Buttery Flaky Chocolate Chip Cruffins

These chocolate chip cruffins are everything I crave in a baked treat Fluffy on the inside with buttery layers and bursts of rich chocolate in every bite they are perfect when you want to wow a brunch crowd or just enjoy a cozy afternoon at home

The first time I baked these was for a birthday brunch and everyone insisted on taking extras home They are now on repeat for any special occasion

Ingredients

• All purpose flour: Three cups This forms the base of the dough Use fresh flour for a lighter texture
• Granulated sugar: Quarter cup Adds sweetness and helps activate the yeast Pick organic for the cleanest taste
• Instant yeast: Two teaspoons Ensures a fluffy rise Always check the expiration date for best results
• Salt: One teaspoon Balances flavor and boosts the chocolate notes
• Milk: One cup warm Helps to activate the yeast and enrich the dough Whole milk makes it extra soft
• Unsalted butter: Half cup melted plus more for layering Adds richness and flaky texture Choose high quality unsalted butter for layering between dough
• Eggs: Two large room temperature Bind everything together and enrich the dough Let them sit out for about thirty minutes for better blending
• Chocolate chips: One cup semi sweet or dark The star of every bite Go for a name brand for best melting and taste
• Brown sugar: Quarter cup Adds caramel notes to the swirling layers Use fresh packed brown sugar for ideal moistness
• Cinnamon: One teaspoon Brings warmth and depth to the chocolate pairing Use real ground cinnamon for most aromatic flavor

Step by Step Instructions

Make the Dough:

Combine flour granulated sugar instant yeast and salt in a large bowl Whisk to blend the ingredients well

Mix Wet Ingredients and Form the Dough:

In a separate bowl whisk together the warm milk and room temperature eggs Slowly pour this mixture into the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms

Knead the Dough:

Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface Knead by hand for about five to seven minutes pressing and folding until the dough feels smooth and elastic

First Rise:

Place the dough in a greased bowl Turn it over once so all sides are coated Cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap Let it rise in a warm spot for one hour or until it has doubled in size

Layer and Fill:

Gently roll out the dough on a floured countertop into a large even rectangle Brush melted butter over the surface Then sprinkle brown sugar chocolate chips and cinnamon evenly across the dough

Roll and Cut:

Starting from the long edge roll the dough up tightly into a log Slice the log into twelve equal pieces Use a sharp knife for clean edges

Shape and Second Rise:

Twist each sliced piece and coil it into the muffin pan cups Place each twist cut side up in a well greased muffin tin Cover and let them rise for thirty minutes in a warm area

Bake:

Preheat your oven to three hundred seventy five degrees Fahrenheit one hundred ninety degrees Celsius Bake for twenty minutes or until the tops turn golden brown and you can smell that rich buttery aroma

Cool and Serve:

Remove from the oven Let them rest in the pan for about ten minutes This keeps them easier to remove and helps maintain the flaky layers Move cruffins to a wire rack to finish cooling or enjoy slightly warm

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My youngest always grabs the first warm cruffin the moment they come out and nothing beats watching those chocolate chips melt into glossy swirls

Storage Tips

Let cruffins cool fully before storing Place in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days For longer freshness wrap individually and freeze for up to one month Warm from frozen in a low oven for that just baked tenderness

Ingredient Substitutions

Almond or oat milk will work instead of dairy milk Vegan butter can take the place of regular butter for a plant based version Use a one to one gluten free flour blend to accommodate gluten sensitivity Dark chocolate chips are a great swap for a richer flavor

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Serving Suggestions

Serve slightly warm for gooey chocolate moments Pair with coffee or a cup of cinnamon tea Add a dusting of powdered sugar or a swipe of hazelnut spread for an extra special touch At brunch set out with fresh berries and yogurt for a complete spread

Cultural and Historical Context

Cruffins are a playful bakery invention that blend the best of French croissants and classic muffins Created in the early two thousands they quickly gained popularity for their unique flaky texture and creative fillings Chocolate and cinnamon is a timeless combo that feels both nostalgic and modern

Recipe FAQs

→ What gives cruffins their flaky texture?

Layering melted butter between rolled dough folds creates thin, crisp layers that become flaky during baking.

→ Can I use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet?

Yes, dark chocolate chips add a deeper, slightly bitter contrast to the sweet dough, enhancing flavor complexity.

→ How important is the dough rising time?

Allowing the dough to rise twice ensures lightness, airiness, and tenderness in each cruffin.

→ Can these be made dairy-free?

Substitute almond or oat milk for regular milk and use vegan butter to keep them dairy-free without losing richness.

→ What is the best way to store leftover cruffins?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days; reheat gently to restore flakiness.

→ Is cinnamon essential in this flavor profile?

Cinnamon adds a warm spice note that complements the sweetness but can be omitted or adjusted to taste.