Name: Indulge in Churro Cruffins: Flaky, Sweet Perfection at Home
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 package Puff Pastry (Store-bought or homemade); 1 tablespoon Cinnamon (Adjust based on personal preference); 1 cup Sugar (Granulated sugar ideal); 2 cups Neutral Oil (Canola, vegetable, or avocado oil); 1 cup Chocolate (Or other fillings like jam or cream cheese); 1 cup Jam (Or other fillings like chocolate or cream cheese); 1 cup Cream Cheese (Or other fillings like chocolate or jam)

Pin1

When the craving for something sweet and crispy strikes, I often find myself reminiscing about the beautiful fusion that is Churro Cruffins. Picture this: a flaky cruffin embracing a warm cinnamon-sugar coating, each bite a delightful crunch that gives way to tender layers inside. It’s a playful pastry that feels indulgent yet surprisingly easy to whip up!

After a long day, nothing beats the joy of pulling these golden beauties from the fryer, letting their aroma waft through the kitchen, inviting everyone to gather around. With just a handful of ingredients and less than 30 minutes of your time, you can create an irresistible treat that satisfies both breakfast cravings and dessert desires alike. Plus, the opportunity to customize with fillings like chocolate or jam adds a delightful twist to this already fun recipe. Ready to elevate your baking game? Let’s dive into making these crispy Cinnamon Sugar Churro Cruffins!

Why Are Churro Cruffins So Irresistible?

Churro Cruffins are a delightful culinary adventure that marries two fan favorites beautifully. Quick Preparation: With minimal effort, you can have these pastries ready in under 30 minutes. Crispy, Flaky Texture: Each bite strikes the perfect balance between crispy and tender. Versatile Fillings: Customize with exciting fillings like chocolate or jam for added flair. Crowd-Pleasing Treat: They make for a perfect dessert or breakfast option, guaranteed to impress friends and family. Don’t forget to explore different variations for a fresh twist—these cruffins can be as unique as your taste!

Churro Cruffins Ingredients

For the Pastry
• Puff Pastry – A store-bought option saves time, but using homemade enhances both flavor and texture.

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
• Cinnamon – Provides a warm spice that elevates the sweetness; feel free to adjust based on personal preference.
• Sugar – Granulated sugar is ideal for the classic cinnamon-sugar coating; brown sugar may alter the texture slightly.

For Frying
• Neutral Oil (e.g., canola, vegetable) – Essential for achieving that crispy texture; substitute with avocado oil for a richer flavor.

For Optional Fillings
• Chocolate, Jam, or Cream Cheese – Elevate your Churro Cruffins by customizing with your favorite fillings for an exciting twist.

How to Make Churro Cruffins

Prepare Puff Pastry:
Roll out your store-bought puff pastry on a clean surface. Cut it into squares (about 3 to 4 inches each) to create the base for your Churro Cruffins.
Heat Oil:
In a deep pan or fryer, heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). Make sure to maintain this temperature for perfectly crispy cruffins. A thermometer can help with accuracy.
Shape and Fry Cruffins:
Take the pastry squares and shape them into a cruffin form by folding and rolling them. Carefully place them in the hot oil and fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown and crispy.
Coat in Cinnamon Sugar:
In a bowl, mix together sugar and cinnamon. Once your cruffins are slightly cooled but still warm, roll them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture to coat completely.
Serve Warm:
Enjoy your Churro Cruffins fresh and warm for the ultimate experience! They’re best served immediately to maintain their delightful crunch.

Optional: Drizzle with melted chocolate or caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Make Ahead Options

Churro Cruffins are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time without sacrificing flavor! You can prepare the puff pastry squares and shape them up to 24 hours in advance; simply refrigerate them on a parchment-lined tray to prevent sticking. When you’re ready to fry, heat your oil and fry the prepped cruffins directly from the refrigerator. For longer storage, shape and freeze the cruffins for about 3 days. Just make sure to defrost them overnight in the fridge before frying for best results. With these make-ahead options, you can enjoy warm, crispy Churro Cruffins on demand, delighting your family with minimal fuss!

What to Serve with Crispy Cinnamon Sugar Churro Cruffins?

Indulging in Churro Cruffins is always delightful, but adding the right accompaniments can elevate your experience to new sugary heights.

