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This peach pie cruffin recipe transforms store-bought crescent dough into something truly magical. I discovered this shortcut to bakery-quality pastries during a busy holiday season when I needed something impressive without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of flaky layers, sweet peach filling, and warm cinnamon creates a treat that's perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
I first made these for a last-minute brunch gathering, and my friends couldn't believe they weren't from a professional bakery. Now they're my go-to when I need something special but don't have hours to spend baking from scratch.
Ingredients
- Refrigerated crescent roll dough provides flaky layers without the work of homemade pastry. Look for butter-flavored varieties for extra richness.
- Peach preserves deliver concentrated fruit flavor year-round. Choose a high-quality brand with visible fruit pieces for the best texture and taste.
- Ground cinnamon adds warmth and that classic peach pie flavor. Freshly ground cinnamon will give you the most aromatic results.
- Powdered sugar creates a smooth glaze that seeps into all the crevices. Sift it first to avoid lumps.
- Heavy whipping cream gives the glaze richness and body. The fat content helps it set properly on the warm pastries.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare Your Space
- Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F and greasing your muffin tin thoroughly. Having everything ready before you start working with the dough prevents it from warming up too much while you prepare your workspace.
- Create The Filling
- Mix the peach preserves with cinnamon until perfectly blended. This simple step transforms basic preserves into a pie-like filling with warm, aromatic notes that will perfume your entire kitchen as they bake.
- Prepare The Dough
- Unroll the crescent dough and press the perforations together to form a smooth rectangle. Work gently but firmly to ensure there are no gaps where filling could escape during baking.
- Apply The Filling
- Spread the peach-cinnamon mixture in an even, thin layer across the dough rectangle. Leave that small border around the edges to prevent spillage when rolling. The thin layer ensures beautiful swirls throughout the finished pastry.
- Roll And Cut
- Roll the dough tightly from the long edge, then cut it in half crosswise before slicing each half lengthwise to expose the beautiful layers inside. The sharper your knife, the cleaner your cuts will be without compressing the dough.
- Shape The Cruffins
- Gently twist each strip to showcase the peach filling, then roll into spirals and place in your muffin tin. This twisting technique creates the signature cruffin look with multiple visible layers of filling throughout.
- Bake To Golden Perfection
- Bake until the cruffins are puffed and golden brown, about 18-20 minutes. The filling may bubble slightly, which adds to their rustic, homemade charm.
- Prepare The Glaze
- Whisk together powdered sugar and cream until smooth and pourable. The consistency should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but thin enough to drizzle easily.
- Glaze While Warm
- Drizzle the glaze over the warm cruffins so it melts slightly into all the nooks and crannies. This step adds sweetness and creates that bakery-style finished look.
- Cool Slightly
- Allow the cruffins to cool just enough that they hold their shape, but serve while still warm for the best texture and flavor experience.
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My favorite thing about these cruffins is how the peach preserves caramelize slightly where they touch the muffin tin, creating these delicious crispy bits that contrast with the soft, flaky interior. My daughter calls these the "treasure spots" and always claims the cruffins with the most caramelization.
Storage Tips
These cruffins will stay fresh at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days. If you need to store them longer, place them in the refrigerator where they'll keep for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes until warmed through. The texture is best on the first day, but a quick reheat works wonders to refresh them.
Clever Substitutions
While peach preserves create the classic flavor, this recipe works beautifully with any fruit preserves you have on hand. Try apricot for a similar flavor profile, or venture into strawberry, raspberry, or even fig preserves for a completely different experience. For a more decadent version, consider mixing in 2 tablespoons of cream cheese with the preserves, or replacing the cinnamon with cardamom, ginger, or nutmeg for unique flavor variations.
Serving Suggestions
These cruffins shine as the centerpiece of a brunch spread alongside fresh fruit and coffee. For dessert, try serving them slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream. They also make a delightful afternoon treat with a cup of tea. If serving for a special occasion, you can dress them up by garnishing with fresh peach slices, a sprinkle of powdered sugar, or even a few edible flowers.
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Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use different fruit preserves for these cruffins?
Absolutely! While peach preserves create the signature flavor, you can substitute any fruit preserves you enjoy. Try strawberry, apricot, mixed berry, or apple butter for delicious variations. Just maintain the same quantity (1 cup) and consider whether the cinnamon complements your chosen flavor.
- → How do I store leftover peach cruffins?
Store completely cooled cruffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 4 days. To refresh before serving, warm them in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes or microwave for 10-15 seconds. The texture is best on the first day.
- → Can I prepare these cruffins in advance?
While best served freshly baked, you can prepare these cruffins up to the shaping stage, then cover the muffin tin with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. Allow the tin to sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before baking, and you may need to add 2-3 minutes to the baking time.
- → What if I don't have a muffin tin?
If you don't have a muffin tin, you can place the shaped cruffins on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. They won't maintain the same tall muffin shape but will spread into more traditional pastry shapes that are equally delicious.
- → Can I add fresh peaches to these cruffins?
Yes! For a more substantial peach flavor, add 1/2 cup of finely diced fresh peaches to the preserves mixture. Make sure to dice them small so they don't tear the dough, and pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture that could make the pastries soggy.
- → How can I make these cruffins more decadent?
To make these even more special, try adding 1/4 cup cream cheese to the filling, sprinkling chopped pecans between the layers, or adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the glaze. You could also dust the finished cruffins with cinnamon sugar instead of using the glaze.