Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I unrolled the chilled puff pastry, an unexpected wave of nostalgia washed over me—reminding me of cheerful mornings spent in the kitchen, where the scent of baking goods was a promise of comfort. These Raspberry Cream Cheese Cruffins are inspired by those heartfelt moments, creating a delightful fusion of flaky layers and creamy, tangy filling swirled with sweet raspberry preserves. The beauty of this recipe lies not only in its taste but also in its effortless preparation, making it a perfect treat for brunch or a cozy breakfast at home. Plus, with a quick assembly using ready-made puff pastry, you’ll whip these beauties up in no time, freeing you to savor every delicious bite. Ready to elevate your mornings with this pastry delight? Why Make Raspberry Cream Cheese Cruffins? Decadence in Every Bite: These cruffins combine buttery layers with a luscious cream cheese and raspberry filling, offering an irresistible flavor fusion. Fast and Easy: Using store-bought puff pastry means you can have these elegant treats baked in under 30 minutes! Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s brunch with friends, a cozy breakfast, or even dessert, these cruffins shine at any gathering. Customizable Delight: Feel free to swap the raspberry preserves for your favorite fruit jams or even add chocolate chips for an indulgent twist, just like in my Brownie Ice Cream Cake recipe! Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Their beautiful presentation and delightful taste will earn you rave reviews from family and friends, making you a star at the table. Raspberry Cream Cheese Cruffins Ingredients • You’ll need these delightful elements to create your perfect cruffins! For the Cruffins Puff Pastry – Use thawed sheets for the best flaky texture. Cream Cheese – Be sure to soften it for easy mixing into a smooth filling. Powdered Sugar – This sweetens the filling beautifully; alternatives work too! Vanilla Extract – A splash enhances the flavor, but it’s optional if you’re in a rush. Raspberry Preserves – The star of the filling; feel free to substitute with other berry flavors! Butter – Brush on the pastry for a golden crust; this step is optional but adds flavor. For Dusting (Optional) Powdered Sugar – A light dusting before serving gives a lovely finish. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Raspberry Cream Cheese Cruffins Step 1: Preheat the Oven Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This crucial first step ensures that your Raspberry Cream Cheese Cruffins bake evenly and develop that lovely golden color. While the oven heats, gather your ingredients and equipment, including a muffin tin and a rolling pin, to facilitate a smooth preparation process. Step 2: Prepare the Puff Pastry Lightly flour your countertop and roll out the thawed puff pastry to create a large rectangle. Aim for about 1/8-inch thickness to ensure your cruffins have the perfect flaky texture. This is where the magic all begins, so take your time and enjoy the process of transforming the pastry into a beautiful canvas for your creamy filling. Step 3: Mix the Cream Cheese Filling In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and a splash of vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. This luscious filling is what will make your Raspberry Cream Cheese Cruffins irresistible. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the rolled-out pastry, covering every inch to ensure each bite is delightful. Step 4: Add Raspberry Preserves Next, layer a thin, even coating of raspberry preserves over the cream cheese filling. This sweet-tart addition will elevate the flavor profile, giving your cruffins a fruity burst with every bite. Be careful not to overfill, as the preserves can ooze out during baking, which can create a mess. Step 5: Form the Cruffins Starting from one end, roll the pastry tightly into a log. Once rolled, slice the log into equal strips about 1.5 inches wide. These strips will be twisted and placed into the muffin tin to create the iconic cruffin shape. Take a moment to marvel at how these simple elements come together to form a beautiful pastry. Step 6: Twist and Place in Tin Twist each strip gently and place it into your greased muffin tin, ensuring the twisted end is facing up. This is where the airy, flaky layers of the Raspberry Cream Cheese Cruffins are formed, so be intentional with your twisting for height and a lovely presentation. Space them evenly to allow for rising while baking. Step 7: Bake to Perfection Carefully transfer the muffin tin to your preheated oven and