Churro Cruffins

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These Churro Cruffins are a fusion of the classic churro and the flaky croissant, bringing together the best of both worlds in one irresistible treat. With layers of buttery pastry rolled in cinnamon sugar and a surprise of creamy dulce de leche inside, they offer a delightful crunch followed by a sweet and creamy center.

Perfect for brunch, a cozy morning with coffee, or an indulgent snack, these cruffins are as versatile as they are delicious. Serve them warm for the best experience, and watch them disappear from the plate in no time. Whether you’re entertaining guests or treating yourself, these Churro Cruffins are bound to impress with their gourmet look and comforting flavors.

Full Recipe:

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

Directions:

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.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 140 minutes (including rising and chilling time)

Kcal: 274 kcal | Servings: 12

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Churro Cruffins are the ultimate treat that combines the flaky, buttery texture of a croissant with the cinnamon-sugar coating of a classic churro. This fusion pastry is not only a feast for the eyes but also a delight for the taste buds. You’ll love how the layers of puff pastry bake up to a crispy, golden brown, offering a light crunch that gives way to a tender, soft interior. The added surprise of creamy dulce de leche filling takes this treat to the next level of indulgence.

Expert Tips and Tricks

Use Cold Puff Pastry: For the flakiest cruffins, keep your puff pastry cold until you’re ready to roll it out. This helps in creating distinct layers that puff up beautifully during baking.
Roll Tightly: When shaping the cruffins, roll the dough tightly to create defined layers. This ensures the cruffins will have that signature spiral look and texture.

Even Coating: To get that authentic churro flavor, thoroughly coat the cruffins in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Make sure the cruffins are warm but not hot to help the mixture stick without melting.
Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough between folds allows the butter to firm up, resulting in better-defined layers and a more pronounced flaky texture.
Fill After Baking: To prevent the dulce de leche from melting away, fill the cruffins after they’ve cooled slightly.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Filled Cruffins: Aside from dulce de leche, you can fill the cruffins with chocolate ganache, vanilla custard, or even fruit preserves for different flavor profiles.
Different Spices: If you want to add a twist to the classic cinnamon-sugar flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg, cardamom, or even a touch of cayenne for a subtle heat.
Gluten-Free: Use a high-quality gluten-free puff pastry to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

Vegan Option: Substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use vegan puff pastry to create a vegan-friendly version of this treat.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Churro Cruffins are best enjoyed warm, with their flaky layers and sugary coating at their peak. They pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, espresso, or hot chocolate. For an indulgent dessert, serve them with a drizzle of chocolate sauce, caramel sauce, or a dollop of whipped cream on the side. These cruffins also make a delightful addition to a brunch spread, complementing both sweet and savory dishes like fresh fruit, eggs, or a cheese platter.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Room Temperature: Store any leftover cruffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They will remain delicious and slightly crisp.

Refrigeration: For longer storage, keep the cruffins in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat them in the oven to restore their crispiness.
Freezing: To freeze, wrap the cruffins individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature, then reheat in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes.
Reheating: To bring back the crispiness, reheat the cruffins in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes. Avoid reheating them in the microwave, as this can make them soggy.

Nutritional Information:

Each serving of these Churro Cruffins contains approximately 274 calories, with 10g of total fat, 6g of saturated fat, 43g of carbohydrates, and 4g of protein. The nutritional values may vary slightly based on the exact ingredients and portion sizes used.

The Origin and Inspiration Behind Churro Cruffins

Churro Cruffins are a creative twist on two beloved pastries: the classic churro and the trendy cruffin. Churros, with their crispy exterior and warm cinnamon-sugar coating, have been a popular treat in Spanish and Latin American cuisines for centuries. Cruffins, on the other hand, emerged more recently as a hybrid pastry combining the flaky layers of a croissant with the convenient shape of a muffin. The Churro Cruffin brings these two delightful concepts together, offering the satisfying crunch of a churro encased in the buttery, flaky layers of a cruffin. This fusion pastry became a sensation in artisanal bakeries and patisseries, and now, you can make this gourmet treat right at home.

Tips for Perfect Churro Cruffins Every Time

Proper Dough Folding Technique: To achieve the flaky, layered texture typical of cruffins, use a folding technique similar to that used in making croissants. This involves rolling the dough into a rectangle, spreading it with butter, and folding it into thirds. Repeat this process several times, chilling the dough between folds to create numerous thin layers that will puff up beautifully during baking.

