Discover the magic of Churro Cruffins, a mouthwatering pastry that combines the buttery layers of croissants with the sweet, cinnamon-sugar crunch of churros. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these cruffins are quick to make, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to delight anyone who takes a bite. Whether you’re craving a cozy treat at home or want to impress guests, this recipe has you covered.
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Ingredients
For the Puff Pastry:
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- 1 package puff pastry (store-bought or homemade)
For the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating:
- 1 cup sugar (or preferred sweetener)
- 2 tbsp cinnamon (substitute with pumpkin spice or nutmeg for variety)
For the Filling & Topping:
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- ½ cup unsalted butter (or margarine/coconut oil for dairy-free)
- ½ cup dulce de leche (or caramel/chocolate sauce)
- 1 cup chocolate chips (optional – dark, milk, or white)
For the Egg Wash:
- 1 large egg (or flax egg/aquafaba for vegan option)
Equipment Needed:
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- Baking sheet
- Muffin tin
- Rolling pin
- Parchment paper
Instructions for Churro Cruffins
- Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a muffin tin by greasing or lining with parchment paper. - Roll the Puff Pastry
On a lightly floured surface, roll puff pastry into a large rectangle. Cut into 4×6-inch rectangles. - Prepare Cinnamon-Sugar & Butter
Mix sugar and cinnamon in a medium bowl. Melt the butter in a separate bowl until warm. - Assemble the Cruffins
Brush each rectangle with melted butter, sprinkle cinnamon-sugar on top, then add a spoonful of dulce de leche and optional chocolate chips in the center. - Roll and Shape
Roll each rectangle into a tight log, then twist gently. Place upright in the prepared muffin tin. - Apply Egg Wash
Brush each cruffin with beaten egg for a golden, shiny finish. - Bake
Bake for 20–25 minutes until puffed and golden brown. - Finish with Cinnamon-Sugar
While warm, roll the cruffins in remaining cinnamon-sugar for the classic churro coating.
Pro Tips
- Thaw Properly: Ensure puff pastry is fully thawed for perfect flakiness.
- Avoid Overfilling: Too much filling may spill during baking.
- Tight Rolls: A snug roll creates crisp, defined layers.
- Watch Baking Time: Ovens vary; overbaking dries pastries.
- Cool Slightly: Let cruffins cool before coating to keep the sugar crunchy.
Why This Recipe Works
Churro Cruffins combine the best of two worlds: the delicate flakiness of croissants with the irresistible sweetness and cinnamon flavor of churros. They’re quick, customizable, and perfect for any occasion — from festive brunches to cozy nights at home.
Substitutions & Variations
- Dairy-Free: Use coconut oil or margarine instead of butter.
- Vegan: Replace egg wash with almond milk and maple syrup.
- Fruit-Filled: Swap dulce de leche for raspberry or strawberry preserves.
- Nutty Delight: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
- Spiced Up: Mix nutmeg or cardamom with cinnamon-sugar.
- Chocolate Lover: Add Nutella or extra chocolate chips.
- Extra Churro Style: Roll warm cruffins in cinnamon-sugar again for ultimate crunch.
Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating Guide
- Prepare Ahead: Assemble unbaked cruffins up to 24 hours in advance; refrigerate covered.
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Fridge: Keeps up to 1 week; may slightly affect flakiness.
- Freezer: Wrap individually and freeze up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes to restore crispness.
Serving Ideas for Churro Cruffins
- Hot Chocolate: Perfect pairing for cozy mornings.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: Adds refreshing contrast.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Warm cruffins with ice cream create a decadent dessert.
- Coffee or Espresso: Complements the cinnamon notes.
- Cinnamon-Spiced Whipped Cream: Adds luxury to every bite.
- Chocolate Ganache Drizzle: Extra indulgence for dessert lovers.
- Caramel Sauce for Dipping: Sweet and gooey perfection.
Nutrition (Per Serving Estimate)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugar: 10 g
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use store-bought puff pastry?
Yes, it’s convenient and works perfectly. Homemade is optional for a custom touch.
Q: How do I keep cruffins fresh?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature (3 days) or in the fridge (1 week).
Q: Can I freeze Churro Cruffins?
Absolutely! Wrap individually and freeze up to 2 months. Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes.
Q: Can I make them vegan?
Yes! Use plant-based butter and a flax egg or aquafaba instead of regular egg.
Q: What’s a good substitute for dulce de leche?
Try caramel sauce, fruit preserves, or chocolate sauce.
These Churro Cruffins are an irresistible fusion of croissant and churro flavors, perfect for indulgent breakfasts, desserts, or festive gatherings. With their golden layers, sweet cinnamon crunch, and endless variations, they’re sure to delight every bite and leave everyone asking for more.
Irresistible Churro Cruffins Recipe
Equipment
- muffin tin
- Rolling Pin
- baking sheet (optional)
- parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
Ingredients
- 1 package puff pastry (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup dulce de leche (or caramel sauce)
- 1 cup chocolate chips (optional)
- 1 large egg (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease or line a muffin tin with parchment paper.
- Roll thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle. Cut into approximately 4×6-inch rectangles.
- Mix sugar and cinnamon in a bowl. Melt butter in a separate bowl.
- Brush each pastry rectangle with melted butter and sprinkle generously with cinnamon-sugar. Add a spoonful of dulce de leche and optional chocolate chips in the center.
- Roll each rectangle tightly into a log, twist gently, and place upright into the muffin tin.
- Brush tops with beaten egg to create a golden finish.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until puffed and golden brown.
- While still warm, roll cruffins in remaining cinnamon-sugar mixture to coat completely. Serve warm.
Notes
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