If you’re on the hunt for a truly irresistible treat that combines the flaky, buttery charm of a croissant with the convenience and charm of a muffin, look no further. The Best Almond Croissant Muffins (Cruffins) Recipe brings together all the delightful textures and flavors you crave in a sophisticated pastry but with an approachable twist. Imagine tender layers of puff pastry infused with rich almond goodness, topped with a sprinkle of crunchy sliced almonds, and finished with a dusting of powdered sugar. These cruffins are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a special afternoon indulgence, and once you try them, they’ll quickly become a beloved favorite you’ll want to bake over and over again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet essential, each playing a crucial role in yielding the perfect croissant muffin texture and almond flavor. From the buttery puff pastry that creates that signature flakiness to the almond flour that adds a nutty richness, every element is thoughtfully chosen to ensure your cruffins come out bakery-worthy at home.
- Puff pastry (1 sheet): The foundation of these cruffins, providing flaky, golden layers—store-bought works beautifully for ease.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Adds richness and moisture for that irresistible tender crumb.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens the filling while helping create a slight caramelized crust.
- Almond flour (1 cup): Infuses every bite with a deep, nutty flavor and tender texture.
- Large egg (1): Binds the filling ingredients together and enriches the overall taste.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Brings warmth and depth, balancing the almond flavor perfectly.
- Almond extract (1/2 teaspoon): Intensifies the almond essence for that signature, unmistakable taste.
- All-purpose flour (1 tablespoon): Helps thicken the almond filling so it holds beautifully after baking.
- Pinch of salt: Enhances all the sweet flavors, rounding out the taste.
- Sliced almonds (1/4 cup): Adds a lovely crunchy topping, lending contrast to the tender interior.
- Powdered sugar (for dusting): The finishing touch, lending a delicate sweetness and an elegant look.
How to Make The Best Almond Croissant Muffins (Cruffins) Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Almond Filling
Start by mixing the softened butter, granulated sugar, almond flour, egg, vanilla and almond extracts, all-purpose flour, and a pinch of salt in a medium bowl. Whisk everything together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This filling is what makes these cruffins so irresistibly rich and flavorful, so take a moment to ensure it’s well combined and luscious.
Step 2: Roll Out and Cut the Puff Pastry
On a lightly floured surface, gently roll the puff pastry sheet into a roughly 12×12-inch square to get an even thickness. Cut the sheet into 12 equal strips—these will become the spiraled layers that make these cruffins delightfully flaky and impressive.
Step 3: Spread the Almond Filling
Generously spread a thin layer of your almond filling over each puff pastry strip, ensuring you leave a tiny border so the filling doesn’t ooze out during baking. This step infuses every bite with that signature almond flavor and keeps each layer tender and moist.
Step 4: Roll and Shape the Cruffins
Carefully roll each filled strip into a spiral, tucking the ends underneath to form a muffin shape. Place each spiral into a greased or lined muffin tin. This shaping method gives you those stunning flaky layers you love in a croissant but in a convenient muffin form.
Step 5: Top and Bake
Sprinkle sliced almonds on top of each cruffin for that irresistible crunch. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 25 minutes or until golden brown and puffed. The smell alone will have you eagerly waiting for the timer to go off!
Step 6: Cool and Dust with Powdered Sugar
Allow the cruffins to cool in the muffin tin for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack. Once slightly cooled but still warm, dust with a generous sprinkle of powdered sugar to add a touch of sweetness and a bakery-quality finish.
How to Serve The Best Almond Croissant Muffins (Cruffins) Recipe
Garnishes
If you want to elevate your serving game, consider a light drizzle of honey or a smear of softened butter alongside your cruffins. A few fresh berries or a sprig of mint add a refreshing contrast, making the presentation pop and the flavors even more delightful.
