Name: Delicious Churro Cruffins Ready in Just 30 Minutes
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 pack Puff Pastry (store-bought or homemade); 1 tablespoon Cinnamon (for flavor); 1 cup Sugar (brown sugar can be used); 2-3 inches Neutral Oil (canola or vegetable oil); 1 cup Chocolate (dark or milk chocolate); 1 cup Jam (favorite flavor like raspberry or strawberry); 1 cup Sweet Cream Cheese (mix with a touch of vanilla)

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

As I stared at the pack of puff pastry in my fridge, an idea whisked me away from my usual routine—Churro Cruffins! This delightful creation marries the flaky, buttery goodness of a cruffin with the sweet, cinnamon-sugar charm of a churro. In under 30 minutes, you can whip these up, making them a fantastic choice not just for breakfast, but also as a scrumptious dessert. The beauty lies in their versatility; feel free to surprise your taste buds with different fillings, like rich chocolate or zesty jam. The excitement of frying these pastries fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas, each cruffin offering a satisfying crunch followed by a tender, warm bite. Ready to indulge in this irresistible fusion? Let’s dive into the recipe that will elevate your homemade treats!

Why Are Churro Cruffins So Irresistible?

Quick Prep: These delectable Churro Cruffins can be whipped up in under 30 minutes, making them perfect for spontaneous cravings or planned gatherings.

Flavor Fusion: The rich combination of flaky cruffin texture and sweet churro flavors guarantees that each bite is a delightful surprise.

Customizable Goodness: Packed with options, you can easily add chocolate, jam, or sweet cream cheese to elevate your treats, offering something for every palate.

Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Whether you’re serving them at brunch or as an afternoon snack, these pastries are sure to impress and satisfy your guests.

No Fuss Frying: With just a handful of ingredients and simple steps, frying these pastries is a breeze! For a creative twist, you may also check out my recipe for Churro Cheesecake Bliss.

Get ready to enjoy the wonderful world of Churro Cruffins—a true homemade indulgence that takes your dessert game to the next level!

Churro Cruffin Ingredients

• The following ingredients will help you create these mouthwatering Churro Cruffins that are sure to impress!

For the Pastry

Puff Pastry – Makes the cruffins wonderfully flaky; store-bought works great, but homemade adds a personal touch!

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating

Cinnamon – Infuses warmth and spice into the sugar, enhancing the deliciousness of each bite.
Sugar – Sweetens and balances the flavors; you can use brown sugar for a deeper caramel undertone.

For Frying

Neutral Oil (e.g., canola, vegetable) – Recommended for frying due to its high smoke point, ensuring perfectly cooked pastries without burnt flavors.

Optional Fillings

Chocolate – Melts beautifully and adds a rich flavor; dark or milk chocolate both work wonderfully!
Jam – Choose your favorite flavor for a fruity twist; raspberry or strawberry jam complements the cinnamon nicely.
Sweet Cream Cheese – Adds a creamy texture and sweetness; mix it with a touch of vanilla for added flavor.

These ingredients come together to create a delectable fusion that’s both quick to prepare and a joy to savor!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Churro Cruffins

Step 1: Prepare the Puff Pastry
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface until it’s about 1/4 inch thick. Cut the pastry into squares or rectangles, ensuring they are large enough to accommodate your chosen fillings. Keep the pieces covered with a damp cloth to prevent them from drying out as you work on the Churro Cruffins.

Step 2: Add Fillings (if desired)
Take each square of pastry and place your desired filling—such as chocolate, jam, or sweet cream cheese—into the center. Be careful not to overfill, or it may ooze out during cooking. Once the filling is added, fold the pastry corners inward toward the center and pinch the edges to seal them securely, forming a neat parcel.

Step 3: Shape the Cruffins
Next, roll each filled pastry tightly from one end to the other to create a tight cylinder. Then, bend the rolled pastry into a U-shape before placing it into a muffin tin, ensuring that the edges are pinched together. This gives your Churro Cruffins their signature cruffin shape, ready for frying.

Step 4: Heat the Oil
Pour enough neutral oil into a deep frying pan to submerge the cruffins halfway, about 2-3 inches deep. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). To check if your oil is ready for frying, drop a small piece of pastry in; it should bubble and rise to the surface immediately.

Step 5: Fry the Cruffins
Gently lower the shaped Churro Cruffins into the hot oil one at a time, ensuring they have enough space to float freely. Fry them for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they turn a lovely golden brown and become crispy. Use a slotted spoon to carefully flip them, keeping an eye on the temperature to avoid burning.

Step 6: Coat in Cinnamon Sugar
Once golden and crispy, remove the cruffins from the oil and drain them on paper towels to remove excess grease. While they’re still hot, immediately toss them in a mixture of sugar and cinnamon, ensuring a generous coating on all sides. This sweet touch enhances the delightful flavor of your warm Churro Cruffins.

Step 7: Serve Fresh
For the best texture and flavor experience, serve the Churro Cruffins warm straight from the fryer. Their crispy exterior and soft center will deliver an irresistible satisfaction to every bite. Share them with family and friends or savor them all to yourself as a sweet treat!

How to Store and Freeze Churro Cruffins

Room Temperature: Store Churro Cruffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day to maintain their delightful crunch.

Fridge: If you need to keep them longer, you can refrigerate the cruffins in an airtight container for up to 3 days, but this may affect their texture.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze uncoated Churro Cruffins in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag for up to 2 months.

Reheating: To reheat, bake the frozen cruffins at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes before coating them in cinnamon sugar for a fresh, warm delight!

