Peach Pie Cruffins

The Peach Pie Cruffins are a delightful fusion of two classic favorites — the rich, buttery layers of croissant dough meet the sweet charm of a traditional peach pie. These cruffins are irresistibly flaky, filled with warm peach preserves and cinnamon, and finished with a silky drizzle of cream glaze. Perfect for brunches, coffee mornings, or as an after-dinner treat, they’re incredibly easy to whip up but look like something straight from a bakery. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just getting started, this recipe delivers both flavor and flair in under 30 minutes.

Full recipe:

Ingredients:

• 3 cans refrigerated crescent dough (8 ounces each)

• 1 cup peach preserves (preferably organic)

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• ½ cup powdered sugar

• 3 tablespoons heavy whipping cream

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a muffin tin with baking liners or lightly grease with butter or oil.

2. In a small bowl, stir together peach preserves and ground cinnamon until well combined.

3. Unroll each can of crescent dough onto a clean work surface. Gently press together the seams to form rectangles.

4. Evenly spread about ⅓ cup of the peach preserve mixture over each rectangle.

5. Roll each rectangle into a log starting from the long edge. Cut each log in half crosswise, then slice each half lengthwise to create 4 strips per log.

6. Gently twist each strip and roll into a spiral to form a cruffin shape.

7. Place the spirals into the prepared muffin tin. Bake for 18–20 minutes or until golden brown and flaky.

8. While the cruffins are baking, whisk powdered sugar and heavy cream together until smooth.

9. Once baked, allow the cruffins to cool slightly, then drizzle with the glaze. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 200 kcal | Servings: 12 servings

What Are Peach Pie Cruffins?

Peach Pie Cruffins are a delightful hybrid pastry that marries the flaky, buttery layers of croissants with the sweet, spiced fruit filling of a classic peach pie—all in a convenient muffin shape. These cruffins are made using store-bought crescent roll dough, peach preserves, ground cinnamon, and topped with a luscious powdered sugar glaze. The result is a light, crisp exterior with a gooey, fruity center that tastes like summer in every bite.

This dish is perfect for brunch gatherings, potlucks, dessert platters, or simply for a cozy morning with coffee or tea. With only a handful of ingredients and no need for yeast or complicated dough-making, this recipe is both beginner-friendly and impressively delicious.

The Origin of the Cruffin

The term “cruffin” originated in San Francisco in the early 2010s when an innovative bakery decided to bake croissant dough in muffin tins. The result was a tall, flaky pastry with the layers of a croissant and the shape of a muffin—something entirely new, yet comfortingly familiar.

From there, the cruffin went viral, spreading to bakeries around the world. Home bakers began experimenting with different fillings—from chocolate to fruit preserves—turning this bakery delicacy into a flexible, at-home treat.

The Peach Pie Cruffin is a Southern twist on the modern cruffin. By incorporating peach preserves and cinnamon—a flavor combo beloved across the Southern U.S.—this recipe bridges innovation and tradition in one elegant bite.

Why Use Crescent Dough?

One of the key reasons this recipe is so approachable is its use of pre-made crescent dough. Crescent dough is widely available in grocery stores and mimics the buttery flakiness of croissant dough without the hours of laminating and proofing required in traditional pastry making.

This shortcut saves time and makes the recipe accessible to even the most novice baker. It also allows the baker to focus on the fun parts: spreading the fruity filling, shaping the cruffins, and drizzling the glaze. And the flavor? You’d never know it wasn’t homemade from scratch.

Health and Nutritional Benefits

While this dessert leans toward indulgent, it has a few redeeming qualities that make it a more balanced option compared to other rich pastries:

• Portion Control: Since each cruffin is made in a muffin tin, serving sizes are controlled and consistent.

• Natural Fruit Sweetener: The peach preserves used in the filling contain natural fruit sugars, which can be healthier than processed alternatives when using high-quality, low-sugar or organic varieties.

• Lower in Saturated Fat: Compared to pastries made with heavy cream-based fillings or dense frostings, these cruffins keep things light with fruit preserves and a simple cream glaze.

For those looking to reduce sugar or fat even further, swaps can be made. Try using reduced-sugar preserves, plant-based cream alternatives, or whole-wheat crescent dough if available.