Side Dishes
These cruffins shine most brightly when paired with a creamy latte or an aromatic cup of tea. For brunch, serve alongside fresh fruit salad or a simple green salad with vinaigrette to balance the richness and add some freshness to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these cruffins in rustic wooden trays lined with parchment paper for a charming brunch vibe. For a sweet twist, offer small ramekins of chocolate sauce or fruit preserves for dipping. You can also slice and layer them with fresh cream and berries for a decadent almond cruffin parfait that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
The Best Almond Croissant Muffins (Cruffins) Recipe keeps well for up to two days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Make sure they are completely cooled before storing to preserve their delightful flakiness and prevent sogginess.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze the cooled cruffins individually wrapped in plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to one month, allowing you to enjoy their almond goodness anytime you crave.
Reheating
Reheat frozen or fresh cruffins in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 to 8 minutes. This helps crisp back the puff pastry layers without drying out the almond filling, making them taste fresh and bakery-worthy again.
FAQs
Can I use homemade puff pastry instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! Homemade puff pastry will add an extra layer of flavor and freshness, but store-bought pastry works wonderfully if you’re short on time. Just make sure it’s fully thawed before use.
What can I substitute for almond flour?
You can try using finely ground hazelnut flour or even all-purpose flour, but keep in mind that almond flour adds moisture and nuttiness that are key in this recipe’s flavor and texture.
How do I know when the cruffins are done baking?
They should be golden brown on top and puffed up, with the almond filling set. You can also gently tap the tops—they should feel firm and springy, not doughy.
Can I make these dairy-free?
Yes, by substituting the butter with a plant-based alternative and ensuring your puff pastry is dairy-free, you can easily adapt this recipe to be dairy-free while keeping the flavor intact.
Are these best eaten fresh or can they be enjoyed later?
They’re definitely best enjoyed fresh out of the oven when the layers are at their flakiest, but they maintain their charm after reheating, making them a great make-ahead option as well.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about The Best Almond Croissant Muffins (Cruffins) Recipe that makes it a standout in any kitchen. The combination of flaky layers, luscious almond filling, and crunchy almond topping meld into a pastry experience you won’t forget. Whether you bake them for a weekend brunch or a sweet treat anytime, trust me—they’re going to become one of your favorite recipes to share with friends and family. So go ahead, grab that puff pastry, and bake up a batch of these delightful cruffins—you’ll be so glad you did!
Print
The Best Almond Croissant Muffins (Cruffins) Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 cruffins
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-inspired
Description
These Almond Croissant Muffins, also known as Cruffins, are a heavenly fusion of flaky, buttery puff pastry and sweet almond filling. Perfectly crisp on the outside and tender on the inside, these muffins are infused with almond and vanilla extracts and topped with toasted sliced almonds and a dusting of powdered sugar, making them an irresistible treat for breakfast or dessert.
Ingredients
Pastry
- 1 sheet puff pastry (store-bought or homemade)
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
Topping
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- Prepare the filling: In a bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar, almond flour, egg, vanilla extract, almond extract, all-purpose flour, and a pinch of salt. Mix thoroughly until smooth and well incorporated to create a creamy almond filling.
- Prepare the pastry: Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle if not pre-rolled. Spread the almond filling evenly over the puff pastry sheet, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Roll and slice: Starting at one long edge, carefully roll the puff pastry sheet tightly into a log shape. Using a sharp knife, slice the log into 12 equal pieces to create individual muffin-sized portions.
- Arrange in muffin tin: Place each sliced piece into a greased or lined muffin tin, spiral side up to showcase the layers. Press slightly to ensure they stand upright securely.
- Add toppings: Sprinkle the sliced almonds evenly on top of each cruffin to add crunch and almond flavor.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the cruffins in the oven for about 20-25 minutes or until golden brown, puffed, and cooked through.
- Cool and dust: Remove the muffins from the oven and allow them to cool slightly in the tin before transferring to a wire rack. Once cooled, dust generously with powdered sugar for a sweet finishing touch.
- Serve: Enjoy the almond croissant muffins warm or at room temperature as a delightful breakfast or snack treat.
Notes
- You can use store-bought puff pastry for convenience or make your own homemade version for a fresher taste.
- Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature to easily mix into the almond filling.
- To store, keep the cruffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.
- For extra indulgence, brush the tops with a little melted butter before sprinkling sliced almonds.
- These can be reheated gently in the oven or microwave before serving for a fresh-baked feel.
