Pumpkin Spice Cruffins Recipe

Fluffy Pumpkin Spice Cruffins Recipe: A Fall Bakery Dream

My recent obsession with pumpkin spice cruffins started during a cozy autumn afternoon when I stumbled upon this incredible pastry mashup.

Crisp layers of buttery dough swirl around warm seasonal spices that dance through each delectable bite.

Fragrant cinnamon and nutmeg whisper sweet promises of comfort in every single crumb.

We could never resist the magical combination of flaky croissant-like texture and rich pumpkin essence melting across our taste buds.

Bakers with intermediate skills can totally nail this delightful treat that feels like a dreamy culinary adventure.

Sweet aromas will drift through your kitchen, promising pure indulgence and irresistible warmth.

Join me in creating something spectacular that celebrates fall’s most beloved flavors.

Pumpkin Cruffins Special Qualities

  • Conquer Complexity: This recipe transforms a seemingly tricky pastry technique into a simple, enjoyable baking adventure that even novice bakers can master with confidence.
  • Celebrate Seasonal Charm: Pumpkin spice brings cozy autumn vibes to your kitchen, creating a delightful treat that captures the essence of fall in every delectable bite.
  • Quick Crowd-Pleaser: These cruffins come together swiftly, making them perfect for last-minute gatherings, brunch parties, or spontaneous dessert cravings that demand something special.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or adjust spice levels to match your taste preferences, turning this recipe into a versatile canvas for culinary creativity.

Pumpkin Cruffins Ingredients

Main Ingredients:
  • Puff Pastry: A delicate, buttery dough that creates light and flaky layers for the cruffins.
  • Pumpkin Puree: A smooth, rich vegetable puree that adds moisture and autumn flavor to the filling.
  • Cream Cheese: A creamy, tangy ingredient that provides richness and structure to the filling.
Spice and Sweeteners:
  • Granulated Sugar, Powdered Sugar: Sweet ingredients that add flavor and help create a delightful coating.
  • Pumpkin Spice: A warm blend of spices that brings classic autumn flavors to the cruffins.
Binding and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Melted Butter: A rich ingredient that helps create a golden brown color and adds flavor.
  • Vanilla Extract: A flavor enhancer that adds depth and warmth to the cream filling.

Pumpkin Cruffins Easy Steps

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 375F (190C) and give your muffin tin a quick spray of non-stick magic.

Step 2: Flatten The Dough

Sprinkle some flour on your countertop and gently roll out those puff pastry sheets until they’re smooth and thin.

Step 3: Create Flavor Explosion

Grab a small bowl and mix together:
  • Sugar
  • Pumpkin spice

Melt some butter and lovingly brush it across the pastry.

Sprinkle your spice mixture generously, making sure every inch gets some love.

Step 4: Shape Your Cruffins

Slice the pastry into strips and roll each one tightly like a delicious little scroll.

Nestle these rolls into your waiting muffin tin.

Step 5: Bake To Golden Perfection

Pop the tin into the oven and let them bake for 20-25 minutes.

Watch for that gorgeous golden color and puffy texture.

Step 6: Whip Up Creamy Filling

In a mixing bowl, blend together:
  • Cream cheese
  • Pumpkin puree
  • Powdered sugar
  • Vanilla extract

Whisk until silky smooth and dreamy.

Step 7: Fill With Creamy Goodness

Once cruffins have cooled slightly, use a piping bag to inject that luscious pumpkin cream right into their centers.

Step 8: Final Sweet Touch

Dust these beauties with a snowfall of powdered sugar just before serving.

Enjoy your masterpiece!

Pumpkin Cruffins Baking Tips

  • Sprinkle extra pumpkin spice mix between pastry layers for deeper, more intense autumn taste.
  • Use cold butter and keep puff pastry chilled to ensure flaky, crisp cruffin texture.
  • Whip cream cheese at room temperature for smoother, lump-free pumpkin cream filling.
  • Rotate muffin tin halfway through baking to ensure even golden-brown color and consistent rising.
  • Store cruffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for extended freshness.

Pumpkin Cruffins New Flavors

  • Apple Cinnamon Cruffins: Replace pumpkin puree with applesauce and swap pumpkin spice for ground cinnamon, creating a warm, comforting autumn-inspired pastry.
  • Gluten-Free Cruffins: Use gluten-free puff pastry and almond flour to make the recipe accessible for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Chocolate Hazelnut Cruffins: Substitute pumpkin filling with chocolate-hazelnut spread and sprinkle chopped hazelnuts on top for a decadent variation.
  • Vegan Cruffins: Use coconut oil instead of butter, plant-based cream cheese, and maple syrup as a sweetener to create a dairy-free, egg-free version of the classic cruffin.

