Description
Cheesy Garlic Cruffins are a delightful hybrid between a croissant and a muffin, featuring a flaky, buttery dough layered with savory garlic butter, Parmesan, and mozzarella cheeses. Perfectly baked to a golden brown, these cruffins make a deliciously rich and aromatic breakfast or snack option.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1/2 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 1 large egg
Filling Ingredients
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, mix all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, salt, and instant yeast thoroughly to ensure even yeast distribution.
- Add wet ingredients: Create a well in the center of the dry mix and pour in warm milk, melted butter, and warm water to begin forming the dough.
- Incorporate egg: Crack the egg into the mixture and start combining all ingredients together using a wooden spoon or your hands until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead the dough: On a clean surface, knead the dough for 8 to 10 minutes until it becomes smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky but not sticky.
- First rise: Place the dough back in the bowl, cover with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
- Prepare garlic butter filling: While the dough rises, mix together the minced garlic, softened butter, and chopped fresh parsley in a small bowl to create the flavorful filling.
- Preheat oven and prepare muffin tin: Set oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a muffin tin with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Roll out dough: Once risen, gently deflate the dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle approximately 1/4 inch thick.
- Spread garlic butter: Evenly spread the garlic butter mixture over the entire surface of the rolled dough for consistent flavor.
- Add cheeses: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the garlic butter, then top with shredded mozzarella cheese to create a rich cheesy layer.
- Form log: Carefully roll the dough tightly from one long edge into a log shape to encase the filling within layers.
- Slice dough: Using a sharp knife, cut the log into 8 to 10 equal slices depending on muffin tin size to ensure portions fit well.
- Place in muffin tin: Arrange each slice vertically in prepared muffin cups stacking the layers upright for the signature cruffin look.
- Second rise: Cover the tin with a kitchen towel and allow the dough to rest and rise again for 20 minutes for a light, fluffy texture.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes until the tops turn golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Cool and serve: Remove the cruffins from the oven, let them cool slightly in the tin, then transfer to a rack. Serve warm, optionally garnished with additional chopped parsley.
Notes
- Use warm liquids (milk and water) to activate the yeast but avoid temperatures that are too hot to prevent killing the yeast.
- Kneading is essential to develop gluten which gives the dough elasticity and structure.
- Letting the dough rise twice ensures a light and fluffy texture.
- Rolling and slicing the dough creates the flaky layered effect similar to a croissant.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of garlic and cheese to taste.
- These cruffins are best enjoyed fresh and warm but can be reheated gently in the oven.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Cheesy Garlic Cruffin, Croissant Muffin, Cheesy Garlic Pastry, Breakfast Pastry, Savory Muffin