Chocolate Dipping Sauce:
A rich and velvety chocolate sauce adds a luxurious touch, making each bite even more decadent and fun.
Vanilla Ice Cream:
Creamy vanilla ice cream offers a perfect contrast to the crispy texture of the cruffins, creating a delightful temperature and flavor combination.
Fresh Fruit Salad:
Bright and fruity flavors of seasonal berries and citrus create a refreshing balance, offsetting the sweetness of the cruffins with a burst of freshness.
Caramel Sauce:
Drizzling a warm caramel sauce provides a sweet, buttery richness that pairs beautifully with the cinnamon-sugar coating. It’s an indulgent match made in heaven!
Espresso or Coffee:
A rich cup of espresso or coffee enhances the flavors and offers a warm, inviting element to your sweet feast.
Whipped Cream:
Light and airy whipped cream adds a fluffy texture that complements the density of the cruffins, making for a delightful pairing.
Milk:
A classic glass of cold milk rounds out your indulgence, perfect for dipping and balancing the sweetness of the cruffins.

Serve these alongside your Churro Cruffins and watch your dessert spread transform into a sweet experience everyone will cherish!

Churro Cruffins Variations

Feel free to get creative and adapt these Churro Cruffins to suit your taste, and brighten up your baking adventure!

Dairy-Free: Swap in dairy-free puff pastry and plant-based butter for a vegan delight without losing any flavor.
Chocolate-Packed: Add a gooey chocolate center by placing a few chocolate chips in the center before shaping and frying your cruffins. Richness in every bite!
Spiced Sugar: Experiment with flavored sugars, such as adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon-sugar coating for a warm, aromatic touch.
Fruit-Filled: Consider filling with your favorite jam or fresh fruit before shaping. Try raspberry or apple for a fruity twist that brightens each bite.
Nutty Crunch: Fold in crushed nuts (like pecans or walnuts) into the dough for an extra layer of crunch and flavor that complements the sweetness.
Vegan Crispy: Use aquafaba instead of eggs in homemade puff pastry to keep it plant-based and light, ensuring a delightful texture.
Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle with a homemade or store-bought caramel sauce after frying to add an extra layer of sweetness and to elevate the luxurious experience.
Spicy Twist: For the adventurous, a dash of cayenne or chili powder in the sugar coating adds a surprising kick that pairs beautifully with the cinnamon sweetness.

Expert Tips for Churro Cruffins

Oil Temperature: Maintain a consistent oil temperature of 350°F to ensure your Churro Cruffins are crispy, not greasy. Use a thermometer for best results.
Frying Technique: Carefully shape the pastry into cruffins before frying; avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even cooking.
No Microwave: Avoid reheating in the microwave, as it will make the cruffins soggy instead of reviving their crunch.
Serving Fresh: Serve Churro Cruffins immediately after frying for that delightful warm crunch; they’re at their best fresh out of the oil.
Storage Tips: If storing, place in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day; reheat in the oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes to restore crispness.

How to Store and Freeze Churro Cruffins

Room Temperature: Store Churro Cruffins in an airtight container for up to 1 day; they’re best enjoyed fresh but can still satisfy that sweet craving.

Fridge: While refrigeration is not ideal due to potential sogginess, if needed, place them in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven before serving.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze un-fried shaped cruffins on a baking sheet, then transfer to a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. Fry directly from frozen.

Reheating: To restore crispness, simply reheat cooked Churro Cruffins in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes before serving.

Churro Cruffins Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the best puff pastry for Churro Cruffins?
When selecting puff pastry, I often recommend going with a high-quality, all-butter variety for the best flavor and flakiness. If you’re short on time, store-bought works wonders; just be sure to check the preparation instructions. Fresh, thawed puff pastry will yield an irresistible texture that complements the crispy coating beautifully.

How should I store leftover Churro Cruffins?
Store your Churro Cruffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day. To enjoy them later, reheat in the oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes to restore their delightful crunch. Avoid microwaving as this will result in a soggy texture.

Can I freeze Churro Cruffins for later use?
Absolutely! To freeze, shape your cruffins but do not fry them. Place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to indulge, fry them straight from frozen! Just add an extra minute or two to the frying time until they are golden brown.

What if my Churro Cruffins are soggy?
If your cruffins turn out soggy, it could be due to oil temperature being too low during frying. Make sure your oil reaches and maintains 350°F (175°C). You can also try reheating them in the oven to crisp up the exterior again. For next time, don’t overcrowd the fryer, as this can drop the oil temperature too much.

Are Churro Cruffins safe for those with nut allergies?
Churro Cruffins can typically be made nut-free, especially if you use vegetable or canola oil for frying. Always check the labels on your puff pastry for any nut trace warnings to ensure they suit your dietary needs. If you’re unsure, you might also consider making them from scratch using nut-free ingredients.

Can I make a vegan version of Churro Cruffins?
Yes! To create a vegan version, use dairy-free puff pastry, skip the cream cheese filling, or choose alternatives like coconut cream. You can also replace regular sugar with a vegan-friendly option, and make sure your oil is plant-based, like avocado oil, for frying. Enjoy crafting a delightful treat that everyone can enjoy!