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If you are craving a delightful treat that combines flaky, buttery goodness with a luscious creamy filling, look no further than this Cream Cheese Cruffins Recipe. These charming little pastries beautifully marry the texture of croissants with the convenience and shape of muffins, layered with rich cream cheese and bright raspberry preserves to create an unforgettable taste experience. Whether you’re treating yourself or impressing guests, this recipe turns simple ingredients into a show-stopping breakfast or dessert that feels both indulgent and approachable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Cream Cheese Cruffins Recipe lies in its simplicity yet perfect synergy of flavors and textures. Each ingredient plays a vital role: the puff pastry provides crisp, flaky layers; the cream cheese adds a smooth, tangy creaminess; and raspberry preserves bring a fresh pop of fruity sweetness. Let’s gather everything you need to make these irresistible treats come alive!
- 2 sheets puff pastry (thawed if frozen): The flaky, buttery base of your cruffins; be sure to work with thawed sheets for easy handling.
- 6 oz cream cheese (softened): Softened to creamy perfection, this adds rich, silky texture inside every bite.
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar: Mix into the cream cheese to add a hint of sweet smoothness without graininess.
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract: A subtle touch that lifts the flavor of the cream cheese filling to aromatic heights.
- 1/3 cup raspberry preserves (or raspberry jam): Provides a vibrant fruity layer that contrasts beautifully with the cream cheese’s richness.
- 1 tbsp butter (melted for brushing, optional): Brushing the tops before baking helps achieve a glossy, golden finish.
- Powdered sugar (for dusting after baking, optional): Adds a final delicate sweetness and a pretty look to your cruffins.
How to Make Cream Cheese Cruffins Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
The very first thing to do is preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that when your cruffins go in, they bake quickly and evenly, developing that perfect golden-brown, flaky crust.
Step 2: Roll Out the Puff Pastry
Lightly flour your working surface and carefully unroll the puff pastry sheets. Roll them out gently to a smooth, even thickness. This step is key to creating those beautiful layers once you add the filling and roll them up.
Step 3: Mix and Spread the Cream Cheese Mixture
In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until silky smooth. Spread this mixture evenly across the surface of the puff pastry. This creamy layer is what makes these cruffins decadently moist and flavorful.
Step 4: Add the Raspberry Preserves
Next, spread a thin, even layer of raspberry preserves over the cream cheese. The tart yet sweet jam is a perfect partner for the creamy filling, creating delightful pockets of fruity surprise in every bite.
Step 5: Roll and Slice
Starting from one side, carefully roll the pastry into a log, keeping the layers tight but not squishing out the filling. Then, use a sharp knife to slice the log into strips about one inch wide. These strips will be twisted into the cruffin shapes.
Step 6: Twist and Position in Muffin Tin
Take each strip and gently twist it several times to create those signature ridges and curls. Place each twisted piece neatly into the cups of a greased or lined muffin tin. This step not only shapes the cruffins but ensures they bake into a perfect handheld treat.
Step 7: Bake until Golden
Pop the muffin tin into your preheated oven and bake for 22 to 25 minutes until the cruffins are puffed up and golden brown on top. The smell at this point will start making your kitchen heavenly.
Step 8: Finish with a Dusting of Powdered Sugar
Once baked, allow the cruffins to cool slightly out of the oven. For a lovely finishing touch, sift powdered sugar over the top. This not only adds a dainty sweetness but also makes the presentation irresistibly charming.
How to Serve Cream Cheese Cruffins Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your cruffins with fresh garnishes such as a few whole raspberries, a sprig of mint for color, or a drizzle of melted dark chocolate for a decadent twist. These small additions heighten both flavor complexity and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
Serve these cruffins alongside a hot cup of coffee, a rich latte, or even a refreshing herbal tea. For a fuller brunch spread, pair with fresh fruit salad or scrambled eggs to balance sweet and savory elements delightfully.
