The moment the oil starts to sizzle, and the delicate strips of dough hit the hot surface, there’s an intoxicating aroma that fills the kitchen. French crullers are a delightful marriage of airy and crispy, making them the perfect treat to elevate your breakfast or brunch. These golden pastries, with their pillowy insides kissed by a sweet vanilla glaze, whisk me away to a quaint café in Paris, even if I’m just at home.
What I love about crullers is their versatility; you can infuse them with your favorite flavors or dress them up with decadent toppings. In just 30 minutes, you can create these elegant pastries that are sure to impress family and friends. So, if you’re looking to escape the mundane world of fast food, let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into this recipe that transforms simple ingredients into gourmet delights!
Why You’ll Crave French Crullers
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of airy texture and sweet vanilla glaze creates a mouthwatering experience that keeps you coming back for more.
Quick Preparation: With just 30 minutes of your time, you can impress guests with these café-worthy pastries.
Customizable Delights: Feel free to experiment with various flavors and toppings—think chocolate, almond, or a sprinkle of cinnamon for a unique twist!
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a breakfast treat, a brunch delight, or a snack, crullers are the ideal addition to any meal.
Family-Friendly Fun: Involving your kids in piping and glazing makes baking these treats a joyful bonding experience!
These French crullers make for a delightful way to savor homemade goodness without the hassle. It’s an excellent opportunity to ditch fast food and enjoy something fabulous at home!
French Crullers Ingredients
For the Dough
- Butter – Adds richness and flavor; can substitute with margarine.
- Water – Provides moisture for dough; no substitutions needed.
- Salt – Enhances flavor; omit for low-sodium diets.
- Sugar – Sweetens the dough; can use brown sugar for a richer taste.
- All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure and texture; can substitute with gluten-free flour.
- Eggs – Adds structure and moisture; flaxseed meal can be used for a vegan alternative.
For the Glaze
- Powdered Sugar – For the glaze; can use alternative sweeteners like erythritol.
- Milk – Helps achieve the desired glaze consistency; substitute with any plant-based milk.
These delightful French crullers are sure to bring joy to your mornings!
How to Make French Crullers
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Melt Butter: Begin by melting the butter in a saucepan over low heat. Once melted, stir in water, salt, and sugar until well combined. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil.
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Add Flour: As soon as the mixture is boiling, quickly add the all-purpose flour. Stir vigorously until the dough forms a smooth, cohesive ball that pulls away from the sides of the pan.
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Cool and Incorporate Eggs: Remove the saucepan from heat and let it cool slightly for about 5 minutes. Then, add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly until the dough is smooth, glossy, and slightly sticky.
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Pipe Crullers: Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip. Pipe four-inch strips of dough onto parchment-lined baking sheets, ensuring they have space between them as they won’t touch.
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Heat Oil: In a deep pot, heat enough oil to fully submerge the crullers, aiming for a temperature of 350°F (175°C) to ensure even cooking.
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Fry Crullers: Carefully lower the piped dough into the hot oil, frying for about 3 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and drain on paper towels.
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Prepare Glaze: In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Dip each warm cruller in the glaze, letting the excess drip off before placing them on wire racks to set.
Optional: Sprinkle with your favorite toppings like cinnamon sugar for an extra touch of flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze French Crullers
Room Temperature: Store crullers in an airtight container for up to 2 days to maintain freshness. Enjoy them warm, as they taste best on the day they are made.
Fridge: If you need to keep them longer, place crullers in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Reheat in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to revive their soft texture.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze crullers in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag and store for up to 1 month.
Reheating: To reheat frozen crullers, simply bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 8-10 minutes until warmed through and crispy. Enjoy the delightful taste of homemade French crullers any time!
Delightful French Crullers Variations
Feel free to get creative with these French crullers and take their delightful flavors to new heights!
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Citrus Zest:
Add lemon or orange zest for a bright, refreshing twist that enhances the sweetness. -
Almond Extract:
Substitute vanilla with almond extract for a nutty flavor that pairs wonderfully with the crispy texture. -
Spice it Up:
Incorporate ground cinnamon or nutmeg into the dough for a warm spice flavor that fills your kitchen with comfort. -
Chocolate Dip:
Melt dark or milk chocolate for a decadent chocolate glaze; it adds an indulgent touch to your crullers. -
Decadent Fillings:
Pipe a creamy filling like pastry cream or whipped cream into the center after frying for a luscious surprise. -
Savory Version:
Swap sugar for cheese and herbs, creating a savory cruller that’s perfect for brunch or a snack. -
Nutty Crumble:
Top warm crullers with crushed nuts mixed with cinnamon sugar for added crunch and texture. -
Festive Sprinkles:
Dress them up with colorful sprinkles or edible glitter to make them extra special for celebrations or holidays.
These variations make every batch of French crullers unique and exciting—experience the magic of customization!
What to Serve with French Crullers?