Serving Pumpkin Cruffins

  • Fall Flavor Companion: Serve these cruffins alongside a warm mug of spiced apple cider for a cozy autumn treat that enhances the pumpkin spice notes.
  • Brunch Showstopper: Present these cruffins on a beautiful platter with fresh berries and a light dusting of cinnamon to create an elegant breakfast centerpiece.
  • Dessert Twist: Pair these cruffins with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an indulgent after-dinner delicacy that elevates the pastry's rich flavors.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Store cooled cruffins in an airtight container and reheat briefly in the oven to restore their crispy texture before serving guests or enjoying a quick snack.

Storing Pumpkin Cruffins

  • Store cruffins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Wrap individually in plastic wrap to maintain freshness and prevent them from absorbing other food odors.
  • Place cooled cruffins in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • Thaw frozen cruffins at room temperature for 30 minutes. Warm in a preheated 325F oven for 8-10 minutes until crispy and heated through. Avoid microwave to maintain pastry's crispness.
  • Bring refrigerated or thawed cruffins to room temperature for 15 minutes before serving to restore their delicate texture and original flavor profile.

FAQs

  • What are cruffins?

Cruffins are a delightful pastry hybrid that combines the flaky layers of a croissant with the shape and style of a muffin, creating a unique and indulgent treat.

  • Do I need special equipment to make cruffins?

No, you just need a standard muffin tin, rolling pin, and basic baking tools to create these delicious pastries at home.

  • Can I make the pumpkin cream filling ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cream filling up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container until you’re ready to pipe it into the cruffins.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Pumpkin Spice Cruffins Recipe

Pumpkin Spice Cruffins Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 26 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Delectable pumpkin spice cruffins blend croissant-like flakiness with muffin-style warmth, creating a delightful pastry fusion. Spiced autumn flavors and buttery layers invite bakers to savor this irresistible seasonal treat that promises pure culinary comfort.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 package puff pastry (2 sheets)
  • 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1/2 cup cream cheese

Spices and Sweeteners:

  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 2 teaspoons pumpkin spice
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Fats:

  • 1/4 cup melted butter

Instructions

  1. Warm the oven to 375F (190C) and lightly coat a muffin tin with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Dust a clean work surface with flour and gently unfold the puff pastry sheets to create a smooth, even base for rolling.
  3. Create a fragrant spice mixture by combining sugar and pumpkin spice in a small mixing bowl, ensuring even distribution of flavors.
  4. Brush the pastry sheets with melted butter, then generously sprinkle the prepared spice mixture across the entire surface.
  5. Slice the pastry into uniform strips, then carefully roll each strip tightly to create compact cylindrical shapes.
  6. Nestle each rolled pastry strip into the prepared muffin tin, positioning them securely for even baking.
  7. Transfer the muffin tin to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the cruffins develop a golden, crispy exterior and rise beautifully.
  8. While the cruffins are baking, whip the cream cheese, pumpkin puree, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract into a smooth, creamy filling.
  9. Once the cruffins have cooled slightly, use a piping bag to inject the pumpkin cream filling into the center of each pastry.
  10. Complete the dessert by delicately dusting the cruffins with a light layer of powdered sugar, adding a final touch of sweetness.

Notes

  • Ensure your puff pastry is cold and firm for the best flaky texture, straight from the refrigerator before rolling.
  • Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter when slicing pastry strips to get clean, precise edges that help cruffins maintain their shape.
  • Try different spice blends like chai or maple to create unique seasonal variations that match your taste preferences.
  • For a gluten-free option, substitute traditional puff pastry with a gluten-free version available in many specialty grocery stores to accommodate dietary restrictions.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 210 kcal
  • Sugar: 14 g
  • Sodium: 80 mg
  • Fat: 13 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Nathaniel Brooks

Nathaniel Brooks

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Farm-to-table cuisine, Seasonal recipe development, Culinary storytelling

Education

Ivy Tech Community College – Indianapolis, IN
Culinary Arts / Hospitality Administration & Events
Focused on hands-on training in classical and modern culinary techniques. ​


Nathaniel’s story starts in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, where farm stands, backyard gardens, and old family recipes shaped his love for real food. After graduating from Ivy Tech Community College in Indianapolis, he spent years working in farm-to-table kitchens, learning how to turn local, seasonal ingredients into something memorable.
Today, Nathaniel pours that same spirit into every single recipe on Aspiring Culinarian – recipes that feel real, comforting, and connected to the land. When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll find him foraging wild herbs, chasing sunsets with his camera, or writing about the flavors that shaped his roots.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star