If you’ve ever been torn between a warm, cinnamon-kissed churro and a buttery, flaky croissant, this Churro Cruffins Recipe is about to become your new obsession. Imagine layers of golden puff pastry spiraled with sweet cinnamon sugar, baked until beautifully crisp, and filled with silky dulce de leche or Nutella for an optional surprise. These cruffins are pure joy in every bite, bringing together the festive flavors of a churro and the elegant texture of a cruffin, all in a treat you can whip up at home in just over half an hour. Perfect for brunch, dessert, or anytime you want to wow your taste buds (and your friends!), this recipe is as easy as it is irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can create bakery-worthy cruffins right in your own kitchen. Each element plays a special part in achieving that signature churro flavor and irresistible texture. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:
- Puff pastry sheet (thawed): This is your shortcut to flaky, buttery layers without the fuss—be sure it’s fully thawed for easy rolling.
- Granulated sugar: Adds the classic sweetness and creates that iconic churro crunch when combined with cinnamon.
- Ground cinnamon: The heart of churro flavor, bringing warmth and coziness to every bite.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Rich and flavorful, it helps the cinnamon sugar stick and adds golden color.
- Dulce de leche or Nutella (optional filling): For an indulgent twist, a thin layer inside each cruffin gives you a gooey, decadent surprise.
How to Make Churro Cruffins Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Muffin Tin
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), ensuring it’s good and hot for maximum puff. Grease a standard muffin tin with a little butter or nonstick spray—this will help your cruffins release easily and brown beautifully.
Step 2: Mix the Cinnamon Sugar
In a small bowl, stir together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. This simple blend is what gives the Churro Cruffins Recipe its signature sparkle and flavor. Set aside a little extra for dusting after baking, if you like things extra sweet.
Step 3: Prepare the Puff Pastry
Unroll your thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to prevent sticking. Brush the entire surface generously with your melted butter—this helps the cinnamon sugar adhere and keeps the layers tender and rich. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar evenly over the top, making sure every inch gets coated.
Step 4: Add the Filling (Optional)
If you’re craving an extra treat, now’s the time to spread a thin, even layer of either dulce de leche or Nutella over the cinnamon sugar. This adds a gooey, decadent center to your cruffins, but you can absolutely skip this step for a more classic churro flavor.
Step 5: Roll and Slice
Roll the puff pastry tightly into a log starting from the long edge, just like a cinnamon roll. Once rolled, take a sharp knife and carefully slice the log in half lengthwise to reveal the beautiful layers inside. This step is key for those distinctive swirls!
Step 6: Shape the Cruffins
Take each half and twist it gently into a spiral, then coil it into a rose shape, tucking the ends underneath. Place each spiral into a muffin cup, ensuring the cut layers are facing up for maximum flakiness and visual appeal.
Step 7: Bake
Bake in your preheated oven for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the cruffins are puffed and deeply golden brown. The aroma of cinnamon and buttery pastry will fill your kitchen—resist the urge to dive in right away!
Step 8: Finish with Cinnamon Sugar
As soon as they come out of the oven, brush the tops with any remaining melted butter and either roll or sprinkle them with extra cinnamon sugar. This final touch gives your Churro Cruffins Recipe that authentic churro crunch and sparkle.
How to Serve Churro Cruffins Recipe
Garnishes
For a truly bakery-worthy finish, dust your cruffins with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple glaze once they’ve cooled. A sprinkle of extra cinnamon sugar right before serving adds both crunch and visual wow-factor.
Side Dishes
Pair your Churro Cruffins Recipe with a hot cup of coffee, a creamy café con leche, or even a mug of Mexican hot chocolate for a cozy, indulgent treat. Fresh fruit like strawberries or orange segments offer a bright, refreshing contrast to the sweet, buttery pastry.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun brunch spread, serve your cruffins stacked on a cake stand with bowls of dipping sauces—think warm chocolate, caramel, or even berry coulis. Or, try slicing them in half and filling with whipped cream for an extra-decadent twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (which is a big “if”!), store your cooled cruffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They’ll stay surprisingly crisp and delicious, though they’re always best fresh.
Freezing
Churro cruffins freeze beautifully. Once cooled completely, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to a month—just thaw at room temperature before reheating.
Reheating
To refresh that just-baked magic, pop cruffins in a 300°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes. They’ll regain their crisp edges and soft, layered centers. A quick zap in the microwave works too, but the oven keeps them extra flaky.
FAQs
Can I make the Churro Cruffins Recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the cruffins and keep them covered in the fridge for up to 12 hours before baking. Just bring them to room temperature while the oven preheats for the flakiest results.
What if I don’t have dulce de leche or Nutella?
No worries—these cruffins are delicious even without the filling! You could also use fruit jam, sweetened cream cheese, or simply stick to classic cinnamon sugar for a lighter treat.
Can I use homemade puff pastry?
Definitely, if you’re feeling ambitious! Homemade puff pastry will make your Churro Cruffins Recipe even more special and buttery, but store-bought works like a charm for a quick fix.
Why do I need to slice and twist the pastry?
This step helps expose those beautiful layers and gives each cruffin its signature spiral look and flaky texture. It’s the secret to bakery-style cruffins with minimal effort!
How do I prevent the cruffins from sticking to the pan?
Make sure to grease your muffin tin well with butter or nonstick spray. If you’re worried, you can also use parchment paper muffin liners for extra insurance and easy removal.
Final Thoughts
There’s something undeniably joyful about pulling a warm, cinnamon-laced cruffin from the oven—especially when it’s as easy and rewarding as this Churro Cruffins Recipe. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just yourself, don’t miss the chance to experience this delightful twist on two classic treats. Give it a try and let your kitchen fill with the scents (and smiles) that only homemade cruffins can bring!
Print
Churro Cruffins Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 cruffins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Fusion (Mexican-Inspired / French-Inspired)
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Churro Cruffins combine the flaky, buttery layers of a classic French cruffin with the sweet, cinnamon-sugar flavor reminiscent of Mexican churros. These delightful pastry treats are made from puff pastry, brushed with cinnamon-sugar and butter, rolled into spirals, baked until golden and flaky, and optionally filled with luscious dulce de leche or Nutella for an irresistible dessert or treat.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
Optional Filling
- ¼ cup dulce de leche or Nutella
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a standard muffin tin to prevent sticking.
- Mix Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon thoroughly to create the signature churro coating.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, unroll the thawed puff pastry sheet completely. Brush the entire surface evenly with the melted butter, then generously sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the buttered surface.
- Add Filling (Optional): If desired, spread a thin, even layer of dulce de leche or Nutella over the cinnamon-sugar coated puff pastry for a rich, creamy interior.
- Roll and Slice: Starting from the long edge, roll the puff pastry tightly into a log. Carefully slice the log in half lengthwise to expose its delicate layers.
- Shape the Cruffins: Twist each half gently into a spiral, then coil each spiral to form a rose shape, tucking any ends underneath to secure.
- Place in Muffin Tin: Position each shaped spiral into a muffin cup, spacing them evenly to allow for expansion during baking.
- Bake: Bake the cruffins for 18–22 minutes until they are puffed and have achieved a golden brown color.
- Finish and Cool: Remove the cruffins from the oven, brush immediately with any remaining melted butter, and roll or sprinkle them with extra cinnamon-sugar for an enhanced flavor. Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- For extra richness and presentation, dust the cruffins with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple glaze once cooled.
- These cruffins are best enjoyed fresh on the same day they are made, but they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days without losing flavor or texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cruffin
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
