If you love the flaky, buttery charm of a croissant but crave the convenience and fun of a muffin, you’re in for a treat with this Almond Croissant Muffins (Cruffins) Recipe. These delightful pastries capture the best of both worlds by combining airy puff pastry rolled with a luscious almond cream filling, baked into a perfectly portioned muffin shape that’s as satisfying to eat as it is to look at. Each bite offers a harmonious blend of crisp layers, nutty almond sweetness, and a golden crust that’s dusted with powdered sugar, making them an irresistible breakfast or brunch pick-me-up.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this Almond Croissant Muffins (Cruffins) Recipe is wonderfully straightforward. Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating that tender, flaky texture and rich almond flavor that makes these treats so special.
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed): The base of these cruffins, it provides light, buttery layers that bake into a golden, flaky shell.
- 1/3 cup almond paste or almond filling: Adds that signature almond richness and moist texture inside.
- 1 tablespoon softened butter: Used to coat the pastry, enhancing both flavor and crispiness.
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract: Intensifies the nutty aroma and flavor, giving the filling a fragrant lift.
- 2 tablespoons sliced almonds: Sprinkled on top for an appealing crunch and gorgeous presentation.
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar (for dusting): Adds a touch of sweetness and a pretty finish once baked.
- Optional: 1 tablespoon granulated sugar for sprinkling: Gives an added sugary crunch on the crust if you like a little extra sweetness.
For the Almond Cream Filling:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened): Provides richness and binds the filling together smoothly.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the almond cream just enough without overpowering.
- 1/4 cup almond flour: Offers a natural nutty texture and flavor in the cream.
- 1 egg: Helps to create a creamy, custard-like consistency perfect for the filling.
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract: Boosts the almond flavor within the cream filling.
- Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness and elevates all the flavors.
How to Make Almond Croissant Muffins (Cruffins) Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Almond Cream Filling
Start by making your almond cream filling, the heart of this Almond Croissant Muffins (Cruffins) Recipe. Simply combine softened butter, granulated sugar, almond flour, egg, almond extract, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Whisk everything together until it’s smooth and creamy, with no lumps—this creates a luscious, flavorful filling that will melt beautifully during baking.
Step 2: Roll Out the Puff Pastry
On a lightly floured surface, gently unroll your thawed puff pastry sheet. The goal is to keep it even without tearing. Spread a thin blanket of softened butter over the entire sheet, which will add extra moisture and richness. Then, evenly spread the almond cream filling on top, covering all the buttered areas so each bite is richly flavored.
Step 3: Shape the Cruffins
Roll the pastry tightly from the short end into a log, just like you’re making a jelly roll. Next, carefully slice this log lengthwise in half to reveal the pretty layers inside. Take each half and twist it into a spiral, keeping the cut side facing up to show off those swirling layers. Place each spiral into a muffin cup, giving them room to puff up as they bake.
Step 4: Add Toppings and Bake
Sprinkle the tops with sliced almonds for that irresistible crunch and, if desired, a little granulated sugar for a sparkling finish. Slide the muffin tin into a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the cruffins are puffed, golden, and perfectly crisp on the outside.
Step 5: Cool and Finish
Once baked, let your Almond Croissant Muffins (Cruffins) Recipe cool slightly—just enough so they’re warm but not piping hot. Before serving, dust them generously with powdered sugar to add that final touch of elegance and sweetness. Enjoy the aromas filled with almond and buttery goodness!
How to Serve Almond Croissant Muffins (Cruffins) Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra-special presentation, add a light drizzle of honey or a smear of apricot jam on top of your warm cruffins. Fresh berries or a sprig of mint also bring a pop of color and freshness that complements the nutty flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
These Almond Croissant Muffins (Cruffins) Recipe treats pair wonderfully with a steaming cup of coffee or a creamy latte for a perfect morning ritual. You can also serve them alongside fresh fruit salad or a dollop of whipped cream for a richer brunch spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking a couple of cruffins on a pretty plate for a cute tiered effect, or slice one in half and layer with mascarpone cheese and sliced strawberries for a decadent dessert twist. They also make fabulous grab-and-go breakfast treats when packed with a little container of almond butter on the side.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (though they’re often impossible to resist), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to maintain their flaky texture and almond flavor. Avoid refrigeration as it can make the puff pastry soggy.
