French Crullers

French crullers are a delightful treat that combines a light, airy texture with a crispy exterior. These doughnuts are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet indulgence any time of day. Dipped in a glossy glaze, they offer an irresistible sweetness that will leave everyone wanting more. Easy to make and endlessly customizable, French crullers will elevate any occasion with their delicious charm.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistibly Light Texture: French crullers have a unique airy consistency that melts in your mouth.
• Customizable Flavors: You can easily switch up the flavors by using different extracts or adding citrus zest.
• Quick Preparation: With just 30 minutes from start to finish, you can enjoy these treats without spending all day in the kitchen.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s breakfast, brunch, or dessert, French crullers fit right in.
• Fun to Make: Piping the dough into shape is an enjoyable activity for both seasoned bakers and beginners.

Tools and Preparation

To create these delicious French crullers, you’ll need some essential tools to ensure your cooking experience is smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Saucepan
• Whisk
• Piping bag with star tip
• Deep frying pot

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl allows you to mix ingredients thoroughly without spilling.
• Saucepan: Using a saucepan helps melt butter evenly and combines your initial ingredients smoothly.
• Piping bag with star tip: This tool is vital for creating the signature cruller shape and texture.

Ingredients

For the Dough

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 4 large eggs
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt

For the Glaze

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup milk

How to Make French Crullers

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In a saucepan over low heat, melt butter with water, salt, and sugar until combined. Bring to a gentle boil.
2. Add flour all at once and stir vigorously until it forms a smooth ball of dough.

Step 2: Mix in Eggs

1. Allow the dough to cool slightly.
2. Mix in eggs one at a time until the dough is smooth and slightly sticky.

Step 3: Pipe the Crullers

1. Pipe long strips onto parchment-lined baking sheets.

Step 4: Fry the Crullers

1. Heat oil in a deep pot to 350°F (175°C).
2. Fry crullers for about three minutes on each side until golden brown.

Step 5: Glaze the Crullers

1. Whisk powdered sugar with milk for the glaze.
2. Dip warm crullers into the glaze and let excess drip off.

With these steps completed, you’ll have scrumptious French crullers ready to be enjoyed!

How to Serve French Crullers

French crullers are incredibly versatile and can be served in many delightful ways. Whether you prefer them simple or dressed up, these treats will impress at any gathering.

Pair with Coffee

• A strong cup of coffee complements the sweetness of crullers perfectly, balancing flavors and enhancing your morning routine.

Serve with Fresh Fruits

• Fresh berries or sliced citrus fruits add a refreshing contrast to the richness of the crullers, making for a vibrant presentation.

Add Whipped Cream

• A dollop of whipped cream on top or on the side brings a creamy texture that pairs beautifully with the airy doughnut.

Create a Dessert Platter

• Arrange crullers alongside other pastries and sweets for an impressive dessert platter that’s perfect for sharing at parties.

Drizzle with Chocolate Sauce

• A drizzle of warm chocolate sauce over the crullers adds indulgence and makes them even more decadent.

Garnish with Nuts

• Chopped nuts sprinkled on top provide a crunchy texture that enhances the overall experience of each bite.

How to Perfect French Crullers

To achieve the best results when making French crullers, follow these helpful tips for a flawless outcome.

• Maintain oil temperature: Keeping the oil at 350°F (175°C) ensures that your crullers fry evenly and develop that perfectly crispy exterior.
• Pipe consistently: Use a steady hand while piping the dough to create uniform shapes, which will help them cook evenly.
• Cool before glazing: Allow crullers to cool slightly after frying to prevent the glaze from melting off when dipped.
• Experiment with flavors: Consider using almond extract or lemon zest for unique flavor variations that can elevate your crullers.
• Use parchment paper: Lining baking sheets with parchment paper prevents sticking and ensures easy removal after frying.
• Fry in batches: Avoid overcrowding your pot, as this can lower oil temperature and lead to uneven cooking.

Best Side Dishes for French Crullers

French crullers are delightful on their own but pair well with several delicious side dishes. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad
   A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances out the sweetness of the crullers.

