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French Crullers

Featured in Decadent Desserts.

These delicate French crullers turn simple ingredients into cloud-like pastries that melt in your mouth. Made with choux pastry dough and finished with a glossy vanilla glaze, they bring the magic of a French bakery into your kitchen.

Sarah
Updated on Tue, 21 Jan 2025 10:34:53 GMT
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A plate of golden, flaky pastries shaped like small doughnuts and dusted with powdered sugar. Pin it
A plate of golden, flaky pastries shaped like small doughnuts and dusted with powdered sugar. | kitchenscroll.com

These homemade French Crullers bring pure joy to my kitchen. After perfecting this recipe I've discovered the secret to achieving that perfect airy texture and glossy finish. The delicate vanilla scent filling your kitchen as they fry is absolutely magical making these pastries worth every minute of preparation.

A Baker's Dream

The beauty of these crullers lies in their simplicity. Simple ingredients transform into light as air pastries with crisp ridges and tender centers. That sweet vanilla glaze adds the perfect finishing touch creating bakery worthy treats right at home.

Your Essential Ingredients

Start with good quality butter it makes such a difference. Fresh eggs create that signature texture while vanilla adds warmth. Your flour needs to be measured precisely for the perfect dough consistency. The glaze combines powdered sugar corn syrup and just enough hot water to create that beautiful shine.

Creating Your Crullers

Begin by cooking your water butter sugar and salt mixture to boiling. Add flour stirring until it forms a smooth paste and coats the pan bottom. Let it cool slightly then beat in eggs one by one watching the dough become glossy and perfect. Pipe into rings fry until golden then dip in that lovely vanilla glaze.

A close-up of several golden-brown, sugary pastries arranged on a decorative plate. Pin it
A close-up of several golden-brown, sugary pastries arranged on a decorative plate. | kitchenscroll.com

Making Them Perfect

Watch that flour mixture carefully it needs to coat the pan perfectly. Keep your oil at exactly 375°F for the best results. A slight cooling before glazing creates that perfect finish. My candy thermometer never leaves my side when making these.

Common Questions

The dough stays beautiful overnight in the fridge. While baking works the magic really happens in the fryer. Fresh is best but they'll keep for two days just warm them quickly before serving.

Extra Tips

Keep your ingredients at room temperature for the best results. The dough should be glossy and pipe easily. Fresh vanilla makes all the difference in both dough and glaze. Let the glaze set completely before stacking or storing.

A plate of fluffy, spiral-shaped pastries dusted with powdered sugar. Pin it
A plate of fluffy, spiral-shaped pastries dusted with powdered sugar. | kitchenscroll.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why are my crullers hollow inside?
That's exactly how they should be! The hollow center comes from steam creating air pockets while frying, giving crullers their signature light, airy texture.
→ Can I make the dough ahead?
The choux dough is best used right away while it's still warm and pliable. However, you can pipe the shapes onto parchment and refrigerate for up to 4 hours before frying.
→ Why add eggs one at a time?
Adding eggs gradually ensures each egg is fully incorporated, creating a smooth, stable dough. This method helps achieve the perfect texture when fried.
→ How do I know when the oil is ready?
Use a thermometer to reach 375°F. If you don't have one, drop a small piece of dough in - it should bubble immediately and rise to the surface.
→ Can I freeze finished crullers?
While best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze unglazed crullers for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and warm slightly before glazing.

Conclusion

French crullers are delicate pastries made from choux dough, known for their light, airy texture and sweet vanilla glaze. Originating from French bakery traditions, these treats are both a breakfast indulgence and a dessert classic.

French Crullers

Light and airy French pastries made with choux dough, fried until golden and dipped in sweet vanilla glaze. A bakery-style treat you can make at home.

Prep Time
90 Minutes
Cook Time
5 Minutes
Total Time
95 Minutes

Category: Sweet Treats

Difficulty: Difficult

Cuisine: French

Yield: 16 Servings (16 crullers)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 Water (1 1/4 cups).
02 Butter, room temperature (1/2 cup).
03 Sugar (4 1/2 teaspoons).
04 Salt (1/2 teaspoon).
05 Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon).
06 All-purpose flour (1 1/4 cups).
07 Whole eggs (4).
08 Egg whites (2).
09 Powdered sugar (2 cups).
10 Corn syrup (1 tablespoon).
11 Hot water (2-3 teaspoons).
12 Vanilla for glaze (2 teaspoons).

Instructions

Step 01

Boil water, butter, sugar, salt, and vanilla in a pan.

Step 02

Mix in flour until it forms a ball, cook briefly.

Step 03

Cool slightly, then beat in eggs one at a time until smooth.

Step 04

Pipe dough into circles on parchment squares.

Step 05

Heat oil to 375°F. Remove parchment and fry until golden.

Step 06

Mix glaze ingredients. Dip warm crullers and let set.

Notes

  1. Can be made gluten-free with proper flour substitutes.
  2. Add xanthan gum if using gluten-free flour.

Tools You'll Need

  • Stand mixer.
  • Saucepan.
  • Piping bag.
  • Deep fryer or heavy pot.
  • Thermometer.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Eggs.
  • Dairy (butter).
  • Wheat (flour).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 185
  • Total Fat: 8 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 25 g
  • Protein: 3 g