Freezing
To enjoy Almond Croissant Muffins (Cruffins) Recipe at your convenience, freeze them individually wrapped in plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer bag for up to one month. This way, you can thaw and reheat them whenever the craving hits.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy a leftover cruffin, heat it gently in a preheated oven or air fryer at 325°F (160°C) for 5 to 7 minutes. This will refresh the crisp layers and warm the almond cream filling without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I use homemade puff pastry for this recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade puff pastry will give your Almond Croissant Muffins (Cruffins) Recipe an extra special touch with its fresh, buttery layers. Just make sure it’s well-chilled before rolling to achieve the best rise and flakiness.
Is almond paste necessary, or can I substitute it?
While almond paste is traditional and flavorful, you can substitute it with marzipan or a mixture of almond flour and sugar if needed. The almond cream filling in the recipe also enhances the almond flavor wonderfully if you prefer to skip almond paste.
Can I make these cruffins vegan or dairy-free?
With some ingredient swaps, you can! Use dairy-free butter and puff pastry alternatives, plus a flax or chia egg in place of the chicken egg to keep the almond cream filling smooth. The texture might differ slightly but they will still be delicious.
How long can I keep this recipe fresh when stored properly?
For the best taste and texture, enjoy these Almond Croissant Muffins (Cruffins) Recipe within two days of baking if stored at room temperature. Freezing extends their shelf life up to a month without losing much quality.
Is it possible to make smaller or larger batches?
Certainly! The recipe can be doubled or halved with ease. Just adjust your muffin tin quantity accordingly. Smaller batches bake faster, so keep an eye on the baking time to avoid over-browning.
Final Thoughts
Trying the Almond Croissant Muffins (Cruffins) Recipe is like bringing a little French bakery magic right into your kitchen. They’re surprisingly simple to make, incredibly satisfying, and have that perfect balance of buttery flakiness and almond sweetness that keeps you coming back for more. Whether you’re hosting brunch or just treating yourself on a weekend morning, these cruffins are guaranteed to brighten your day. Go ahead, roll up your sleeves and bake a batch—you won’t regret it!
Print
Almond Croissant Muffins (Cruffins) Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 cruffins
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Almond Croissant Muffins, also known as Cruffins, combine the flaky layers of puff pastry with a rich almond cream filling for a delightful breakfast or dessert treat. Featuring a golden, buttery spiral topped with sliced almonds and a dusting of powdered sugar, cruffins offer an elegant yet easy-to-make pastry inspired by French viennoiserie.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)
- 1/3 cup almond paste or almond filling
- 1 tablespoon softened butter
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 tablespoons sliced almonds
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar (for dusting)
- Optional: 1 tablespoon granulated sugar for sprinkling
Almond Cream Filling
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup almond flour
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a standard muffin tin to prevent sticking.
- Make Almond Cream Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine softened butter, granulated sugar, almond flour, egg, almond extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix until the texture is smooth and creamy, ensuring the filling is well incorporated.
- Roll Out Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, unroll the thawed sheet of puff pastry. Spread a thin layer of softened butter evenly over the entire surface to add richness.
- Apply Almond Cream: Evenly spread the prepared almond cream filling over the buttered pastry, making sure to cover it completely without overfilling.
- Shape the Cruffins: Roll the pastry tightly from the short end into a log shape. Carefully cut the log in half lengthwise to expose the layered filling.
- Form Spirals: Take each half and roll it into a spiral with the cut side facing upward to showcase the layers. Place each spiral into a muffin cup arranged in the prepared tin.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle sliced almonds over each cruffin. Optionally, add a light dusting of granulated sugar to enhance sweetness and create a slight crunch.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes until the cruffins have puffed up and achieved a beautiful golden brown color.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cruffins to cool slightly in the pan. Before serving, dust them lightly with powdered sugar for a delicate finish.
Notes
- You can use store-bought almond paste for convenience or make your own almond cream filling for a fresher, richer flavor.
- These cruffins are best enjoyed warm but can be reheated gently in the oven or air fryer to restore crispness.
- Ensure puff pastry is properly thawed before working to avoid tearing while rolling.
- For a nut-free variation, omit the almond extract and sliced almonds and substitute almond flour with a neutral flour, though this changes the classic flavor.