Creative Ways to Present
To wow your guests, present your Cream Cheese Cruffins Recipe on a decorative cake stand or tiered tray. Consider wrapping each cruffin in a festive cupcake liner or dusting each with a flavored sugar like cinnamon or lemon zest for variety.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to keep them fresh and flaky. Avoid refrigeration unless absolutely necessary, as it can make the pastry soggy.
Freezing
This Cream Cheese Cruffins Recipe also freezes beautifully. Place the baked cruffins in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to a month and reheat just as wonderfully.
Reheating
To revive your stored cruffins, heat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 to 7 minutes. This restores their flaky texture and warm cream cheese filling perfectly, as if freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use cream cheese straight from the fridge?
For the best texture and spreading ease, it’s important to use softened cream cheese. Taking it out of the fridge 30 minutes before you start mixing will make your filling smooth and easier to work with.
Is it possible to substitute raspberry preserves with another flavor?
Absolutely! You can swap raspberry preserves with strawberry, apricot, or any berry jam you prefer. Each will bring its own unique sweetness and balance with the cream cheese.
Do I have to twist the pastry strips, or can I just roll them up?
Twisting the strips gives cruffins their signature look and a bit of added texture. Rolling them up without twisting will still be delicious but less visually striking and might be denser.
Can I prepare these cruffins in advance and bake later?
You can assemble the cruffins and keep them covered in the fridge for a few hours before baking. Just make sure to bake them while still cold so they puff up properly in the oven.
What is the best puff pastry to use for this recipe?
High-quality frozen puff pastry sheets work perfectly and save time. Opt for brands with fewer additives and good reviews for the flakiest and tastiest cruffins.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about making your own Cream Cheese Cruffins Recipe at home—it’s like bringing a little bakery magic straight into your kitchen. The balance of flaky pastry, creamy filling, and fruity jam creates such a comforting yet elegant treat. I promise once you try it, you’ll find yourself reaching for these cruffins again and again. So why not bake a batch today and share the joy of this delicious recipe with friends and family?
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Cream Cheese Cruffins Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
Description
These Cream Cheese Cruffins combine the flaky, buttery texture of croissants with the light, tender crumb of muffins. Filled with a sweet cream cheese mixture and raspberry preserves, these delightful pastries make a perfect breakfast treat or an indulgent snack. Baked until golden and dusted with powdered sugar, cruffins offer an elegant twist that’s simple to make and sure to impress.
Ingredients
Pastry
- 2 sheets puff pastry (thawed if frozen)
Cream Cheese Filling
- 6 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Fruit Filling
- 1/3 cup raspberry preserves (or raspberry jam)
Other
- 1 tbsp butter (melted, for brushing, optional)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting after baking, optional)
Instructions
- Preheating: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the cruffins evenly and to a golden finish.
- Rolling: Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the thawed puff pastry sheets to smooth any creases and make an even surface for spreading the filling.
- Spreading: In a bowl, mix the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Spread this cream cheese mixture evenly over the rolled-out puff pastry.
- Filling: Spread a thin layer of raspberry preserves over the cream cheese mixture, ensuring even coverage without overloading the pastry to prevent sogginess.
- Slicing and Rolling: Carefully roll the puff pastry sheet into a tight log, starting from one edge. After rolling, slice the log into strips about 1 to 1.5 inches thick each.
- Twisting and Placing: Twist each pastry strip gently to create the cruffin shape and place each twisted strip upright into a muffin tin, filling each cup.
- Baking: Bake in the preheated oven for 22–25 minutes or until the cruffins are puffed up and golden brown.
- Dusting and Cooling: Remove from the oven and allow the cruffins to cool slightly in the muffin tin before carefully removing them. Dust with powdered sugar if desired before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute raspberry preserves with other fruit jams such as strawberry or apricot for varied flavors.
- Brushing the tops with melted butter before baking adds extra rich flavor and a golden sheen.
- For a less sweet option, reduce the powdered sugar in the cream cheese mixture or skip the dusting step.
- Ensure puff pastry stays cold but pliable; warm pastry can become sticky and difficult to handle.
- Use a sharp knife to slice the rolled pastry to avoid squashing the layers.
- Serve warm for the best texture and flavor experience.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast Pastry
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
