Churro Cruffins Recipe

If you’re looking for a playful twist on a classic treat, Churro Cruffins are about to become your newest obsession. Imagine the buttery flakiness of puff pastry, swirled and fried to golden perfection, then lavishly rolled in cinnamon-sugar for that nostalgic churro kick. This recipe delivers bakery-worthy results without hours of proofing or fancy equipment, just pure joy and crispiness in every bite. Whether you’re hosting weekend brunch or treating yourself on a lazy morning, Churro Cruffins are irresistibly fun, stunningly simple, and guaranteed to put a smile on your face.

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of staples, every ingredient in Churro Cruffins earns its spot. Each one matters for the signature crunch, rich flavor, and touch of magic that make these cruffins unforgettable.

• Puff pastry sheet (1, thawed): Provides the beautifully laminated layers that puff into cruffin swirls—store-bought is perfectly acceptable here!
• Unsalted butter (2 tbsp, melted): Brushes each layer with rich flavor and encourages delicious browning.
• Granulated sugar (½ cup): Adds sweetness and a hint of caramelization, clinging beautifully to the cruffins’ crispy edges.
• Ground cinnamon (1 tsp): Essential for that unmistakable churro warmth—smell it and you’ll be instantly hooked.
• Vegetable oil (for frying): Neutral and high-heat friendly, it gives the cruffins a perfect, shattering crisp crust.

How to Make Churro Cruffins

Step 1: Prep the Puff Pastry

Start by gently unfolding your thawed puff pastry sheet on a clean surface. If it feels sticky, a bit of flour helps. This is the moment to brush that melted butter over every inch—a little love here will make each bite extra rich and flaky.

Step 2: Shape and Slice

Roll the buttered pastry tightly into a log, keeping the roll even for uniform cruffins. With a sharp knife, slice the log into 8 equal rounds—think cinnamon roll style. Each piece will look like a little spiral of possibilities!

Step 3: Fan and Shape the Rosettes

Gently fan out the cut edge of each round with your fingers, shaping them into charming rosette forms. Tuck the ends under so they hold their shape. This step gives Churro Cruffins that signature cruffin swirl and extra flaky texture.

Step 4: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat 1–2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F (175°C). When ready, carefully lower the cruffins seam-side down in small batches. Fry for about 2–3 minutes per side—watch like a hawk for that perfect golden puff!

Step 5: Drain and Dredge in Cinnamon Sugar

Once they’re golden and irresistible, transfer the hot cruffins to a paper towel-lined plate to drain briefly. whisk granulated sugar and ground cinnamon together in a shallow bowl, then give each warm cruffin a generous roll so every nook and cranny gets coated. This step delivers the iconic churro experience!

Step 6: Enjoy Right Away

Churro Cruffins shine brightest when served warm. Their crispiness and aroma are simply unforgettable just out of the fryer—resist the urge to wait!

How to Serve Churro Cruffins

Garnishes

A dusting of extra cinnamon sugar never hurt anyone! You can also drizzle with chocolate sauce, dunk in dulce de leche, or sprinkle a blush of powdered sugar. Fresh berries or edible flowers on the side turn Churro Cruffins into a photogenic masterpiece.

Side Dishes

Pair your Churro Cruffins with rich hot chocolate or a velvety café con leche for an indulgent breakfast. Fresh fruit salad and tangy Greek yogurt make a balanced brunch spread. They’re also amazing alongside hearty scrambled eggs or a plate of salty bacon for that sweet-salty hit.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack Churro Cruffins on a tiered dessert stand for a brunch showstopper, tuck them into bakery parchment for a retro vibe, or serve in paper cones for a grab-and-go party snack. Try filling the warm centers with caramel, Nutella, or whipped cream for an extra-special surprise!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover Churro Cruffins, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. The texture is best the first day but still satisfying when enjoyed later.

Freezing

To freeze, let the cruffins cool completely, then arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a zipper bag. They’ll keep well for about a month—just be sure to freeze before rolling in cinnamon sugar, and coat after reheating for best results.

Reheating

For maximum crispiness, reheat Churro Cruffins in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5–7 minutes. Avoid the microwave, as it can make them soggy. If frozen, thaw at room temperature before reheating. After heating, a fresh toss in cinnamon sugar brings back their magic.

FAQs

Can I bake these instead of frying?

Absolutely! Place shaped Churro Cruffins in a greased muffin tin and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 18–22 minutes, until puffed and golden brown. While the texture is slightly less crispy than frying, they’re still delicious and a bit lighter.

Can I use homemade puff pastry?

Yes! If you feel adventurous, homemade puff pastry takes Churro Cruffins to the next level with extra flake and buttery flavor. The process is more time-intensive but so worth it if you love baking projects.

What’s the best oil for frying?

A neutral oil with a high smoke point is key. Vegetable oil is classic, but you can also use canola, sunflower, or peanut oil. Avoid olive oil, as the flavor is too strong and it doesn’t hold up well to high heat.

Can I prep these in advance?

You can shape the cruffins and refrigerate, covered, for up to 24 hours before frying or baking. Bring to room temperature before cooking so they puff evenly.

How do I keep the cinnamon sugar from falling off?

Make sure to roll the cruffins in the cinnamon sugar while they’re still hot from the oil or oven—the heat melts the sugar slightly so it sticks beautifully. If they cool off, a light mist of melted butter before dredging does the trick.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never tried Churro Cruffins, now is your moment. They’re cheerful, crave-worthy, and just the thing to brighten any morning or sweeten a special gathering. One bite of that crispy, cinnamon-kissed swirl and you’ll understand why I keep coming back to this recipe. Go ahead—gather your ingredients and treat yourself to a batch of homemade brilliance!

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