Churro Cruffins [140 Minutes] (2024)

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Churro Cruffins are an exquisite blend of the flaky, buttery layers of a croissant and the sweet, cinnamon-sugar-coated delight of a churro. These cruffins are the perfect treat for breakfast, brunch, or a special snack, offering a delightful crunch with every bite. They’re easy to make with store-bought puff pastry, making them an impressive yet straightforward addition to your baking repertoire.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love Churro Cruffins for their unique combination of textures and flavors. The flaky pastry layers are reminiscent of a croissant, while the cinnamon-sugar coating adds the irresistible taste of a churro. These cruffins are quick to prepare and bake, yet they look and taste like a gourmet pastry. They’re perfect for a special breakfast, a brunch gathering, or an afternoon treat.

Expert Tips and Tricks

Use cold puff pastry: Keep the puff pastry chilled until you’re ready to use it to ensure the best flaky layers.
Roll tightly: Roll the puff pastry tightly to create distinct layers that will expand beautifully when baked.
Even coating: Make sure to coat the cruffins thoroughly with the cinnamon-sugar mixture for the best flavor.
Cool slightly before coating: Let the cruffins cool slightly before rolling them in the butter and cinnamon-sugar mixture to prevent the sugar from melting too much.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Filled cruffins: Add a dollop of dulce de leche or chocolate ganache inside the cruffins for a surprise filling.
Different spices: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon-sugar mixture for extra warmth.
Gluten-free: Use gluten-free puff pastry to accommodate dietary restrictions.
Vegan option: Use vegan puff pastry and substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serve Churro Cruffins warm for the best taste and texture. They pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee, hot chocolate, or a glass of milk. For an indulgent dessert, serve them with a side of chocolate sauce or caramel for dipping. These cruffins also make a delightful addition to a brunch spread, complementing other pastries and savory dishes.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Room temperature: Store the cruffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Refrigeration: Keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week to extend their freshness.
Freezing: Freeze the cruffins for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating: Warm the cruffins in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes to restore their crispiness.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use homemade puff pastry? Yes, homemade puff pastry can be used for an even flakier and richer result.
Can I make these ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the cruffins and refrigerate them overnight before baking.
How do I prevent the sugar from melting too much? Allow the cruffins to cool slightly before rolling them in the butter and cinnamon-sugar mixture.
Can I double the recipe? Yes, this recipe can be easily doubled to make more cruffins.

Churro Cruffins

Yield: 12 cruffins

Prep Time: 2 hours

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes

Discover the delightful fusion of Churro Cruffins, where the classic sugary cinnamon taste of churros meets the flaky texture of cruffins, filled with creamy dulce de leche. This innovative treat promises to elevate your pastry experience, making it a must-try for dessert lovers seeking a twist on traditional favorites.

Ingredients

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]

1 cup dulce de leche

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Gradually add warm water and mix until a dough forms.
Knead the dough on a floured surface until smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes.
Roll the dough into a rectangle, spread butter evenly over the surface, then fold it into thirds. Roll it out again and repeat the folding process twice more. Chill the dough for 1 hour.
Cut the dough into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long strip, then coil it into a muffin tin prepared with non-stick spray.
Let the cruffins rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the cruffins for 20 minutes, or until golden brown.
Mix the sugar and cinnamon for the coating in a shallow dish. Roll the warm cruffins in the mixture until well coated.
Using a piping bag, fill the center of each cruffin with dulce de leche.