bake for about 22–25 minutes. Keep an eye on them as they bake; you’re looking for a beautiful golden brown top and a delightful puff. The aroma will fill your kitchen, promising delicious treats just moments away. Step 8: Cool and Dust Once baked, let the Raspberry Cream Cheese Cruffins cool slightly in the pan for about 5 minutes. This allows them to set before gently removing them. Finally, dust with powdered sugar for an elegant finish, if desired, and revel in the anticipation of savoring these sweet and cheesy breakfast delights! Make Ahead Options These Raspberry Cream Cheese Cruffins are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a delicious homemade treat without the morning rush! You can prepare the cream cheese filling and spread it over the puff pastry up to 24 hours in advance. Simply roll the pastry and twist the strips into the muffin tin but leave them unbaked; cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. This way, the flavors meld beautifully, ensuring your cruffins are just as delectable when fresh out of the oven. When it’s time to serve, just bake the cruffins directly from the fridge for about 22–25 minutes, ensuring you have a warm, flaky breakfast ready with minimal effort! What to Serve with Raspberry Cream Cheese Cruffins These delightful pastries are perfect for a cozy breakfast or brunch, and pairing them with the right sides can make your meal even more special. Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of berries and melons balances the sweetness of the cruffins and adds a bright touch. Greek Yogurt Parfait: Layer creamy Greek yogurt with honey and granola for a textural contrast and a nutrient boost. Scrambled Eggs: Fluffy, savory eggs provide a hearty contrast, turning your brunch into a well-rounded meal. Coffee or Tea: A steaming cup complements the sweetness, accentuating the raspberry flavor while adding warmth to your morning. Maple Bacon: Crispy, salty strips of bacon awaken the palate, creating a delightful sweet and savory balance with each bite. Custard Sauce: A drizzle of rich vanilla custard can elevate the pastries, adding indulgence that pairs beautifully with the fruit flavors. Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve warm cruffins with a scoop of ice cream for a delightful dessert twist that feels like a decadent treat. Chamomile Lemonade: This aromatic herbal drink refreshes the palate while harmonizing superbly with the creamy and fruity flavors. Chocolate Milk: A nostalgic pairing that delights both young and old, balancing sweetness with creamy richness. Expert Tips for Raspberry Cream Cheese Cruffins Chill Ingredients: Keep your dough and cream cheese cold before rolling to achieve the flakiest texture. Warm dough can lead to sogginess. Cream Cheese Prep: Soften cream cheese fully to avoid clumps in your filling. If time allows, prepare it the night before for better flavor. Mind the Filling: Don’t overfill with raspberry preserves; a thin layer is best to prevent overflow while baking. Twist with Care: When twisting the pastry strips, ensure they’re not too tight, allowing room for expansion in the oven for perfectly fluffy cruffins. Bake Until Golden: Keep an eye on your cruffins as they bake—look for a golden-brown top to ensure they’re done inside and out. How to Store and Freeze Raspberry Cream Cheese Cruffins Room Temperature: Keep your fresh Raspberry Cream Cheese Cruffins in an airtight container for up to 2 days; enjoying them while they’re still warm is a true delight! Fridge: For longer storage, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to restore that fluffy texture. Freezer: These cruffins can be frozen individually for up to 1 month. Wrap them in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven. Reheating: To enjoy your leftover cruffins, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, bringing back their wonderful flakiness and warmth before serving. Raspberry Cream Cheese Cruffins Variations Feel free to unleash your culinary creativity and tailor these delightful cruffins to suit your taste preferences! Dairy-Free: Use plant-based cream cheese and dairy-free butter for a lactose-free treat. You won’t miss the dairy in this delectable adaptation! Chocolate Lovers: Stir in 2 ounces of chocolate chips to the cream cheese filling for an indulgent twist. The rich chocolate contrasts beautifully with the fruity raspberry preserves. Nutty Surprise: Add chopped nuts, like pistachios or almonds, to the filling for a crunchy texture. The nutty flavors elevate the cruffins, adding extra satisfaction to each bite. Cinnamon Sugar: Sprinkle a