When you’re ready to transport your breakfast or brunch experience to the next level, pairing your French crullers with delightful accompaniments is key.
- Rich Coffee: A hot cup of freshly brewed coffee complements the sweetness of crullers beautifully, enhancing their flavors with every sip.
- Earl Grey Tea: The floral notes of Earl Grey create a lovely contrast, making your morning feel like a luxurious café outing.
- Fresh Berries: The burst of tartness from strawberries or blueberries adds a refreshing brightness, balancing the richness of the pastries.
- Creamy Yogurt: A dollop of vanilla or fruit-flavored yogurt offers a creamy, tangy counterpoint, perfect for dipping your crullers.
Serve crullers with fresh fruits for a balanced breakfast that satisfies sweet cravings while adding wholesome nutrition.
- Cinnamon Sugar: A sprinkle of cinnamon sugar adds a sweet and warm spice, creating an exciting twist for your taste buds.
- Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling warm chocolate sauce over crullers elevates them to decadent dessert status—perfect for special occasions!
- Honey Drizzle: A light touch of honey enhances the flavor profile, adding a floral sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the glaze.
- Ice Cream: For a dessert option, serve crullers alongside a scoop of your favorite ice cream, offering a delightful contrast in texture and temperature.
Expert Tips for French Crullers
- Temperature Check: Use a thermometer to ensure your oil is at 350°F before frying. This helps achieve that perfect fluffy texture without greasy crullers.
- Avoid Overmixing: Mix the eggs in gently after adding them; overmixing can deflate the airy structure, which is essential for light and fluffy French crullers.
- Pipe with Care: Always leave space between crullers on the baking sheet. They expand while frying, and overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking.
- Timing is Key: Fry them for about 3 minutes on each side; adjusting the time even slightly can lead to either undercooked or overly dark pastries.
- Glaze While Warm: Dipping the crullers into the glaze while they’re still warm helps it adhere better, resulting in a deliciously sticky finish.
Make Ahead Options
These French crullers are perfect for meal prep and can be prepped ahead of time to save you effort on busy mornings! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance; simply follow the instructions and then refrigerate the dough in an airtight container. When you’re ready to fry, allow the dough to come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before piping and frying for the best texture. Additionally, you can glaze the crullers shortly before serving to maintain that delightful crispness. With these make-ahead tips, you’ll have deliciously airy French crullers ready to impress with minimal last-minute effort!
French Crullers Recipe FAQs
How do I choose ripe ingredients for French crullers?
Absolutely! While ingredients like butter and eggs don’t necessarily need to be “ripe,” using fresh products will yield the best results. Opt for high-quality butter, and eggs that are as fresh as possible for optimum flavor and texture in your crullers.
What is the best way to store French crullers?
Store your crullers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days for the best taste and texture. If you need to extend their life, refrigerate them for up to a week, but be sure to reheat in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to maintain their delightful softness!
Can I freeze French crullers, and how?
Yes, you can freeze crullers! Allow them to cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag and store for up to 1 month. To reheat, just bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 8-10 minutes until they’re warm and crispy again.
What should I do if my crullers don’t puff up while frying?
Very! If your crullers don’t puff up, it might be because the oil isn’t hot enough. Ensure the oil is at 350°F (175°C) using a thermometer. Additionally, be careful not to overmix the dough after adding the eggs, as this can cause a denser cruller.
Are there any dietary considerations for French crullers?
Yes! If you have allergies or dietary preferences, you can customize the recipe. For a vegan option, substitute eggs with flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water for each egg), and use plant-based milk. If gluten is a concern, all-purpose flour can be swapped for gluten-free flour. Always double-check labels for allergen information!
How long will the glaze last once made?
The glaze can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week in an airtight container. Just whisk it again before using, as it may thicken after sitting. It’s a versatile topping that goes well with other pastries too!
Enjoy making your French crullers, and remember, the more, the merrier!
Fluffy French Crullers Recipe: A Sweet Morning Escape
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Begin by melting the butter in a saucepan over low heat. Once melted, stir in water, salt, and sugar until well combined. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil.
- As soon as the mixture is boiling, quickly add the all-purpose flour. Stir vigorously until the dough forms a smooth, cohesive ball that pulls away from the sides of the pan.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and let it cool slightly for about 5 minutes. Then, add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly until the dough is smooth, glossy, and slightly sticky.
- Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip. Pipe four-inch strips of dough onto parchment-lined baking sheets, ensuring they have space between them as they won’t touch.
- In a deep pot, heat enough oil to fully submerge the crullers, aiming for a temperature of 350°F (175°C) to ensure even cooking.
- Carefully lower the piped dough into the hot oil, frying for about 3 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and drain on paper towels.
- In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Dip each warm cruller in the glaze, letting the excess drip off before placing them on wire racks to set.
- Optional: Sprinkle with your favorite toppings like cinnamon sugar for an extra touch of flavor.