2. Yogurt Parfait
   Layer yogurt with granola and fruits for a creamy, crunchy counterpart that complements the lightness of crullers.

3. Savory Cheese Plate
   Offer a selection of cheeses alongside your crullers for a sweet-and-savory experience that guests will love.

4. Herbed Scones
   These flaky scones provide a savory option that contrasts nicely with the sweetness of French crullers.

5. Chia Seed Pudding
   This healthy alternative offers creaminess and flavor without overpowering the taste of your sweet treat.

6. Nut Butter Dip
   Serve almond or peanut butter as a dip, adding protein and richness to each bite of cruller.

7. Green Smoothie
   A refreshing green smoothie acts as a light beverage option that pairs well with sweet pastries like crullers.

8. Granola Bars
   Homemade granola bars can provide an easy grab-and-go option alongside your freshly made French crullers.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making French crullers, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can affect the final result. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Skipping the Cooling Step: Allowing the dough to cool slightly before adding eggs is crucial. If you skip this step, the eggs may cook and ruin your mixture.

• Overmixing the Dough: Once you’ve added the eggs, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense crullers instead of light and airy ones.

• Not Piping Evenly: When piping the crullers onto parchment paper, aim for even strips. Uneven shapes will fry inconsistently, resulting in uneven cooking.

• Incorrect Oil Temperature: Maintaining the right oil temperature is key. If it’s too low, the crullers will absorb oil; if too high, they may burn before cooking through.

• Skipping the Glaze: The glaze not only adds flavor but also enhances presentation. Don’t forget this step for that shiny finish!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Freezing French Crullers

• Place cooled crullers in a single layer on a baking sheet.
• Freeze for up to 1 month before transferring to an airtight container.

Reheating French Crullers

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place crullers on a baking sheet and heat for about 5-7 minutes until warm.

• Microwave: Heat on a microwave-safe plate for about 10-15 seconds. Be cautious not to overheat as they may become chewy.

• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium-low heat and add crullers for 1-2 minutes on each side until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are French Crullers?

French crullers are light doughnuts made from a choux pastry, giving them their distinctive airy texture and crispy exterior.

How do I know when my French Crullers are done frying?

Look for a golden-brown color and a slight puffiness. They typically take about three minutes per side to cook thoroughly.

Can I customize my French Crullers?

Absolutely! You can add flavors like almond extract or citrus zest into the dough for unique variations.

Are French Crullers healthy?

While delicious, French crullers are best enjoyed in moderation as they are fried and contain sugar.

How can I store leftover French Crullers?

Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freeze them for longer storage options.

Final Thoughts

French crullers are a delightful treat that combines elegance with simplicity. Their airy texture makes them perfect for any occasion, while their customizable nature allows you to experiment with different flavors. Try making these delicious doughnuts today and enjoy their charm at breakfast or as a sweet snack!

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French Crullers

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• Author: Olivia
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 10 servings 1x

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Description

Indulge in the delightful world of homemade French crullers—airy doughnuts that boast a crispy exterior and a mouthwatering glossy glaze. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as an afternoon treat, these crullers are not only easy to make but also versatile. With just a handful of ingredients and a quick preparation time, you can whip up these irresistible pastries that will leave everyone craving more. Customize them with your favorite flavor extracts or citrus zests to create a unique twist on this classic treat.

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Ingredients

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• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 4 large eggs
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup milk

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Instructions

1. In a saucepan over low heat, melt butter with water, salt, and sugar until combined. Bring to a gentle boil.
2. Add flour all at once and stir vigorously until it forms a smooth ball of dough.
3. Allow the dough to cool slightly before mixing in eggs one at a time until smooth and sticky.
4. Pipe long strips onto parchment-lined baking sheets.
5. Heat oil in a deep pot to 350°F (175°C) and fry crullers for about three minutes on each side until golden brown.
6. Whisk powdered sugar with milk for the glaze and dip warm crullers into it.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cruller (50g)
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 90mg
• Fat: 11g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 60mg