If you’ve ever wished that the flaky, buttery charm of a croissant could be combined with the convenience and cozy feel of a muffin, you’re in for a real treat. This recipe for The Best Almond Croissant Muffins (Cruffins) Recipe delivers exactly that—layers of tender puff pastry baked into muffin form, kissed with almond flavor and topped with a crunchy, sweet almond finish. Each bite offers a perfect harmony of texture and taste, making these cruffins a delight for breakfast, brunch, or any time you crave a little indulgence.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of making The Best Almond Croissant Muffins (Cruffins) Recipe lies in the simplicity and quality of the ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role: from the flaky puff pastry that forms the base to the almond flour and extracts that bring the irresistible nutty flavor.
- Puff pastry: Using a good-quality store-bought or homemade puff pastry creates those signature flaky layers essential to cruffins.
- Unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and moisture, helping to tenderize the crumb.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the muffins and helps achieve a slight caramelization on top.
- Almond flour: Infuses a delicate nutty flavor and keeps the texture soft.
- Large egg: Acts as a binder and adds moisture for richness.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its sweet floral notes.
- Almond extract: Boosts the almond flavor to make these cruffins truly special.
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure and helps balance the almond flour.
- Pinch of salt: Balances sweetness and rounds out flavors.
- Sliced almonds: Give a pleasing crunch and beautiful toasted finish on top.
- Powdered sugar: For a delicate dusting that adds extra sweetness and elegance.
How to Make The Best Almond Croissant Muffins (Cruffins) Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Muffin Pan and Puff Pastry
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and greasing a 12-cup muffin tin. Roll out your puff pastry sheet slightly if it isn’t already thin, then cut into 12 equal strips. These strips will form the beautiful layered structure of your cruffins, so handle gently to preserve their flakiness.
Step 2: Mix the Almond Batter
In a bowl, combine the softened butter, granulated sugar, and almond flour. Add in the egg, vanilla extract, almond extract, all-purpose flour, and a pinch of salt. Mix everything until you achieve a smooth, creamy batter—this mixture is going to infuse each muffin with that rich, almond goodness.
Step 3: Assemble the Cruffins
Take each puff pastry strip and spread a thin layer of the almond batter over its length. Then, loosely roll the strip into a spiral to layer the dough and filling beautifully. Place each spiral snugly into the prepared muffin tin cups—this will help the cruffins bake into a tall, layered muffin shape.
Step 4: Add Almond Topping and Bake
Sprinkle sliced almonds over the tops of each assembled cruffin. They’ll toast up nicely in the oven, adding a crunchy contrast to the tender layers inside. Bake for about 25 minutes until the cruffins are puffed, golden, and irresistible looking.
Step 5: Finish with a Dusting of Powdered Sugar
Once cooled just enough to handle, dust your cruffins generously with powdered sugar. This final touch adds a hint of sweetness and a gorgeous presentation that’ll have everyone reaching for seconds.
How to Serve The Best Almond Croissant Muffins (Cruffins) Recipe
Garnishes
These cruffins are beautiful as is, but a light dusting of powdered sugar is ideal to bring out their delicate, buttery layers. You can also add a drizzle of honey or a swipe of almond butter to elevate the almond flavor even more.
Side Dishes
Serve these almond croissant muffins with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a creamy latte for a perfect morning duo. For an extra special brunch, add fresh berries or a simple fruit compote on the side to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking the cruffins on a tiered dessert stand for a lovely brunch centerpiece. You can also slice them horizontally and spread a thin layer of homemade almond cream for a decadent almond cruffin sandwich.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover cruffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They taste best fresh, but the airtight storage will maintain their softness and prevent the topping from getting stale.
Freezing
If you want to save them for later, wrap individual cruffins tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. Frozen, they can last up to a month without losing their wonderful flavor or texture.
Reheating
To enjoy your cruffins warm and flaky again, pop them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwaving as that can make the pastry soggy instead of crisp and flaky.
FAQs
Can I use homemade puff pastry for this recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade puff pastry will give your cruffins an extra special touch of freshness and flakiness. Just make sure it’s well-chilled before you begin assembling.
Is almond flour necessary, or can I substitute it?
Almond flour is key to delivering the signature nutty flavor and tender crumb in this recipe. You could try ground hazelnuts or cashews, but it will change the flavor profile slightly.
Can these cruffins be made gluten-free?
Since puff pastry typically contains gluten, you would need a gluten-free puff pastry substitute. Gluten-free almond flour can still be used in the batter without issue.
How long do The Best Almond Croissant Muffins (Cruffins) Recipe stay fresh?
They taste best on the day they’re made, but stored airtight at room temperature, they remain delightful for up to two days.
Can I add other toppings besides sliced almonds?
Definitely! Toasted coconut flakes, chopped pistachios, or a sprinkle of coarse sugar can all add great texture and flavor twists to your cruffins.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have The Best Almond Croissant Muffins (Cruffins) Recipe in your culinary arsenal, you’re just a few simple steps away from treating yourself and your loved ones to a bakery-worthy delight at home. The layers of buttery pastry combined with the luscious almond flavor are pure joy in every bite. So go ahead, bake a batch and share the love—these cruffins are sure to become a cherished favorite in your recipe collection!
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The Best Almond Croissant Muffins (Cruffins) Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 cruffins
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-Inspired
Description
These Almond Croissant Muffins, also known as Cruffins, combine the flaky, buttery texture of puff pastry with a sweet almond filling. Perfect for breakfast or a decadent snack, these cruffins are topped with sliced almonds and dusted with powdered sugar for an irresistible treat.
Ingredients
Puff Pastry
- 1 sheet puff pastry (store-bought or homemade)
Almond Filling
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- Pinch of salt
Toppings
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- Prepare the Almond Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until creamy. Add the almond flour, egg, vanilla extract, almond extract, all-purpose flour, and a pinch of salt. Mix until the ingredients form a smooth almond paste.
- Prepare the Puff Pastry: Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle. Spread the almond filling evenly over the entire surface of the puff pastry.
- Shape the Cruffins: Starting from one end, roll the puff pastry tightly into a log. Slice the log into 12 equal pieces to form individual cruffins.
- Arrange and Add Toppings: Place each cruffin slice upright into a muffin tin lined with paper liners or greased. Sprinkle sliced almonds on top of each cruffin.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the cruffins for about 25 minutes or until they are golden brown and puffed up.
- Cool and Dust: Remove from the oven and allow cruffins to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Once cooled, dust generously with powdered sugar.
Notes
- Use cold puff pastry for easier handling and better puff.
- Ensure the almond filling is spread evenly for uniform baking.
- Store leftover cruffins in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Reheat gently before serving for fresh taste and texture.
