There is something undeniably delightful about the combination of flaky pastry and creamy chocolate hazelnut spread, which is exactly what makes this Nutella Cruffins Recipe such an irresistibly delicious treat. Imagine biting into a golden, crisp croissant-muffin hybrid with rich layers of Nutella melted inside, accented by mini chocolate chips for that extra pop of sweetness. This recipe turns simple puff pastry into a bakery-worthy indulgence that’s perfect whether you’re treating yourself or impressing guests with minimal effort and maximum taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward, yet each one plays a crucial role in building the perfect texture and flavor for your Nutella Cruffins. From the buttery puff pastry that gives that signature flaky crunch to the luscious Nutella filling, you can see how simplicity truly shines.
- 13.2 ounce package refrigerated puff pastry: This flaky and buttery foundation creates the delicate layers and golden crust.
- ⅓ cup Nutella: The rich and creamy chocolate hazelnut spread that infuses every bite with pure indulgence.
- 2 tablespoons mini chocolate chips: These add little bursts of melty chocolate fun throughout the pastry.
How to Make Nutella Cruffins Recipe
Step 1: Prepare your tools and oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure a perfectly crisp bake. Spray a muffin tin generously with baking spray to prevent sticking and make for easy removal after baking.
Step 2: Spread the Nutella
Unroll the chilled puff pastry carefully on a clean surface with the long edge facing you. Spread the Nutella evenly over the entire surface, ensuring every inch will be filled with chocolate-hazelnut creamy goodness once rolled up.
Step 3: Sprinkle chocolate chips
Lightly scatter the mini chocolate chips over the Nutella layer. These tiny morsels will melt into sweet pockets and add delightful texture after baking.
Step 4: Roll up the puff pastry
Starting from the bottom (the edge closest to you), roll the pastry up as tightly as possible into one long cylinder. This tight rolling will help create beautiful layered swirls of Nutella once baked.
Step 5: Cut the roll into halves
Slice the long roll into two equal pieces, giving you two shorter rolls. This step is essential for creating manageable portions that fit perfectly into your muffin tin.
Step 6: Cut rolls lengthwise
Next, cut each shorter roll down the middle lengthwise to expose the inner layers and filling. This clever step reveals the Nutella-filled swirls and maximizes that irresistible flaky texture in every cruffin.
Step 7: Form the half rolls into cruffins
Roll each half lengthwise piece back up tightly, tuck the seams underneath to maintain shape, and place each one into an individual muffin cup. This will help them hold their shape while baking.
Step 8: Bake to perfection
Cover the muffin tin with aluminum foil to allow the cruffins to cook through gently for 33-35 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 1-2 minutes to crisp up the tops until golden brown and irresistibly flaky.
Step 9: Cool and enjoy
Let your Nutella cruffins cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before removing. This cooling time helps the layers set beautifully and makes handling easier without losing that delicate flakiness.
How to Serve Nutella Cruffins Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Nutella Cruffins Recipe, consider dusting the tops with powdered sugar or adding a light drizzle of melted chocolate or caramel. A sprinkle of chopped hazelnuts will also add a lovely crunch and complement the Nutella flavors perfectly.
Side Dishes
These cruffins pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or a creamy latte, making them an ideal accompaniment to your morning routine or an afternoon snack. Fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream can also add freshness and balance to the rich pastry.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve Nutella cruffins alongside small bowls of assorted spreads like fruit preserves, honey, or even a cream cheese frosting. You could also slice them horizontally and create cruffin sandwiches filled with fresh fruit or mascarpone for a delightful variation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Nutella cruffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To maintain their crisp texture, try to avoid stacking them directly on top of one another.
Freezing
If you want to keep your cruffins fresh for longer, freeze them individually wrapped in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to one month without sacrificing taste or texture.
Reheating
To reheat, simply pop the cruffin in a preheated 350-degree Fahrenheit oven for 5-7 minutes or until warmed through and crispy once again. Avoid the microwave as it can make the pastry soggy and chewy rather than flaky and tender.
FAQs
Can I use homemade puff pastry for this Nutella Cruffins Recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade puff pastry will work beautifully and add an extra layer of freshness, though store-bought puff pastry offers a convenient shortcut without sacrificing flavor.
Can I substitute Nutella with another spread?
You can definitely swap Nutella for other spreads like almond butter or peanut butter, but keep in mind that the unique chocolate-hazelnut flavor is a signature aspect of this recipe.
What if I don’t have mini chocolate chips?
Regular chocolate chips or chopped chocolate pieces will work just fine. Just sprinkle them evenly over the Nutella before rolling for that delightful melty texture inside.
How long do Nutella cruffins keep fresh?
They are best enjoyed fresh on the day of baking but can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days or frozen for longer shelf life, as mentioned in the storage tips.
Can I make these Nutella cruffins dairy-free?
If you choose a puff pastry made without butter or dairy ingredients and use a dairy-free chocolate spread, you can adapt the recipe to suit dairy-free diets without losing the delicious essence of the cruffins.
Final Thoughts
This Nutella Cruffins Recipe is one of those magical treats that bring a little bakery joy right into your home kitchen. It’s easy to make, incredibly tasty, and perfect for sharing with friends or savoring on your own. Don’t hesitate to try it out—you’ll be rewarded with flaky, chocolatey layers that feel both comforting and indulgent every time.
Print
Nutella Cruffins Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 cruffins
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these irresistible Nutella Cruffins, a flaky and buttery puff pastry treat generously filled with creamy Nutella and mini chocolate chips. Perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack, these cruffins combine the best of croissants and muffins baked to golden perfection in a muffin tin.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 13.2 ounce package refrigerated puff pastry
- ⅓ cup Nutella
- 2 Tablespoons mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and spray a muffin tin with baking spray to prevent sticking.
- Spread Nutella: Unroll the puff pastry on a clean surface with the long side at the bottom. Evenly spread the Nutella over the entire pastry sheet.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Sprinkle the mini chocolate chips evenly across the Nutella-covered puff pastry for added texture and chocolate flavor.
- Roll Pastry: Starting from the bottom edge, roll the puff pastry up tightly into a long log.
- Cut Rolls: Cut the long roll in half to create two shorter rolls, yielding 4 total rolls from two sheets.
- Slice Lengthwise: Cut each shorter roll in half lengthwise to expose the layers inside, resulting in 8 half-roll strips.
- Form Cruffins: Tightly roll each half-strip into a tight coil, tucking the ends underneath. Place each formed cruffin into the prepared muffin tin compartments.
- Bake Covered: Cover the muffin tin loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 33-35 minutes until the pastry is cooked through and puffed.
- Finish Baking: Uncover and bake for an additional 1-2 minutes to achieve a golden brown and crispy exterior, if desired.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cruffins to cool for 10 minutes before carefully removing from the muffin tin and serving warm.
Notes
- Ensure the puff pastry is cold when unrolling to prevent sticking and tearing.
- Covering with foil helps steam the pastry for even cooking and flakiness.
- For extra crispiness, do not skip the uncovered baking at the end.
- You can substitute Nutella with other hazelnut spreads or chocolate spreads if preferred.
- Use mini chocolate chips to avoid large chunks that might tear the pastry.