Perfect for Every Occasion

Peach Pie Cruffins are extremely versatile and can be served on a variety of occasions:

• Brunch Tables: Serve alongside eggs, yogurt, and coffee for a balanced and inviting spread.

• Afternoon Tea: These cruffins are the perfect accompaniment to black or herbal teas.

• Holiday Mornings: Their warm cinnamon and peach flavors make them perfect for Christmas, Thanksgiving, or Easter mornings.

• Dessert Platters: Dusted with powdered sugar and drizzled with icing, these are an elegant addition to dessert trays.

• Giftable Treats: Pack them in a cute bakery box and gift them to neighbors, teachers, or friends.

Whether you’re celebrating a milestone or just want to add joy to a weekday, Peach Pie Cruffins fit the bill.

Tips for the Best Peach Pie Cruffins

While the recipe is straightforward, here are some pro tips to ensure bakery-worthy results:

• Seal the Dough Well: When pressing the seams of the crescent dough, make sure they’re completely sealed. This helps prevent leaking during baking.

• Twist Tightly: The tighter you twist your cruffins before placing them in the muffin tin, the more defined the flaky layers will be.

• Don’t Overfill: While it’s tempting to go heavy on the peach filling, too much can cause leakage and sogginess. Stick to about ⅓ cup per dough sheet.

• Use a Sharp Knife: When cutting the rolled logs, use a sharp serrated knife to avoid tearing the dough.

• Cool Before Glazing: Let the cruffins cool for 5-10 minutes before applying the glaze. This allows the icing to set beautifully on the surface without melting too much.

Variations to Try

One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize. Here are a few exciting twists you can experiment with:

• Berry Delight: Replace peach preserves with raspberry, blueberry, or mixed berry jams for a fresh take.

• Cream Cheese Filling: Add a thin layer of sweetened cream cheese under the peach preserves for extra richness.

• Nut Crumble Topping: Sprinkle chopped pecans or almonds on top before baking for a crunchy contrast.

• Vanilla Bean Glaze: Add vanilla bean paste or extract to the glaze for a deeper flavor.

• Savory Cruffins: Skip the fruit entirely and fill with cream cheese, herbs, and shredded cheddar for a savory breakfast version.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

These cruffins are best served warm and fresh, but they also store beautifully. Here’s how to keep them tasting great:

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

• Refrigerator: Keep in the fridge for up to 5 days. Let them come to room temperature or warm briefly before serving.

• Freezer: You can freeze unglazed, fully baked cruffins for up to 2 months. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8-10 minutes and glaze just before serving.

Reheating in the oven (instead of the microwave) will help restore that delightful outer crispness.

Make-Ahead and Batch Baking

If you’re preparing for a big event or brunch, the good news is these cruffins can be prepped ahead. Roll and twist them the night before and refrigerate covered in plastic wrap. The next morning, just pop them in the oven and drizzle with glaze once baked.

Doubling the batch? No problem. Simply prep two muffin tins or bake in batches. These freeze well, so making extras is a smart move.

Kid-Friendly and Beginner Approved

This recipe is ideal for introducing kids to baking. The steps are simple, the dough is forgiving, and there’s room for creativity with fillings and shapes. Let the little ones spread the preserves, twist the dough, or help with glazing. It’s a great bonding activity and a fun way to build baking confidence.

For beginner bakers, this is a fantastic way to gain experience working with laminated-style dough without having to actually laminate anything. You’ll feel like a pastry chef, minus the stress.

Conclusion

Peach Pie Cruffins are more than just a trendy mash-up—they’re a brilliant way to enjoy the comforting flavors of peach pie and the flaky decadence of croissants in a single, no-fuss pastry. With their beautiful spiral presentation, rich peach-cinnamon flavor, and sweet vanilla glaze, they’re a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds.

Whether you’re making a dozen for brunch guests or a few to pair with your morning coffee, this recipe delivers every single time. Its simplicity, versatility, and wow-factor make it a go-to in any baker’s rotation.

So, if you’re ready to impress with minimal effort and maximum flavor, it’s time to preheat that oven and let the sweet aroma of Peach Pie Cruffins fill your kitchen.