There’s a certain joy that fills the kitchen when delicious aromas begin to waft through the air. Picture this: golden, flaky layers of puff pastry, spiraled with rich Nutella, emerging from the oven, their glossy tops glistening with a sprinkle of sugar. The moment I took my first bite of these Nutella Cruffins, it was love at first taste. The delightful crunch gives way to a warm, gooey center that’s pure chocolate-hazelnut bliss. What’s even better? These indulgent treats are surprisingly easy to whip up, making them perfect for both a leisurely breakfast and an elegant dessert.
Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply treat yourself, Nutella Cruffins are a delectable answer to your cravings. Grab some store-bought puff pastry, and let’s create these effortlessly sophisticated delights that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Why are Nutella Cruffins a must-try?
Irresistible taste: The rich Nutella filling, combined with flaky pastry, is a chocolate lover’s dream come true.
Chef-level experience: You’ll impress friends and family with these gourmet treats, no culinary training needed!
Quick prep time: Using store-bought puff pastry means you can whip these up in no time, turning any morning into a special occasion.
Versatile variations: Get creative by swapping Nutella for different spreads or adding mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips.
Perfect for any occasion: Whether enjoyed as breakfast or dessert, they’ll leave everyone craving more.
Nutella Cruffin Ingredients
For the Cruffins
• Frozen Puff Pastry Dough – This is essential for achieving that irresistible flaky texture typical of cruffins. Thaw it in the fridge overnight for best results.
• Nutella Hazelnut Spread – This scrumptious filling adds a rich, chocolate-hazelnut flavor to your cruffins; feel free to substitute with any chocolate spread if needed.
• Egg – Used as an egg wash to give your cruffins a beautiful golden and glossy finish; a non-dairy milk alternative can work for a vegan option.
• Granulated Sugar – Sprinkled on top after baking for an added touch of sweetness and texture; consider using a cinnamon-sugar blend for extra flair.
For the Coffee Whipped Cream
• Whipping Cream – This key ingredient adds creaminess to your whipped topping; coconut cream can be a fantastic dairy-free replacement.
• Instant Coffee or Espresso Powder – Enhances the flavor of the whipped cream and pairs beautifully with the Nutella; you can omit it for a plain cream or swap it with vanilla extract for a different taste.
• Powdered Sugar – Sweetens the whipped cream to the perfect level; sugar substitutes can be used if you’re aiming for a lower-sugar option.
How to Make Nutella Cruffins
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Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a muffin pan generously. This ensures that your cruffins release easily after baking, giving you a perfect golden treat!
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Roll out the thawed puff pastry on a floured surface until it forms a long rectangle. Aim for a thickness of about 1/8 inch. This will give your cruffins those beautiful flaky layers.
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Spread a thin layer of Nutella evenly over the surface of the puff pastry. Make sure to cover it completely, as this delicious chocolate-hazelnut filling is the highlight of your cruffins.
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Roll the pastry tightly into a spiral log. Then, slice it lengthwise into two strips, each roughly 1 inch wide; cut each strip into four pieces to create bite-sized portions.
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Shape each piece into a snail spiral by twisting and arranging them nicely before placing them in the muffin pan. This step adds that charming, beautiful structure to your cruffins.
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Brush the tops with an egg wash made by whisking the egg until frothy. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes until they are puffed and golden brown, filling your kitchen with heavenly aromas.
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Sprinkle with granulated sugar while warm, then pipe the coffee whipped cream over the top and drizzle with a little extra Nutella for that final touch of decadence.
Optional: Serve warm with a cup of coffee for an irresistible treat.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Nutella Cruffins are ideal for meal prep enthusiasts seeking a decadent yet convenient treat! You can prepare the dough and shape the cruffins up to 24 hours in advance; simply cover them tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate to maintain their quality. When you’re ready to bake, take them out of the fridge and allow them to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Then brush with the egg wash, bake, and you’ll have warm, flaky Nutella Cruffins that taste just as fresh as if you made them from scratch that day. This approach saves time for busy mornings or unexpected guests, making it a stress-free solution to satisfy your cravings!
Nutella Cruffins Variations
Feel free to get creative with these delicious Nutella Cruffins and make them uniquely yours!
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Nut Butter Delight: Swap Nutella for almond butter or peanut butter for a rich, nutty flavor. Each bite will be a tasty twist you won’t forget.
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Fruity Swirl: Use fruit preserves like raspberry or apricot instead of Nutella. This lightens them up, bringing a burst of fresh fruit flavor.
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Chocolate Chunk: Add chopped dark chocolate or chocolate chips to the Nutella layer for a delightful texture twist and even more chocolatey goodness.
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Cinnamon Sugar: Mix in some cinnamon with the granulated sugar topping for a warm, comforting spice that pairs beautifully with the Nutella.
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Vegan Upgrade: Replace the egg wash with unsweetened almond milk and use dairy-free chocolate spread for a plant-based version that’s just as tasty.