cinnamon-sugar mixture over the top before baking for a sweet, fragrant crust. This simple addition adds warmth and a lovely touch of spice. Brown Butter: Swap regular butter for browned butter for a nutty, deeper flavor. Browned butter takes these cruffins to an entirely new level of deliciousness. Fruit Swap: Replace raspberry preserves with strawberry or blueberry options for a new fruity twist. Each variation adds a delightful zest of flavor, perfect for any fruit lover. Chili Heat: For a spicy kick, mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cream cheese filling. This unexpected heat will tantalize your taste buds! Savory Version: Make a savory version by swapping the jam for pesto or sun-dried tomatoes. A cheesy blend with these flavors creates a unique and intriguing pastry ideal for brunch! As you explore these variations, be sure to check out my deliciously versatile Cheese Grape Skewers or the delightful fusion of flavors in Broccoli Cheese Rounds for more inspiration! Raspberry Cream Cheese Cruffins Recipe FAQs What type of puff pastry should I use for Raspberry Cream Cheese Cruffins? I recommend using store-bought, thawed sheets for the best flaky texture. Look for brands that use all-butter for a rich flavor, and ensure the pastry is properly thawed—usually overnight in the fridge is ideal! How should I store leftover cruffins? To keep your Raspberry Cream Cheese Cruffins fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to extend their shelf life, refrigerate them for up to 5 days. When ready to enjoy, reheat in the oven for a few minutes to regain their lovely texture. Can I freeze Raspberry Cream Cheese Cruffins? How do I do it? Absolutely! You can freeze these cruffins individually for up to 1 month. To freeze, wrap each cooled cruffin in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to eat, simply thaw them overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore their delightful flakiness. What should I do if my cruffins don’t rise properly? If your Raspberry Cream Cheese Cruffins don’t rise as expected, it might be due to rolling the pastry too tightly or not letting it relax before baking. Make sure to twist each strip gently and give them enough space in the muffin tin to expand during baking. Also, ensure your oven is fully preheated before placing them in to bake! Can I make these cruffins dairy-free or gluten-free? Definitely! For a dairy-free version, substitute cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative, like cashew cream or a non-dairy spread. For gluten-free cruffins, look for gluten-free puff pastry products available at specialty stores. Always check labels for any allergies or dietary preferences you may have. Decadent Raspberry Cream Cheese Cruffins for Cozy Mornings These Raspberry Cream Cheese Cruffins are a delightful fusion of flaky layers and creamy filling, perfect for breakfast or brunch. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 25 minutes minsCooling Time 5 minutes minsTotal Time 45 minutes mins Servings: 12 cruffinsCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanCalories: 250 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Cruffins2 sheets puff pastry thawed8 oz cream cheese softened1/2 cup powdered sugar1 tsp vanilla extract optional1/2 cup raspberry preserves or other berry flavors2 tbsp butter for brushingFor Dusting (Optional)1 tbsp powdered sugar for dusting before serving Equipment Muffin TinRolling Pin Method Step-by-Step Instructions for Raspberry Cream Cheese CruffinsPreheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Gather ingredients and equipment.Lightly flour your countertop and roll out the thawed puff pastry to a large rectangle, about 1/8-inch thick.Mix softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth. Spread over the rolled-out pastry.Layer a thin coating of raspberry preserves over the cream cheese filling.Roll the pastry tightly into a log and slice into 1.5-inch wide strips.Twist each strip and place it in the greased muffin tin with the twisted end facing up.Bake for 22-25 minutes until golden brown. Keep an eye on the baking process.Let them cool slightly in the pan for about 5 minutes, then dust with powdered sugar before serving. Nutrition Serving: 1cruffinCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 3gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 200mgPotassium: 80mgFiber: 1gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 1mg NotesThese cruffins can be customized with different jams or chocolate chips, making them versatile for any occasion. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!