Perfecting the Rise: Allowing the cruffins to rise properly is crucial for a light and airy texture. Place the rolled and shaped cruffins in a warm, draft-free area for about an hour until they double in size. If your kitchen is cool, you can create a makeshift proofing box by placing the cruffins in an oven (turned off) with a bowl of warm water.
Using Store-Bought Puff Pastry: For those short on time, high-quality store-bought puff pastry is a fantastic shortcut. Make sure to keep it cold until you’re ready to use it, as warm puff pastry can become sticky and difficult to handle. When using store-bought puff pastry, simply roll it into a rectangle, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar, and proceed with rolling and shaping.
Crispy Coating: To achieve the perfect churro-like exterior, roll the warm cruffins generously in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. The warmth of the cruffins helps the sugar adhere, creating a sweet, crunchy coating that contrasts beautifully with the flaky interior.

Customizing Your Churro Cruffins

One of the best things about Churro Cruffins is their versatility. Here are some ideas to customize this recipe according to your preferences or dietary needs:

Filling Options: While dulce de leche is a classic and delicious choice, feel free to experiment with different fillings. Nutella, cream cheese frosting, pastry cream, or fruit preserves can all add unique flavors to your cruffins. You can also opt for savory fillings like spiced cream cheese or herbed butter for a less sweet variation.
Flavor Enhancements: Enhance the flavor of the cruffins by adding a splash of vanilla extract to the dough or a hint of orange zest to the cinnamon-sugar coating. For a holiday-inspired twist, incorporate spices like nutmeg, ginger, or allspice into the sugar mixture.

Decorative Toppings: After coating the cruffins in cinnamon sugar, drizzle them with chocolate or caramel sauce for an extra layer of indulgence. A sprinkle of powdered sugar or a light glaze can also add a decorative touch to your cruffins, making them even more tempting.

Presentation and Serving Ideas

Churro Cruffins not only taste amazing but also make for an impressive presentation. Here are some serving ideas to make your Churro Cruffins stand out:

Brunch Centerpiece: Arrange the Churro Cruffins on a tiered stand or a rustic wooden platter, surrounded by fresh berries and small bowls of dipping sauces like chocolate ganache or warm caramel. They can serve as the centerpiece of a brunch spread, adding a touch of gourmet elegance to the table.

Dessert Plate: Serve warm Churro Cruffins as part of a dessert plate with scoops of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of warm chocolate sauce, and a sprinkle of chopped nuts for added texture.
Coffee Pairing: Pair these cruffins with a rich, hot cup of coffee or espresso. The bitter notes of the coffee complement the sweetness of the cruffins, creating a balanced flavor experience.

Nutritional Adjustments and Healthier Alternatives

For those looking to enjoy Churro Cruffins with a bit less guilt or adapted to dietary restrictions, here are some adjustments you can make:

Lower-Calorie Version: To reduce the calorie content, consider using a lower-fat puff pastry or reducing the amount of butter in the dough. You can also opt for a sugar substitute like erythritol for the cinnamon-sugar coating to cut down on sugar intake.
High-Protein: Incorporate a protein boost by adding a spoonful of protein powder to the dough or mixing it into the filling. This makes the cruffins more satisfying and can help keep you full longer.
Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend and a gluten-free puff pastry to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease.

The Perfect Occasion for Churro Cruffins

Churro Cruffins are a versatile treat that can fit various occasions:

Special Breakfasts: Elevate your weekend breakfast or brunch with a batch of these cruffins. They’re a step above the usual breakfast pastries, perfect for making mornings feel a little more special.
Celebratory Events: Whether it’s a birthday, holiday gathering, or any celebration, Churro Cruffins add a touch of festivity. Their unique combination of flavors and textures is sure to impress guests.

Afternoon Pick-Me-Up: Pair a cruffin with your afternoon coffee or tea for a delightful treat that provides a satisfying burst of energy.

Conclusion

Churro Cruffins are the perfect fusion of churro and croissant, offering a crispy, flaky pastry coated in cinnamon sugar and filled with creamy dulce de leche. Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or an indulgent snack, they’re easy to customize with various fillings and spices. Whether enjoyed warm with coffee or as a dessert centerpiece, these cruffins are a delightful treat that brings gourmet flair to any occasion.