Spiced Pumpkin Cruffins

Why These Pumpkin Spice Cruffins Will Be Your New Fall Obsession

In the vast world of baking, choosing a single favorite recipe can feel impossible—like picking a favorite child! But if I had to whisper a secret, these Pumpkin Spice Cruffins might just top the list as my most cherished cruffin creation yet. They are, without a doubt, the quintessential fall treat that truly captures the essence of the season.

Imagine biting into a pastry that is simultaneously fluffy and moist, each layer infused with a harmonious blend of the finest autumn spices. From the moment the aroma fills your kitchen, you know you’re in for something special. The delicate balance of pumpkin and spice is perfectly complemented by a rich, sweet, and slightly tangy cream cheese glaze. This decadent topping elevates the cruffins from a simple pastry to an indulgent delight. We all need a little extra comfort and warmth as the days shorten and the weather cools, right? These cruffins are perfect for cozy mornings, festive gatherings, or simply enjoying with a warm cup of coffee or tea. I’m incredibly excited for you to experience the joy of these delicious treats!

Watch the Magic Unfold: My Pumpkin Spice Cruffins Video Guide

Ready to see just how simple it is to bring these incredible autumnal delights to life? Join me in the kitchen for a step-by-step video demonstration. You’ll learn all the tips and tricks to create a perfect batch of these scrumptious Pumpkin Spice Cruffins, from preparing the dough to drizzling that irresistible cream cheese glaze. It’s an easy, fun way to bake along and ensure your cruffins turn out flawlessly every time!

Expand Your Palate: Explore More Delicious Cruffin Recipes

Once you’ve experienced the pure joy of these Pumpkin Spice Cruffins, you’ll undoubtedly want to explore the wider world of this delightful pastry! Whether your cravings lean towards sweet or savory, the appeal of the cruffin is undeniable. Its unique texture and versatility make it a fantastic canvas for countless flavor combinations. My collection of Delicious and Simple Cruffin Recipes makes baking them incredibly easy, using readily available store-bought crescent rolls and straightforward ingredients. Get ready to discover new favorites!

Demystifying the Cruffin: What Exactly Is This Hybrid Delight?

What’s a cruffin, you ask? It’s a culinary marvel, a delightful cross between a flaky croissant (or, in our case, the more accessible crescent roll) and a classic muffin. This ingenious fusion results in a pastry that offers the best of both worlds: the tender, airy layers typical of a croissant, combined with the convenient, single-serving form of a muffin.

It’s important not to confuse a cruffin with other pastry hybrids like a “puffin” (a puff pastry muffin combo, which, by the way, also shares its name with an adorable sea bird!) or a “biffin” (a muffin made with biscuit dough). While all these variations sound tempting, the cruffin stands out for its unique texture derived from laminated, yeast-leavened dough.

What’s the key difference between crescent roll and puff pastry? This is a great question often asked by aspiring bakers! Both are laminated doughs, meaning they are created by folding butter into dough multiple times to create many thin layers. However, the crucial distinction lies in the leavening. Crescent roll dough contains yeast, which causes it to rise and bake up into that signature puffy, light, and airy texture we love – precisely the texture we’re aiming for in our cruffins! Puff pastry, on the other hand, relies solely on steam for its rise, resulting in a crispier, more delicate flake.

Why opt for store-bought dough instead of making it from scratch? Years ago, I experimented with making cruffins from homemade dough, attempting to replicate the famous, labor-intensive creations found at places like Dominique Ansel Bakery in NYC. While delicious, the process was incredibly time-consuming and frankly, too much work for everyday baking or for those moments when a cruffin craving hits spontaneously. That’s why I developed this quick, accessible recipe using canned crescent roll dough. It simplifies the process without sacrificing flavor or that wonderful flaky texture, making gourmet-style cruffins achievable in any home kitchen!

Beyond this delicious pumpkin spice version, my cruffin repertoire includes a variety of flavors designed for convenience and maximum enjoyment:

• Classic Easy Cruffins: A foundational recipe perfect for any filling.
• Raspberry Cream Cheese Cruffins: A delightful blend of fruity sweetness and creamy tang.
• Nutella Cruffins: For the chocolate-hazelnut lovers, a truly decadent treat.

