Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe gives you all the buttery richness of croissants with the simplicity of a muffin. The chocolate chips melt into gooey pockets of sweetness, perfectly complementing the light, flaky dough. They look impressive, taste divine, and can be made with either homemade or store-bought puff pastry. Ideal for breakfast, dessert, or gifting, Chocolate Chip Cruffins are guaranteed to become a household favorite.
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Chocolate Chip Cruffins – Flaky, Buttery Pastries with a Sweet Chocolate Twist
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 6 cruffins
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Chocolate Chip Cruffins are flaky, buttery pastries made by rolling croissant dough with chocolate chips, baking them in a muffin tin, and finishing with a dusting of sugar — the perfect hybrid of croissant and muffin with a gooey chocolate twist.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed, about 250g)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for dusting)
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- Powdered sugar, for finishing (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F) and grease a muffin tin with butter or nonstick spray.
- Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the puff pastry into a large rectangle, about 12×15 inches.
- Brush the surface with melted butter and sprinkle evenly with mini chocolate chips.
- Starting from the long edge, tightly roll the pastry into a log (like a cinnamon roll).
- Using a sharp knife, cut the log in half lengthwise to expose the layers, then cut each half into 3–4 equal pieces (depending on muffin tin size).
- Roll each strip into a spiral, chocolate side facing out, and place into the muffin cups.
- Brush lightly with extra melted butter.
- Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.
- Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle with sugar (and cinnamon if desired).
- Cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar and serving warm.
Notes
- For extra decadence, drizzle with melted chocolate or a simple vanilla glaze.
- Use croissant dough or crescent roll dough for an easier shortcut version.
- These taste best fresh but can be reheated in the oven for a few minutes to restore crispiness.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Pastry / Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French Fusion
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Puff pastry sheets – The foundation of the cruffins, providing those signature buttery, flaky layers. Use all-butter puff pastry for the best flavor and texture.
Chocolate chips – Mini or regular semi-sweet chocolate chips melt beautifully into the pastry layers. You can also use chopped chocolate bars for a richer filling.
Granulated sugar – Adds sweetness and helps caramelize the edges while baking.
Unsalted butter – Used for brushing and adding extra richness to the pastry.
Ground cinnamon (optional) – For a subtle warmth that pairs perfectly with chocolate.
Powdered sugar – Lightly dusted on top for a professional bakery finish.
Egg wash (1 egg + 1 tbsp water) – Brushed on top to give the cruffins a glossy, golden look.
Pinch of salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
Directions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin.
If using frozen puff pastry, let it thaw according to package directions. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one sheet into a rectangle (about 12×9 inches). Brush lightly with melted butter and sprinkle evenly with granulated sugar and a few chocolate chips.
Starting from the long side, roll the sheet into a tight log. Cut the log in half lengthwise to expose the layers, then roll each strip into a spiral (like a cinnamon roll), tucking the end underneath. Place each rolled cruffin into the prepared muffin tin.
Repeat with the remaining puff pastry sheet. Brush the tops with egg wash. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.
Let cool in the tin for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar before serving, or brush with melted butter and roll in cinnamon sugar for an extra treat. Serve warm and enjoy the flaky, chocolatey perfection.
Essential Equipment
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 12 cruffins. Preparation takes about 20 minutes, and baking takes 25 minutes, for a total time of approximately 45 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store cooled cruffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm in a 325°F (160°C) oven for 5–7 minutes. For longer storage, freeze for up to 2 months and reheat directly from frozen.
Variations and Customizations
Nutella Cruffins – Spread Nutella or chocolate hazelnut spread before rolling for an extra-rich version.
Almond Chocolate Cruffins – Add sliced almonds inside or sprinkle them on top before baking.
Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins – Skip the chocolate and coat warm cruffins in cinnamon sugar for a bakery classic.
Raspberry Chocolate Cruffins – Add a thin layer of raspberry jam before rolling for a fruity contrast.
Mocha Cruffins – Sprinkle espresso powder into the sugar for a subtle coffee kick.
Caramel Drizzle – Top baked cruffins with a drizzle of salted caramel for an indulgent finish.
Dark Chocolate Orange – Use dark chocolate chips and add orange zest to the filling for a bright twist.
Peanut Butter Swirl – Spread a thin layer of peanut butter before adding chocolate chips.
White Chocolate Macadamia – Substitute white chocolate and add chopped macadamia nuts for a tropical touch.
Savory Version – Skip the sugar and chocolate, fill with cheese and herbs for a brunch-ready alternative.
FAQs
1. Can I use homemade puff pastry?
Yes, homemade puff pastry will give you even flakier results, though store-bought works perfectly for convenience.
2. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the cruffins and refrigerate them overnight. Bake fresh the next morning.
3. Can I use croissant dough instead of puff pastry?
You can, but croissant dough will produce a softer, more bread-like texture rather than crisp layers.
4. How do I keep the chocolate from leaking out?
Leave a small border when adding chocolate chips and roll tightly to seal the layers.
5. What’s the best chocolate to use?
Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips melt well and balance the sweetness.
6. Can I add fillings like jam or caramel?
Absolutely—just spread a thin layer to avoid excess moisture in the dough.
7. Why did my cruffins deflate?
They may have been underbaked or cooled too quickly. Let them bake until deeply golden and cool gradually.
8. Can I make mini cruffins?
Yes, use a mini muffin tin and cut smaller strips—reduce baking time to 15–18 minutes.
9. Can I glaze them instead of powdered sugar?
Yes, a light vanilla or chocolate glaze adds beautiful shine and sweetness.
10. Are they best served warm or cold?
Warm is best! The chocolate melts perfectly, and the pastry texture shines when freshly baked.
Conclusion
Chocolate Chip Cruffins are the perfect blend of elegance and indulgence—a flaky, buttery pastry wrapped around ribbons of sweet chocolate. They’re easy to make, visually stunning, and endlessly versatile. Whether you enjoy them as a brunch showpiece, an afternoon treat, or a homemade gift, these cruffins are guaranteed to impress. Warm, golden, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious, they’re a reminder that a little creativity can turn a simple puff pastry into something extraordinary.
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