking but also pack a delightful combination of textures and flavors that will make them a hit at any gathering.

Churros are a fan-favorite with their golden, crispy exterior and sugary cinnamon coating, while cruffins bring the best of croissants and muffins—light, flaky, and fluffy layers in a compact form. Now, take that irresistible duo and add a rich, gooey filling of dulce de leche, and you have Churro Cruffins—an innovative pastry that combines everything we love about dessert in a single bite.

Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat, Churro Cruffins are bound to win over anyone with a sweet tooth. Whether you’re a fan of churros or cruffins—or simply looking to try something new and exciting—this recipe promises to elevate your pastry experience. So, let’s dive into the magic of these cinnamon sugar-coated delights and create a treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) instant yeast
  • 1/2 cup warm water
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Sugar Coating:

  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

For the Filling (Optional but Highly Recommended):

  • 1 cup dulce de leche

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Mix them together to ensure the yeast is evenly distributed throughout the dry ingredients.
  • Gradually add 1/2 cup warm water to the dry ingredients. Stir the mixture until a dough begins to form. The warm water activates the yeast, helping the dough rise to perfection.
  • Once the dough starts coming together, knead it on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. The kneading process develops the gluten, which gives the dough its structure and creates that irresistible flakiness.
  • Once kneaded, cover the dough with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let it rest for about 1 hour. This resting time allows the yeast to work, causing the dough to rise and double in size.

Step 2: Laminate the Dough

  • After the dough has risen, it’s time to start creating the flaky layers. Roll the dough out into a rectangle on a floured surface.
  • Spread 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature, evenly across the surface of the dough. This butter is key to creating the delicate, flaky layers in the cruffin.
  • Once the butter is spread out, fold the dough into thirds, like you would fold a letter. This folding technique is known as laminating and helps build those beautiful layers.
  • Roll the dough out again into a rectangle and repeat the folding process twice more. Each time you fold, you’re creating more layers that will give the cruffins their signature flaky texture.
  • After the final fold, chill the dough for 1 hour in the refrigerator. Chilling is crucial for the dough to firm up, making it easier to cut and shape.

Step 3: Shape the Cruffins

  • After the dough has chilled, cut it into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long strip, about 8 inches long, and then coil the strip into a muffin tin that has been sprayed with non-stick spray.
  • Be sure to nestle the rolled dough snugly in each muffin cup, as this will help the cruffins rise evenly as they bake.
  • Allow the cruffins to rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until they’ve doubled in size. This final rise ensures that they’ll be light and airy when baked.

Step 4: Bake the Cruffins

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake the cruffins for about 20 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and puffed up.
  • Keep a close eye on the cruffins during the last few minutes of baking to avoid overbaking. They should be a beautiful golden brown and have a crisp, flaky exterior.

Step 5: Coat in Cinnamon Sugar

  • While the cruffins are baking, prepare the cinnamon sugar coating. In a shallow dish, combine 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon. Mix well.
  • Once the cruffins are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly, but not completely. While they’re still warm, roll each cruffin in the cinnamon sugar mixture, ensuring they’re coated generously for that signature churro flavor.

Step 6: Fill with Dulce de Leche

  • For the finishing touch, use a piping bag to fill the center of each cruffin with 1 cup dulce de leche. This step is optional, but it adds a rich, creamy sweetness that perfectly complements the cinnamon sugar coating. You can also substitute dulce de leche with other fillings such as chocolate ganache or Nutella, depending on your preferences.

Flavors, Textures, and Aromas

The Churro Cruffin delivers a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The exterior is crisp and golden, thanks to the cinnamon sugar coating, reminiscent of a classic churro. As you bite into the cruffin, the soft, flaky layers inside reveal a melt-in-your-mouth texture that is both airy and rich. The creamy dulce de leche filling adds a luscious sweetness, creating a delightful contrast to the crunchy exterior and fluffy interior.

The warm cinnamon aroma wafts through the air as the cruffins bake, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion. The sweet scent of butter and cinnamon is comforting and nostalgic, making these cruffins a perfect addition to your breakfast table or dessert spread.

Tips for Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

  • Butter: For a dairy-free version, substitute the unsalted butter with a plant-based butter or margarine. This will still yield a rich, flaky texture.
  • Dulce de Leche: While dulce de leche is a classic filling, you can experiment with other fillings like caramel sauce, chocolate ganache, or even fruit preserves for a unique twist.
  • Cinnamon Sugar Coating: You can adjust the cinnamon and sugar ratio to suit your preferences. Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the cinnamon sugar for extra warmth and depth of flavor.
  • Yeast-Free Option: If you don’t have yeast or prefer to avoid it, you can make a quicker version of this recipe by using a baking powder-based dough instead of the yeast dough. Keep in mind that this will change the texture, but it will still result in a delicious pastry.

Serving Suggestions

Churro Cruffins are versatile enough to be served in various ways. Here are a few serving suggestions to take your cruffins to the next level:

  • With a Cup of Coffee or Hot Chocolate: These pastries pair beautifully with a warm beverage, whether it’s a rich cappuccino, a creamy hot chocolate, or a simple cup of coffee.
  • As a Dessert: Serve them alongside other desserts, like vanilla ice cream, for a decadent treat. You can also drizzle some chocolate or caramel sauce over the top for an extra indulgence.
  • Brunch Delight: These cruffins make an excellent addition to any brunch spread. Serve them with fresh fruit, yogurt, and a variety of spreads for a well-rounded meal.

Final Thoughts

Churro Cruffins are a fun and innovative twist on two classic pastries, combining the irresistible cinnamon sugar crust of churros with the delicate, flaky layers of cruffins. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, a weekend treat, or just because, these cruffins will surely impress everyone with their deliciously rich flavor and texture. So roll up your sleeves, fire up the oven, and let these little cinnamon-filled marvels bring a touch of magic to your kitchen!

Enjoy baking and indulging in your Churro Cruffins!

ADVERTISEMENT

Leave a Comment

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

ADVERTISEMENT