Description
These Almond Croissant Muffins, also known as Cruffins, are a delightful hybrid between croissants and muffins, featuring flaky puff pastry infused with rich almond flavors. Perfectly tender on the inside with crispy, buttery layers on the outside, they are topped with sliced almonds and a dusting of powdered sugar for a sweet, nutty finish. Ideal for breakfast or an indulgent snack, these cruffins blend classic French pastry techniques with easy-to-make convenience.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Topping
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- Prepare the Almond Filling: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add almond flour, egg, vanilla extract, almond extract, all-purpose flour, and a pinch of salt. Mix thoroughly until a smooth almond paste forms.
- 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 puff pastry, leaving a small margin around the edges.
- Shape the Cruffins: Starting from one long edge, carefully roll the puff pastry tightly into a log. Slice the log into 12 evenly sized pieces to fit into muffin tins.
- Arrange in Muffin Tin: Place each slice upright into greased muffin tin cups, allowing space for expansion during baking. Sprinkle sliced almonds on top of each cruffin for added texture and flavor.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the cruffins for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and puffed up.
- Cool and Dust: Remove the cruffins from the oven and let them cool slightly in the muffin tin. Once warm, dust generously with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- Use cold puff pastry for best results to ensure flakiness.
- Allow the muffins to cool slightly so the almond filling sets properly.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days; reheat gently before serving.
- For a more intense almond flavor, you can toast the sliced almonds before adding on top.
- This recipe can be doubled to serve a larger crowd.