Churro Cruffins: Creative Variations

Feel free to get adventurous and personalize your Churro Cruffins with these delightful twists, each one promising a unique flavor journey!

Vegan Option: Use plant-based butter or oil to create a cruelty-free treat. Enjoy the same flaky goodness without compromising on taste!
Nutty Filling: Try filling your cruffins with almond or peanut butter for a satisfying crunch and creamy texture. It’s a nut-lover’s dream!
Fruit Explosion: Add fresh diced apples or berries along with a sprinkle of cinnamon to bring a fruity freshness that blends beautifully with the sweetness.
Spicy Kick: Mix a pinch of cayenne or chili powder into your cinnamon sugar for a surprising heat that dances on the palate. Perfect for spice enthusiasts!
Decadent Chocolate Lava: For a gooey surprise, fill them with chocolate ganache instead of solid chocolate for an indulgent, melty experience. Make sure to enjoy them warm!
Combination Bliss: Combine fillings—think jam and cream cheese together—to create a layered flavor sensation. This duo works wonders and satisfies multiple cravings!
Savory Twist: Swap the sugar coating for a sprinkle of sea salt or feta crumbles for an unconventional savory delight. Why not explore a sweet-and-salty combo?

While you’re at it, consider pairing these cruffins with a lovely dessert like Churro Cheesecake Bliss to elevate your indulgent treat experience! Enjoy crafting and tasting new versions of these delightful pastries!

Expert Tips for Churro Cruffins

Use Cold Puff Pastry: Ensure your puff pastry is cold when you roll it out; this helps achieve maximum flakiness after frying.
Avoid Overfilling: Be careful not to overstuff each cruffin with filling; overfilling can cause them to burst while frying.
Maintain Oil Temperature: Keep an eye on the oil temperature during frying; too hot can burn the outside while leaving the inside raw, while too cool can result in greasy cruffins.
Toss While Hot: Coat your Churro Cruffins in cinnamon sugar immediately after frying for the best adherence and flavor.
Serve Immediately: For the finest texture and taste, serve them right after frying; they lose their crispiness when stored.

What to Serve with Churro Cruffins

Imagine a cozy gathering, where the air is filled with the sweet scent of cinnamon and sugar, complemented by delicious treats that bring everyone together.

Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream perfectly balances the warm, crispy texture of the cruffins. The coldness contrasts wonderfully, making every bite even more delightful.
Fresh Fruit Salad: Bright, seasonal fruits bring a refreshing touch that lightens up the richness of the cruffins. Berries and citrus fruits add a burst of color and flavor.
Chocolate Dipping Sauce: Pair your cruffins with a decadent chocolate dipping sauce for a fun twist. The sweetness of the chocolate enhances the churro flavor while adding an indulgent element to your meal.
Caramel Drizzle: Drizzling warm caramel sauce over your cruffins introduces a rich, buttery sweetness that will wow your taste buds. It’s an easy way to elevate the experience further!
Coffee or Hot Chocolate: A warm beverage like a freshly brewed coffee or rich hot chocolate complements the sweet flavors of the cruffins. It creates a comforting atmosphere, perfect for leisurely indulgence.
Cinnamon-Spiced Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy whipped cream with a hint of cinnamon adds a luxurious touch. It’s a delightful way to enhance the flavors without overpowering the crispy pastries.
Chai Tea: The aromatic spices in chai tea harmonize beautifully with the cinnamon in the cruffins. This pairing offers a cozy vibe, making every bite feel like home.

Make Ahead Options

These delightful Churro Cruffins are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time without sacrificing quality! You can prepare the puff pastry and shape the cruffins up to 24 hours in advance. Simply roll and fill them, then cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. To maintain their deliciousness, avoid coating them in cinnamon sugar until you’re ready to fry and serve. When it’s time to enjoy these treats, just heat oil to 350°F (175°C) and fry the prepared cruffins until golden brown, tossing them in cinnamon sugar as soon as they come out of the oil for that irresistible crunch. Enjoy the convenience of having your treats ready to go while still delivering that fresh, homemade flavor!

Churro Cruffins Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the right puff pastry for my Churro Cruffins?
Absolutely! For the best texture, I recommend using cold puff pastry—either store-bought or homemade. Look for a brand that lists butter as one of the main ingredients, as it creates those flaky layers we all love. If making from scratch, ensure your butter is very cold and keep it that way while handling.

What’s the best way to store leftover Churro Cruffins?
Store your Churro Cruffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to 3 days, although the texture may not be as crispy. If they aren’t eaten in that time, freezing is a great option!

Can I freeze Churro Cruffins? If so, how?
Absolutely! To freeze Churro Cruffins, first prepare them without any cinnamon sugar coating. Place the uncoated cruffins in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, about 1-2 hours. Afterward, transfer them to a zip-top bag, and they can be stored for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just bake them from frozen at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes before tossing in cinnamon sugar.

What are some common issues I might run into while making Churro Cruffins?
Very! A common issue is cruffins bursting during frying, usually due to overfilling. Ensure you don’t pack too much filling inside and securely pinch the edges. Also, make sure your oil is at the right temperature (350°F or 175°C) to avoid greasy results or undercooked centers. If they don’t float while frying, the oil may be too cool—try adjusting the heat as needed.

Are there any dietary considerations for Churro Cruffins?
Yes! If you’re aiming for a vegan version, you can substitute dairy butter with plant-based butter and use non-dairy cream cheese as a filling. Always double-check your fillings as well, like jam or chocolate, to ensure they’re suitable for any allergies. Enjoying them is all about personal preference, so feel free to experiment!