Gather Your Essentials: What You Need for Perfect Pumpkin Spice Cruffins

Creating these divine Pumpkin Spice Cruffins is a straightforward process, especially with store-bought crescent roll dough. Here’s a comprehensive list of the simple yet crucial ingredients and tools you’ll need to get started:

For the Cruffins and Filling:

• Crescent Roll Dough: Three 8-ounce tubes of refrigerated crescent roll dough. This is our shortcut to flaky perfection!
• Unsalted Butter: Softened, for both the rich filling and the luxurious glaze. Using unsalted allows you to control the salt content.
• Light Brown Sugar: Adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness that perfectly complements the pumpkin and spices.
• Pumpkin Pie Spice: The heart of our autumn flavor! A pre-blended mix typically includes cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and sometimes allspice, providing a warm, aromatic profile.
• Pumpkin Puree: Ensure you’re using 100% pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugars and spices. This provides the authentic pumpkin flavor and moisture.

For the Irresistible Cream Cheese Glaze:

• Cream Cheese: Softened to room temperature, forming the creamy, tangy base of our glaze. Full-fat cream cheese works best for richness.
• Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla enhances all the sweet flavors in the glaze.
• Powdered Sugar (Confectioners’ Sugar): Provides sweetness and ensures a smooth, lump-free glaze.
• Milk: Used to thin the glaze to the perfect drizzling consistency. Any type of milk (dairy or non-dairy) will work.

Essential Kitchen Tools:

• 12-Cup Muffin Pan: Crucial for shaping and baking our individual cruffins. A good quality non-stick pan will make removal easy.
• Non-stick Cooking Spray: For preparing the muffin pan, ensuring your cruffins don’t stick.
• Medium Mixing Bowl: For preparing the filling and the glaze.
• Rubber Spatula or Spoon: For mixing.
• Sharp Knife or Pizza Cutter: For cleanly cutting the dough.
• Small Whisk or Electric Mixer: For achieving a smooth, consistent glaze.
• Cooling Rack: To allow the cruffins to cool evenly and for the glaze to set.
• Rimmed Baking Sheet: Placed under the cooling rack to catch any excess glaze, making cleanup a breeze.

Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Delicious Pumpkin Spice Cruffins

Get ready to transform simple crescent roll dough into an extraordinary fall treat! Follow these detailed steps to create perfectly flaky, spiced, and glazed Pumpkin Spice Cruffins.

• Step 1: Preheat and Prepare. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats, lightly grease a 12-cup muffin pan with non-stick cooking spray. This crucial step ensures your cruffins release easily after baking. Set the prepared pan aside.
• Step 2: Roll Out the Dough. Unroll each sheet of the crescent roll dough. You’ll typically find perforations; gently press and roll these lines together to create three larger, seamless rectangles. Aim to roll them out slightly larger than their original size to maximize surface area for the filling.
• Step 3: Craft the Pumpkin Spice Filling. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, light brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and pumpkin puree. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are well-incorporated, and the mixture becomes creamy and easily spreadable. This vibrant filling is where all the autumn magic begins!
• Step 4: Spread the Filling. Carefully spread about ⅓ cup of the rich pumpkin spice filling evenly over the surface of each crescent dough rectangle, leaving a small border around the edges. This generous layer ensures every bite is packed with flavor.
• Step 5: Roll and Slice the Dough. Starting from one of the long ends of a rectangle, tightly roll up the dough into a compact log. Once rolled, use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice the log in half, creating two shorter logs. Then, take each of those shorter logs and cut them in half lengthwise, exposing the beautiful layers of dough and filling. Repeat this process with the remaining two dough sheets. By the end, you should have 12 pieces, each ready to be shaped into a cruffin.

• Step 6: Shape Your Cruffins. Take each individual piece of cut dough and carefully wrap it around your finger, forming a spiral shape reminiscent of a muffin. Ensure the layered side faces outwards to showcase the beautiful swirls of dough and filling. This shaping technique is what gives the cruffins their distinctive croissant-like appearance and texture.

• Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection. Place each shaped cruffin piece into the greased muffin pan. Bake for approximately 20-22 minutes. For even baking and a beautiful golden-brown finish, remember to rotate the pan halfway through the baking time. The cruffins are done when their tops are golden and the centers are baked through.
• Step 8: Prepare the Cream Cheese Glaze. While the cruffins are baking, it’s time to create that irresistible glaze. In a clean bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and softened butter until the mixture is completely smooth and free of lumps. Add the vanilla extract and beat again until fully incorporated, infusing a lovely aroma. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until smooth. Finally, add 1 tablespoon of milk and beat until you achieve a smooth, drizzling consistency. If the glaze appears too thick to drizzle effortlessly, add additional milk, one teaspoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.
• Step 9: Glaze and Serve. Once the cruffins are baked, promptly remove them from the oven. Immediately transfer the warm cruffins from the muffin pan to a cooling rack, which should be set over a rimmed baking sheet (this catches any drips from the glaze). Generously drizzle each warm cruffin with the freshly prepared cream cheese glaze. The warmth of the cruffins will slightly melt the glaze, allowing it to seep into the layers, creating an even more delectable experience. Serve them warm for the most comforting experience, or enjoy them at room temperature.

If you embark on the delightful journey of making these Pumpkin Spice Cruffins, I would absolutely love to see your creations! Be sure to snap a picture and share it with me, or tag me on Instagram @thebakermama so I can admire your baking prowess. I am always so inspired and overjoyed to see how creative and enthusiastic you all get with the recipes I share. Enjoy every single bite of these perfect fall pastries!

xoxo,

Pumpkin Spice Cruffins

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• 
  Author: The BakerMama
• 
  Prep Time: 10 minutes
• 
  Cook Time: 20 minutes
• 
  Total Time: 30 minutes
• 
  Yield: 12 cruffins

Print Recipe

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Description

These delightful Pumpkin Spice Cruffins combine the flaky layers of a croissant with the convenience of a muffin, infused with pumpkin puree, warm spices, and topped with a luxurious cream cheese glaze. An irresistible fall treat that’s surprisingly easy to make!

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Ingredients

For the Cruffins:

• 3 (8 ounce) tubes refrigerated crescent roll dough

For the Pumpkin Spice Filling:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 1/3 cup light brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
• 1/2 cup pure pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)

For the Cream Cheese Glaze:

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar)
• 1–2 tablespoons milk, as needed for drizzling consistency

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Instructions

1. Prepare Oven and Muffin Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin pan with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.
2. Roll Out Crescent Dough: Unroll each sheet of crescent roll dough. Gently press the perforated lines together to form 3 larger, seamless rectangles. Roll each rectangle slightly larger than its original size.
3. Make the Pumpkin Spice Filling: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, light brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and pumpkin puree. Stir until creamy and smooth, reaching a spreading consistency.
4. Spread Filling on Dough: Spread approximately ⅓ cup of the pumpkin spice filling evenly over the surface of each crescent dough rectangle, leaving a small border around the edges.
5. Roll and Cut Dough: Starting from a long end of each rectangle, tightly roll up the dough into a log. Cut each log in half, creating two shorter logs. Then, cut each of these shorter logs in half lengthwise, exposing the layered filling. Repeat with the remaining dough sheets until you have 12 pieces in total.
6. Shape the Cruffins: Take each individual piece of cut dough and carefully wrap it around your finger to form a spiral, muffin-like shape, ensuring the layered side faces outwards.
7. Place in Muffin Pan: Place each shaped cruffin piece into the prepared greased muffin pan.
8. Bake Cruffins: Bake for about 20-22 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through the baking time, until the tops are golden brown and the centers are baked all the way through.
9. Prepare Cream Cheese Glaze: While the cruffins are baking, beat together the softened cream cheese and softened butter in a bowl until smooth. Add the vanilla extract and beat again until well incorporated. Gradually add the powdered sugar and 1 tablespoon of milk, beating until smooth and achieving a perfect drizzling consistency. If the glaze is too thick, beat in additional milk, 1 teaspoon at a time, until desired consistency is reached.
10. Glaze and Serve: Remove the baked cruffins from the oven and immediately transfer them from the pan to a cooling rack set over a rimmed baking sheet (to catch any excess glaze). Drizzle each warm cruffin generously with the cream cheese glaze. Serve warm or at room temperature.

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