Brown Butter Pumpkin spice Cruffins

These brown butter pumpkin spice cruffins are buttery and flaky and taste like they came straight from a bakery. It's filled with a warm pumpkin paste that brings out all o the fall flavors. 

Why You'll Love these Brown Butter Pumpkin Spice Cruffins 

• Flaky & buttery: the puff pastry gives these cruffins light, crispy layers that are golden and dreamy. 
• Nutty brown butter flavor: the brown butter gives a rich, deep, nutty flavor that takes these cruffins to the next level. 
• Warm pumpkin spice: Pumpkin puree and warm spices like cinnamon, these cruffins are the best fall treat. 
• Great for pumpkin spice lovers: Ideal for anyone who enjoys pumpkin-flavored treats, especially during the fall season.
• Fun and easy to make: Grab your puff pastry, layer with your pumpkin mixture, and roll into little cinnamon rolls. 

Brown Butter Pumpkin Spice Cruffins Ingredients

• Cinnamon: much needed to lend warmth to this recipe 
• Pumpkin puree: a star ingredient for the centers! 
• Light brown sugar: when paired with the butter, it really gives that warm, cozy flavor
• Unsalted butter: I love to control the amount of salt that goes into my recipes 

How to Make These Cruffins

1. Prepare the Brown Butter:

• In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat, stirring frequently. Continue cooking until the butter starts to foam and turns a golden-brown color, releasing a nutty aroma. Remove from heat and allow the butter to cool slightly.

2. Make the Pumpkin Filling:

• In a mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, cinnamon, brown sugar, salt, and browned butter. Stir until the ingredients are well combined, forming a smooth, spiced pumpkin filling.

3. Prepare the Puff Pastry:

• Roll out the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. You want the puff pastry to be in a large rectangle (about 10x12 inches). If needed, use a rolling pin to gently flatten the pastry sheet.
• Spread the pumpkin filling evenly across the entire surface of the puff pastry, making sure to leave a slight border along the edges.

4. Roll & slice the pastry: 

• Slice the puff pastry in half along its length. Next, cut each of those halves in half again, and then repeat once more. You should end up with 8 equal strips of dough.

5. Form the Cruffins

• Tightly roll each strip into a spiral shape, similar to a snail, and place them into the prepared muffin tin.
• Place the cruffins into a well-greased muffin tin, pressing them gently to fit into each cup.

6. Make egg wash:

• In a small bowl, beat the egg to create an egg wash. Brush the tops of each cruffin with the egg wash to help them achieve a golden-brown finish.

7. Bake: 

• Bake the cruffins for 20 minutes, or until they are puffed up and golden brown on top. The layers should be crispy and flakey, and the filling should be bubbly and fragrant.
• Allow the cruffins to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely or enjoy warm. Optional: roll them in a cinnamon sugar mixture. 

FAQs

1. What are cruffins?
Cruffins are a delicious cross between a croissant and a muffin. Made with puff pastry, they are rolled and baked in a muffin tin to create a buttery, flaky treat with a soft, spiced filling. In this recipe, the pumpkin spice filling brings out the perfect fall flavors!

2. Can I use store-bought puff pastry for this recipe?
Yes! Store-bought puff pastry is a great time-saver and works perfectly for this recipe. Just make sure to thaw the puff pastry according to the package instructions before using it.

3. Can I make the cruffins ahead of time?
Cruffins are best enjoyed fresh on the day they're baked because of their flaky, crispy texture. However, you can prepare the filling and puff pastry strips ahead of time, then assemble and bake them when you're ready to serve.

4. How should I store leftover cruffins?
If you have any leftovers (although they’re so delicious, it’s hard to imagine!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them, but they may lose some of their crispiness. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5 minutes to regain some crisp texture.

5. Can I freeze cruffins?
Yes! To freeze, let the cruffins cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in an airtight container or freezer bag. They will keep for up to 2 months in the freezer. When you're ready to enjoy them, reheat in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes until warmed through and crispy again.

6. Can I make these cruffins gluten-free?
You can try using gluten-free puff pastry if you can find it at your local store. Make sure the gluten-free puff pastry you choose behaves similarly to regular puff pastry when baked, and you may need to adjust the baking time slightly.

If you make these Brown Butter Pumpkin Spice Cruffins , I would really appreciate a comment and rating down below, under the recipe card. Don’t forget to take a picture and tag me over on Instagram, Tik Tok, or Pinterest. For more ideas, check out my Fall Recipes page.