The best moments in the kitchen are often unplanned, like when a rainy Saturday afternoon rolls around, and you find yourself with an extra hour to kill. That’s exactly how Peach Pie Cruffins became a favorite in our house. I was in the middle of a lazy weekend, kids scattered around the living room, and my husband flicking through an old cookbook I’d almost forgotten about.
Suddenly, he called me over with an excited glint in his eye, asking if I could whip up something fun and easy with the half-empty jar of peach preserves lingering in the pantry. It seemed like the perfect excuse to escape for a little while, so I grabbed the ingredients, knowing a batch of something warm and sweet would make everyone’s day.
I rolled out some dough, tossing in chopped peaches and a sprinkle of brown sugar. The smell filled the house almost immediately. My daughter peered over my shoulder, asking if she could help with the rolling part, and my son eagerly hovered by the oven, ready to steal the first bite.
The sweet, cinnamon-scented cruffins came out of the oven golden and soft, with just the right balance of sweetness and warmth. We all sat down together, munching away as the rain pattered outside. It wasn’t just about the recipe itself—it was about those little moments, spent with the people you love, that make everything taste just a little bit better.
Short Description
Peach Pie Cruffins are a delicious fusion of buttery, flaky dough filled with a sweet peach and cinnamon mixture, baked to perfection with a sugar-cinnamon topping. These cruffins are a perfect balance of indulgence and ease, ideal for any time of day.
Key Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 1/4 cup peach preserves or jam
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup canned or fresh peaches, finely chopped
For the Dough:
- 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll or puff pastry dough
For the Topping:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for topping)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for topping)
Tools Needed
- Muffin tin
- Mixing bowls
- Baking brush (optional for butter)
- Knife for chopping peaches
- Measuring spoons
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a muffin tin to prepare for the cruffins to bake to a golden, flaky perfection.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
Unroll the crescent dough on a clean, flat surface. Press the seams together gently to form one solid rectangle. This will ensure a nice, even roll and prevent the filling from leaking out.
Step 3: Make the Peach Filling
In a bowl, combine the finely chopped peaches, peach preserves, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Stir until the mixture is evenly combined and the sugar starts to dissolve into the peaches. The result should be a thick, sweet mixture that will ooze out just the right amount when baked.
Step 4: Assemble the Cruffins
Spread the peach filling evenly over the dough, leaving a little bit of space along the edges. Carefully roll the dough tightly from the long side, forming a log. Once rolled, cut the log in half lengthwise, revealing the beautiful peach spiral inside.
Step 5: Shape and Twist the Cruffins
Twist each half of the dough into a spiral shape and then place each twist into the muffin cups. Make sure the edges are tucked in slightly so the filling doesn’t spill out too much. You should end up with muffin-shaped spirals.
Step 6: Brush with Butter
Gently brush the tops of each cruffin with the melted butter, ensuring they get that golden, crisp finish.
Step 7: Add the Sugar-Cinnamon Topping
In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon for the topping. Sprinkle this mixture generously over the top of each cruffin.
Step 8: Bake
Bake the cruffins for 20–24 minutes or until they are puffed up, golden brown, and crispy on top. You’ll know they’re done when the kitchen fills with a heavenly aroma and the tops are beautifully browned.
Step 9: Cool and Serve
Allow the cruffins to cool slightly before serving. The filling will be hot, so give it a few minutes to set. They’re best enjoyed warm, but they’ll still taste wonderful even after cooling.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Easy & Quick: With refrigerated dough and minimal ingredients, these cruffins come together in no time.
Versatile: You can use fresh or canned peaches, making this recipe adaptable to whatever you have on hand.
Sweet Yet Balanced: The cinnamon and peach preserves give it a comforting sweetness without overwhelming the taste buds.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual brunch, a dessert, or just a cozy snack, these Peach Pie Cruffins are always a crowd-pleaser.
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
1. Dough Leaking
Problem: If the dough unrolls or starts to separate during assembly, the filling can leak out while baking.
Solution: Press the seams of the dough together firmly before rolling. If it’s too sticky, lightly dust the surface with a little flour.
2. Overstuffing the Filling
Problem: Too much filling can cause the cruffins to overflow.
Solution: Use just enough filling to cover the dough, keeping it neat and contained within the edges. You can always serve extra filling on the side!
3. Not Brushing with Butter
Problem: Skipping the butter can result in cruffins that are less golden and a bit drier.
Solution: Don’t skip the butter! It gives the cruffins a beautiful golden finish and enhances the flavor.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve Warm: These cruffins are perfect when served fresh from the oven with a cup of coffee or tea.
Pair with Ice Cream: Serve with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
Make it a Brunch Treat: Serve alongside some fresh fruit and a light quiche for a full, comforting meal.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Storage: Store any leftover cruffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate them.
Reheating: To preserve their flakiness, reheat the cruffins in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes or until warmed through.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen peaches instead of fresh?
Yes! Frozen peaches work just as well as fresh. Just make sure to thaw and drain them to remove any excess liquid.
2. Can I substitute the crescent roll dough with puff pastry?
Absolutely! Puff pastry will give your cruffins an extra flaky texture. Just make sure to thaw it fully before using.
3. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cruffins up to the point of baking, cover them tightly, and refrigerate them overnight. When ready, just bake them the next morning.
4. How do I prevent the dough from becoming soggy?
Brushing the dough with butter helps create a barrier, but also be careful not to overfill the cruffins. A little filling goes a long way!
5. Can I use another type of jam?
Absolutely! You can swap the peach preserves with apricot, strawberry, or even raspberry jam if you prefer.
Tips & Tricks
For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg to the cinnamon-sugar topping.
Make sure your dough is fully sealed before cutting it into halves to prevent the filling from spilling.
Use a sharp knife to cut the dough into halves to ensure clean, neat cuts.
Recipe Variations
Berry Cruffins: Swap out the peaches for mixed berries, like raspberries or blueberries. Add a little lemon zest to complement the berries’ tartness.
Apple Cinnamon Cruffins: Use finely chopped apples in place of peaches, adding a bit of brown sugar and nutmeg for that perfect fall flavor.
Nutty Twist: Add chopped pecans or walnuts into the filling for an extra crunch and depth of flavor.
Final Thoughts
Peach Pie Cruffins are a prime example of why that pairing never gets old. They’re simple to make yet bursting with flavor, perfect for a weekend treat or a casual get-together with friends. What I love most is how versatile they are—you can easily adjust the filling based on what’s in season or what you have on hand.
So next time you’re craving something sweet and easy, give these Peach Pie Cruffins a try. I promise you won’t regret it!
Peach Pie Cruffins
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- ¼ cup peach preserves or jam
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ cup canned or fresh peaches finely chopped
For the Dough:
- 1 can 8 oz refrigerated crescent roll or puff pastry dough
For the Topping:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar for topping
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon for topping
Instructions
- Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a muffin tin.
- Unroll the crescent dough on a clean surface. Press the seams together to make one big rectangle.
- Mix chopped peaches, peach preserves, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl. Stir until well combined.
- Spread the peach mixture over the dough, leaving a small border. Roll it up tightly from the long side to make a log.
- Slice the log in half lengthwise. Twist each half into a spiral and place into the muffin cups.
- Brush the tops with melted butter. Mix sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle over each cruffin.
- Bake for 20–24 minutes until golden and puffed. Let them cool for a few minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature.
