French Crullers

Imagine sinking your teeth into a light, airy, and slightly crispy pastry that’s just waiting to be paired with your favorite cup of tea or coffee. Welcome to the world of French Crullers! These charming doughnuts boast a delicate texture and a delightful flavor that’s hard to resist. The first time I tried making crullers, I was captivated by the way they puffed up in hot oil like tiny, golden pillows.

Crullers are perfect for family gatherings or cozy winter evenings, making any occasion feel special. Plus, their simple ingredients allow even novice bakers to craft something extraordinary. If you’ve ever enjoyed a classic doughnut in your favorite café, let me tell you, homemade French Crullers will elevate your baking game! Similar to my popular recipe for fluffy homemade doughnuts, crullers bring that ultimate satisfaction with half the fuss.

So, why wait? Let’s delve into the delightful process of making French Crullers that will leave your family asking for seconds!

What are French Crullers?

French Crullers might sound like a fancy French term straight out of the culinary arts, but let me ask you—who wouldn’t want a dessert that sounds royal? These delightful pastries often resemble twisted ribbons of dough, making you wonder if “cruller” might refer to a secret pastry dance! The way to a man’s heart is indeed through his stomach, and these crullers are sure to do the trick!

With their light, airy texture and sweet, slightly glazed finish, these pastries are not just food; they’re an experience! Let’s hop into this exciting baking adventure together—your family will thank you!

Why You’ll Love This French Crullers

French Crullers really stand out as a main dish treat that you can enjoy any time of the day. Their light and airy texture provides a delightful contrast to that sweet glaze, making every single bite a joyous one. Plus, cooking at home saves you money while giving you the freedom to experiment with flavors. You could even add a dash of your favorite spices, such as cinnamon or cardamom, to create something uniquely yours!

What’s more, the topping possibilities here are endless! Imagine a drizzle of rich chocolate or a sprinkle of colorful sprinkles making your crullers even more enticing. If you’ve tried baking with other pastry recipes, like churros, you’ll find that crullers add a lighter twist without compromising on flavor. Ready to bring some joy to your kitchen? Let’s assemble our ingredients and start crafting these delicious treats!

How to Make French Crullers

Quick Overview

French Crullers are not just visually appealing; they’re remarkably easy and satisfying to make! Their unique texture—a combination of crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside—makes them an exciting treat to enjoy. Plus, the whole process takes about 30 minutes of preparation and cooking time, allowing you to whip them up in no time for any occasion.

Key Ingredients for French Crullers

To make these delightful French Crullers, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 cup of water
• 1/2 cup of unsalted butter
• 1 cup of all-purpose flour
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 2 cups of powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup of milk or milk alternative
• Oil for frying

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough:

• In a medium saucepan, combine the water and unsalted butter. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat.
• Once boiling, add the flour and salt, stirring vigorously with a wooden spoon until the mixture forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan.

2. Mix in the Eggs:

• Remove the pan from heat and let it cool for about 5 minutes.
• Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. The mixture should be thick and smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract.

3. Pipe the Crullers:

• Transfer the dough to a pastry bag fitted with a star tip. Pipe small circles onto parchment paper, approximately 3 inches in diameter, leaving space for each cruller to expand.

4. Heat the Oil:

• In a deep frying pan or pot, heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). A thermometer will help achieve the right temperature for frying.

5. Fry the Crullers:

• Gently slide the piped crullers into the hot oil, a few at a time. Fry for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side or until they turn golden brown.
• Remove from oil and drain on paper towels.

6. Glaze the Crullers:

• In a separate bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Dip each warm cruller into the glaze, allowing any excess to drip off.

Top Tips for Perfecting French Crullers

• Consistency is Key: Make sure your dough has the right thickness—it shouldn’t be runny. If you find it too thin, add a little more flour.
• Oil Temperature: Use a thermometer to monitor the oil temperature to avoid greasy crullers. Too hot can lead to burnt exteriors while the inside remains uncooked.
• Decadent Variations: Feel free to get creative! Spice up your crullers with zests, flavors, or even cocoa powder to make chocolate crullers.

Storing and Reheating Tips

To maintain the delightful texture of your French Crullers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They are best enjoyed fresh but can last for up to three days. If you have leftovers, you can freeze them for up to a month. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5–7 minutes to bring back that crispy exterior while retaining their soft center.

Now, gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy the sweet, cloud-like luxury of homemade French Crullers! Your family will be in awe as they indulge in these delightful pastries that elevate any gathering. Trust me, the joy of creating and sharing these treats is simply priceless!

French Crullers

Light, airy, and slightly crispy pastries that are perfect for pairing with tea or coffee, French Crullers are an irresistible treat for any occasion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 12 crullers

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: French

Calories: 200

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Dough Ingredients

• 1 cup water For the dough
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter Adds richness to the dough
• 1 cup all-purpose flour Key ingredient for structure
• 4 large eggs Incorporates into the dough for texture
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract For flavoring
• 1/2 teaspoon salt Enhances flavor

Glaze Ingredients

• 2 cups powdered sugar For glazing
• 1/4 cup milk or milk alternative To create a smooth glaze
• as needed cups Oil for frying Choose a neutral oil for best results

Method

 

Preparation

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the water and unsalted butter. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat.
2. Once boiling, add the flour and salt, stirring vigorously with a wooden spoon until the mixture forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan.

Mixing the Dough

1. Remove the pan from heat and let it cool for about 5 minutes.
2. Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. The mixture should be thick and smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Piping the Crullers

1. Transfer the dough to a pastry bag fitted with a star tip. Pipe small circles onto parchment paper, approximately 3 inches in diameter, leaving space for each cruller to expand.

Frying

1. In a deep frying pan or pot, heat the oil to 350°F (175°C).
2. Gently slide the piped crullers into the hot oil, a few at a time. Fry for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side or until they turn golden brown.
3. Remove from oil and drain on paper towels.

Glazing

1. In a separate bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Dip each warm cruller into the glaze, allowing any excess to drip off.

Notes

To maintain the delightful texture, store crullers in an airtight container at room temperature. They are best enjoyed fresh but can last for up to three days. Leftovers can be frozen for a month. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5–7 minutes.