Sourdough Cruffins
| Preparation | 20 minutes |
| Bulk Fermentation | 8–10 hours |
| Chilling Time | 1 hour |
| Lamination | 30 minutes |
| Final Proof | 2–3 hours |
| Baking Time | 25 minutes |
| Cooling Time | 20 minutes |
| Total Time | Approximately 13–15 hours |
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 500g bread flour
- 100g active sourdough starter
- 250ml whole milk, room temperature
- 50g granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 8g salt
- 60g unsalted butter, softened
For the Butter Layer
- 225g unsalted butter, softened
For Finishing
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Optional Fillings
- Lemon curd
- Raspberry jam
- Chocolate spread
- Vanilla pastry cream
Equipment Needed
- Stand mixer or large mixing bowl
- Rolling pin
- Muffin pan
- Pastry brush
- Plastic wrap
- Bench scraper
- Kitchen scale
- Cooling rack
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Dough
In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine:
- Bread flour
- Sugar
- Salt
Mix briefly.
Add:
- Active sourdough starter
- Milk
- Eggs
Mix until a rough dough forms.
Add softened butter and continue kneading until smooth and elastic.
Mixing Intensity
- Speed: Medium
- Time: 8–10 minutes
- Dough Temperature: 75°F–78°F (24°C–26°C)
The dough should be soft and slightly tacky but not sticky.
Step 2: Bulk Fermentation
Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl.
Cover with plastic wrap or a damp towel.
Allow the dough to ferment until doubled in size.
Fermentation Intensity
- Temperature: 72°F–75°F (22°C–24°C)
- Time: 8–10 hours
The exact time depends on the strength of your sourdough starter and room temperature.
Step 3: Chill the Dough
Once fermented, gently press the air out of the dough.
Wrap tightly and refrigerate.
Chilling Intensity
- Temperature: 38°F (3°C)
- Time: 1 hour
Chilled dough is much easier to laminate.
Step 4: Prepare the Butter Block
Place softened butter between two sheets of parchment paper.
Roll into an even rectangle approximately 8 x 10 inches.
Butter Temperature
- Ideal Temperature: 60°F–65°F (16°C–18°C)
The butter should be flexible but not melting.
Refrigerate briefly if needed.
Step 5: Laminate the Dough
Roll the chilled dough into a rectangle roughly twice the size of the butter block.
Place the butter block in the center.
Fold the dough over the butter like an envelope.
Seal the edges.
Lamination Intensity
- Difficulty: Advanced
- Time: 10 minutes
Roll into a long rectangle.
Fold into thirds like a letter.
Wrap and chill for 30 minutes.
Repeat this rolling and folding process two more times, chilling between folds.
These folds create the flaky layers that make cruffins special.
Step 6: Roll and Fill
Roll the laminated dough into a large rectangle approximately:
- 12 inches by 24 inches
Brush lightly with melted butter.
If desired, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.
Rolling Intensity
- Time: 5–10 minutes
- Thickness: About ¼ inch
For flavored cruffins, spread a thin layer of filling across the dough.
Step 7: Shape the Cruffins
Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the dough into 12 equal strips.
Roll each strip tightly into a spiral.
Place each spiral into a greased muffin pan cavity.
Shaping Intensity
- Time: 10 minutes
- Difficulty: Moderate
The visible layers will expand beautifully during baking.
Step 8: Final Proof
Cover the muffin pan loosely with plastic wrap.
Allow the cruffins to proof until noticeably puffy.
Proofing Intensity
- Temperature: 75°F–78°F (24°C–26°C)
- Time: 2–3 hours
Proper proofing is essential for a light, airy crumb.
Step 9: Bake
Preheat your oven to:
Baking Intensity
- Temperature: 375°F (190°C)
- Heat Level: Moderate
- Bake Time: 22–25 minutes
Bake until deeply golden brown.
The tops should be crisp and flaky.
Internal Temperature
- 190°F–200°F (88°C–93°C)
Remove from the oven and allow them to cool slightly in the pan.
Step 10: Finish and Serve
Let the cruffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes.
Transfer them to a wire rack.
Cool for another 15–20 minutes.
Dust with powdered sugar or roll warm cruffins in cinnamon sugar.
If desired, pipe fillings into the center after cooling.
Popular fillings include:
- Lemon curd
- Chocolate cream
- Raspberry preserves
- Vanilla pastry cream
Time and Temperature Summary
| Stage | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Dough Mixing | 75–78°F (24–26°C) | 10 minutes |
| Bulk Fermentation | 72–75°F (22–24°C) | 8–10 hours |
| Chilling | 38°F (3°C) | 1 hour |
| Lamination Rest | 38°F (3°C) | 30 minutes between folds |
| Final Proof | 75–78°F (24–26°C) | 2–3 hours |
| Baking | 375°F (190°C) | 22–25 minutes |
| Cooling | Room Temperature | 20 minutes |
Tips for Success
Use a Strong Starter
A healthy, active starter is essential for proper rise and flavor development.
Keep Everything Cool
If the butter becomes too soft during lamination, refrigerate the dough before continuing.
Weigh Ingredients
Using a kitchen scale provides the most accurate and consistent results.
Avoid Overfilling
Too much filling can cause leaks during baking.
Allow Full Cooling
Cruffins continue setting as they cool, helping maintain their flaky structure.
Flavor Variations
Cinnamon Sugar Cruffins
Add cinnamon sugar between the layers before rolling.
Chocolate Hazelnut Cruffins
Spread chocolate hazelnut spread over the dough before shaping.
Berry Cruffins
Use raspberry or strawberry jam as a filling.
Savory Cruffins
Replace sugar with:
- Parmesan cheese
- Herbs
- Garlic butter
Perfect for brunch or appetizers.
Storage Instructions
Room Temperature
Store in an airtight container.
- Best consumed within 2 days
Refrigerator
Store for up to 5 days.
Reheat before serving for the best texture.
Freezer
Wrap individually and freeze.
- Up to 2 months
Thaw overnight and warm in the oven.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Sourdough Cruffins with:
- Fresh coffee
- Cappuccino
- Espresso
- Tea
- Fresh fruit
- Yogurt
- Whipped cream
They are ideal for brunch buffets, holiday breakfasts, baby showers, and special celebrations.
Nutrition Information
Per Cruffin
- Calories: 355
- Protein: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Sugars: 8g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Total Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Cholesterol: 78mg
- Sodium: 185mg
- Potassium: 90mg
- Calcium: 40mg
- Iron: 2mg