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Additional Crunch: Toss in some chopped hazelnuts or walnuts into the Nutella layer for extra crunch and another layer of flavor that complements the pastry perfectly.
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Flavor Infusion: Whip up your cream with flavored extracts like vanilla or almond instead of coffee for a sweet indulgence that’s equally delightful.
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Heat It Up: Drizzle a touch of chili oil or sprinkle red pepper flakes over the Nutella for a surprising spicy twist that will tantalize your taste buds.
What to Serve with Nutella Cruffins?
Indulging in Nutella Cruffins is just the beginning; let’s elevate your dining experience with perfect pairings.
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Fresh Berries: Bright and juicy, berries provide a refreshing contrast to the rich, chocolatey flavor, enhancing every bite.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream on the side transforms your cruffins into an indulgent dessert that’s hard to resist.
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Coffee or Espresso: A strong cup of coffee or a flavored espresso beautifully complements the sweetness of Nutella, making for a cozy afternoon treat.
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Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of sweetened whipped cream on top for extra fluffiness and a delightful texture that balances the cruffins’ richness.
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Cinnamon Sugar Dusting: Sprinkle a hint of cinnamon sugar over the warm cruffins for a delightful spice that elevates their sweet goodness.
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Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzling some melted chocolate over the top turns these little treasures into an even more decadent option, perfect for special occasions.
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Salted Caramel Sauce: A drizzle of salted caramel brings a touch of indulgence, enhancing the sweet and nutty layers of the cruffins exquisitely.
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Mint Tea: For a lighter option, mint tea offers a refreshing palate cleanser that pairs wonderfully with the sweet richness of the cruffins.
How to Store and Freeze Nutella Cruffins
Room Temperature: Keep your Nutella Cruffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This helps maintain their flaky texture.
Fridge: If you prefer, store them in the fridge to extend freshness for up to 4 days. Just keep them covered to prevent drying out.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cruffins in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: To restore their delightful crispiness, warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through. Enjoy this delicious treat fresh!
Expert Tips for Nutella Cruffins
• Thaw Properly: Make sure your frozen puff pastry is completely thawed overnight in the fridge; this ensures it rolls out smoothly.
• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your cruffins; they should be golden and puffed to perfection without turning too dark.
• Sharp Knife: Use a sharp knife when cutting the pastry—this prevents squashing and keeps the layers flaky and light for your Nutella cruffins.
• Creative Fillings: Feel free to play with the filling! Almond butter or fruit preserves can add a delicious twist to the classic Nutella cruffin.
• Serve Warm: For the best experience, enjoy them fresh and warm, complemented by a cup of coffee to elevate that decadent flavor.
Nutella Cruffins Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best puff pastry for cruffins?
Absolutely! Look for high-quality frozen puff pastry that’s flaky and buttery. I recommend checking the packaging for a high butter content; this adds to the flaky texture. Thaw it overnight in the fridge for the best results, ensuring it’s pliable yet cold enough to maintain its shape while rolling.
How should I store leftover Nutella Cruffins?
You can store your Nutella Cruffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them fresh for a bit longer, store them in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just remember to keep them covered to prevent them from drying out!
Can I freeze Nutella Cruffins?
Certainly! To freeze, arrange the cruffins in a single layer on a baking sheet to prevent sticking. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag, where they can be stored for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge, then reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore their delightful crispiness.
What if my puff pastry isn’t rolling out properly?
It’s okay! If your puff pastry feels too sticky, dust your surface with a bit of flour to help ease the rolling process. If it’s too cold, let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before trying again. Make sure your pastry is fully thawed, as this will make it much easier to work with.
Can I make Nutella Cruffins vegan-friendly?
Very! To make these cruffins plant-based, substitute the egg wash with a non-dairy milk alternative like almond or coconut milk. You can also replace the whipping cream in the coffee whipped cream with coconut cream for a delightful dairy-free option while still retaining creaminess.
What can I use instead of Nutella in my cruffins?
The more the merrier! If you’re looking for alternatives, almond butter, peanut butter, or even fruit preserves like raspberry or apricot can add exciting flavors and make each cruffin a unique experience. You can also throw in some chopped nuts or chocolate chips for extra texture!
Nutella Cruffins: Flaky, Decadent Treats You'll Love
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a muffin pan generously.
- Roll out the thawed puff pastry on a floured surface until it forms a long rectangle, about 1/8 inch thick.
- Spread a thin layer of Nutella evenly over the surface of the puff pastry.
- Roll the pastry tightly into a spiral log, slice it lengthwise into two strips, then cut each strip into four pieces.
- Shape each piece into a snail spiral and place them in the muffin pan.
- Brush the tops with an egg wash made by whisking the egg until frothy and bake for 45-50 minutes until golden brown.
- Sprinkle with granulated sugar while warm, pipe the coffee whipped cream on top, and drizzle with extra Nutella.