Introduction: My Love Affair with Cheesy Garlic Cruffins

The first time I made Cheesy Garlic Cruffins, I had no idea how addictive they would be. It started as an experiment—I had some leftover croissant dough and a craving for something rich, cheesy, and indulgent. The result? A golden, flaky pastry infused with garlic butter and overflowing with melted cheese. After the first bite, I knew I had discovered something special.

Over time, I tweaked and perfected the recipe, testing different cheeses and seasonings to achieve the ultimate cheesy, buttery bite. Now, it’s a staple in my kitchen, whether for brunch, a snack, or a side dish for pasta or soups.

If you love flaky croissants, cheesy garlic bread, and pull-apart pastries, this recipe is for you! Let’s dive into everything you need to know to make the best Cheesy Garlic Cruffins at home.

What Are Cheesy Garlic Cruffins?

The Origins of Cruffins

Cruffins are a hybrid between croissants and muffins—they have the layered, buttery texture of a croissant but are baked in a muffin tin for a compact, convenient shape. They became popular in artisan bakeries but are surprisingly easy to make at home.

Why Add Cheese and Garlic?

  • Cheese melts beautifully into the flaky layers, creating a gooey, indulgent center.
  • Garlic butter enhances the flavor, giving it a bold, aromatic kick.
  • The crispy outside and soft, cheesy inside make these a perfect snack or side dish.

Ingredients for the Best Cheesy Garlic Cruffins

Choosing the Dough

There are two ways to make cruffins:

  1. Store-bought croissant dough – The easiest and quickest option.
  2. Homemade croissant dough – More time-consuming but results in a richer flavor.

The Best Cheeses to Use

For the perfect cheese pull, use a blend of cheeses:

  • Mozzarella – Melts beautifully and creates that satisfying stretch.
  • Cheddar – Adds sharpness and depth.
  • Parmesan – Provides a nutty, salty kick.
  • Gruyère – Ideal for a sophisticated, rich flavor.

Other Key Ingredients

  • Butter – Essential for richness and flakiness.
  • Garlic – Freshly minced for the best aroma.
  • Parsley – Adds freshness and color.
  • Salt & Pepper – Enhances the overall taste.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Cheesy Garlic Cruffins

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

  1. If using store-bought croissant dough, roll it out into a thin rectangle.
  2. If making your own dough, roll out and chill it first to ensure flakiness.

Step 2: Add the Garlic Butter

  1. Melt butter in a small bowl.
  2. Mix in minced garlic, parsley, and salt.
  3. Brush the garlic butter generously over the dough.

Step 3: Sprinkle the Cheese

  1. Evenly distribute grated cheese across the surface.
  2. Lightly press the cheese into the dough so it sticks.

Step 4: Roll and Cut the Dough

  1. Roll the dough into a tight log.
  2. Slice the log into 1-inch sections using a sharp knife.

Step 5: Place in a Muffin Tin

  1. Grease a 12-cup muffin tin with butter or cooking spray.
  2. Place each sliced roll into a muffin cup.

Step 6: Bake the Cruffins

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.

Pro Tips for Perfectly Flaky Cheesy Garlic Cruffins

Secret to Extra Layers

  • Chill the dough before rolling to enhance flakiness.

Preventing Over-Browning

  • Cover with foil halfway through baking if needed.

Achieving the Best Cheese Pull

  • Use a blend of mozzarella and cheddar for optimal stretchiness.

Best Ways to Serve Cheesy Garlic Cruffins

Perfect Pairings

  • Tomato soup – A warm, comforting combo.
  • Spaghetti carbonara – The garlic and cheese enhance the flavors.
  • Brunch spread – Pair with eggs and bacon.

Dipping Sauces

  • Marinara sauce – For a pizza-like flavor.
  • Honey butter – A surprising sweet-and-savory twist.
  • Ranch dressing – Creamy and tangy.

Variations to Try

Spicy Cheesy Cruffins

  • Add red pepper flakes to the garlic butter.

Herbed Cheesy Cruffins

  • Mix rosemary and thyme into the dough.

Stuffed Cruffins

  • Fill the center with cream cheese or ricotta before baking.

Storage and Reheating Tips

How to Store

  • Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for 2 days.
  • Refrigerator: Keeps for up to 5 days.
  • Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating

  • Oven: 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes.
  • Air Fryer: 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.


Craving the perfect chocolate and nut combo? These Pistachio Ferrero Rocher Brownies are everything your dessert dreams are made of—rich, fudgy brownies molded into bite-sized truffles, coated in luxurious pistachio cream, and finished with a crunchy pistachio crust. Think Ferrero Rocher, but with a twist of pistachio elegance.

If you’re obsessed with pistachio like we are, this recipe is a must-try. Plus, it’s easier than it looks! You’ll be making this on repeat. Looking for more delicious pistachio ideas? Check out our Homemade Italian Pistachio Cream to pair with this recipe.

Ingredients

For the Brownie Base

  • 170g butter
  • 180g dark chocolate, chopped
  • 3 large eggs
  • 200g caster sugar
  • 60g light brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract
  • 170g plain flour
  • 40g cocoa powder
  • ¼ tsp salt

For the Pistachio Coating

  • 400g pistachio cream (warmed slightly)
  • 100g roasted pistachios, chopped

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Brownies

  1. Preheat oven to 170°C (fan).
  2. Line a 20×20 cm pan with baking paper.
  3. Melt butter and chocolate together in a microwave-safe bowl, 20 seconds at a time. Stir until smooth. Let it cool.
  4. Beat eggs and sugars with a mixer for 4 minutes until light and creamy.
  5. Add vanilla and slowly fold in the cooled chocolate-butter mixture.
  6. Sift flour, cocoa, and salt, then fold into the wet ingredients.
  7. Pour into the pan and bake for 30 minutes.
  8. Let cool completely before proceeding.

Step 2: Form the Truffles

  1. Trim the edges and crust off the brownies.
  2. Crumble the soft center into a bowl.
  3. Roll into 28–30g balls—you should get 15–20.
  4. Chill the balls on a tray for 30 minutes.
  5. If needed, reshape and chill again for 1 hour total.

Step 3: Coat in Pistachio Cream

  1. Mix chopped pistachios into slightly warmed pistachio cream.
  2. Dip each brownie ball using a fork, scrape off excess cream.
  3. Place coated truffles on a tray lined with baking paper.
  4. Chill for 1–2 hours before serving.

Tips for Success

  • Use a high-quality dark chocolate for deep flavor.
  • For extra nutty richness, add hazelnut crumbs into the coating.
  • Store the truffles in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.