Name: French Crullers Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 1 h 5 min
Total time: 1 h 35 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1 1/4 cups Water; 1/2 cup Butter (room temperature); 4 1/2 tsp Sugar; 1/2 tsp Salt; 1/2 tsp Vanilla; 1 1/4 cups Flour; 4 Eggs; 2 Egg whites; 2 cups Powdered sugar; 1 Tbsp Corn syrup; 2-3 tsp Hot water; 2 tsp Vanilla

Print Recipe· 3.9 from 8 reviews

If you have a soft spot for light, airy, and irresistibly sweet donuts, then this French Crullers Recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. These delicate, delightfully twisted pastries boast a tender, hollow center created by a perfectly executed choux pastry dough, resulting in a crisp exterior that melts into a cloud-like inside. The glaze, glossy and sweet, adds just the right touch of elegance and flavor, making these treats a soul-satisfying indulgence that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or anytime you crave a little sugary joy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several baking ingredients arranged on a white marbled surface. At the top center is a white bowl with a green rim holding four whole yellow egg yolks in clear egg whites. To the right of this bowl is a stick of light yellow butter with printed text on the wrapping. Below, there is a white bowl filled with white flour, and next to it on the right is a clear glass bowl with clear water. On the left side, a small white scalloped bowl contains white granulated sugar, and below it is a small glass bowl with fine white salt. Below the flour bowl, a small white bowl holds a clear yellow liquid, likely egg whites or oil, and below it is a small white bowl with a dark red-brown liquid, likely vanilla extract. The overall look is clean and ordered with bright natural light. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Don’t be intimidated by complex recipes because this French Crullers Recipe keeps it straightforward with a handful of basic ingredients, each playing a crucial role in achieving that perfect texture and flavor you’ll fall in love with.

Water (1 1/4 cups): The foundation for the choux pastry, providing moisture for dough formation.
Butter, room temperature (1/2 cup): Adds richness and helps create the tender crumb.
Sugar (4 1/2 tsp): Balances the buttery dough with a hint of sweetness.
Salt (1/2 tsp): Enhances the flavor and balances the sweetness.
Vanilla (1/2 tsp + 2 tsp for glaze): Brings aromatic warmth to both dough and glaze.
Flour (1 1/4 cups): Provides structure for the dough.
Eggs (4) and egg whites (2): Essential for creating that airy, light texture.
Powdered sugar (2 cups): The base of the sweet, glossy glaze.
Corn syrup (1 tbsp): Helps the glaze shine and prevents crystallization.
Hot water (2-3 tsp): Used to adjust glaze consistency perfectly.

How to Make French Crullers Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Begin by heating water, butter, sugar, salt, and a touch of vanilla in a saucepan until it boils. This mixture forms the backbone of your choux pastry, combining richness and subtle sweetness.

Step 2: Incorporate Flour

Once boiling, add the flour all at once and stir vigorously until the dough pulls away from the pan in places. This cooking step is essential to develop the right texture for your dough.

Step 3: Cool and Mix

Transfer the hot dough to a stand mixer and mix until it cools slightly. This helps prevent cooking the eggs when you add them next.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Egg Whites

With the mixer running, add the eggs one by one, allowing full incorporation before introducing the next. Follow with egg whites last. The result is a glossy, smooth dough that holds its shape beautifully when piped.

Step 5: Shape and Fry

Heat oil to 375°F in a deep pot. Pipe the dough into 3-4 inch rings on small parchment squares for easy transfer. Slide the parchment with dough into the hot oil, then gently remove the paper. Fry each cruller until golden, about 2-3 minutes per side.

Step 6: Glaze the Crullers

Mix powdered sugar, corn syrup, hot water, and vanilla until smooth for a perfect glaze. Dip each warm cruller to coat generously, allowing the excess glaze to drip off on a wire rack for that signature shine and sweet finish.

How to Serve French Crullers Recipe

The image shows a cooling rack with fifteen golden brown, round cruller donuts that have a twisted, ridged texture and a hollow center, arranged in neat rows over a white marbled surface. To the right of the rack, there is a white bowl with green rim filled with white icing or glaze, and a silver spoon scooping some of it. A woman's hand is holding the spoon, dipping it into the bowl. The overall color palette is warm with the donuts' golden brown and the neutral white marbled background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

When it comes to garnishing your French crullers, simplicity is often best. A sprinkle of powdered sugar or a light dusting of cinnamon can add a charming touch. For a decadent twist, try drizzling melted chocolate or sprinkling finely chopped nuts on the glaze while it’s still tacky.

Side Dishes

French crullers shine brightest alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea, making them the perfect companion for a cozy morning or afternoon break. Fresh berries or a small bowl of whipped cream can add an extra layer of freshness to balance the sweet richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve these delightful French crullers stacked on a pretty platter sprinkled with edible flowers or fresh mint leaves for a brunch centerpiece. You can also assemble a donut tower or serve them with small bowls of dipping sauces like vanilla custard or berry compote to amp up the fun and flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, keep your French crullers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To preserve their crisp exterior, avoid refrigeration as it can make the dough soggy.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy French crullers later, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a sealed bag. Frozen crullers maintain great flavor and texture for up to one month.

Reheating

Warm crullers gently in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes to regain their fresh-from-the-fryer texture. Avoid the microwave, which can make them chewy instead of delightfully crisp.

FAQs

What makes French crullers different from regular donuts?

French crullers are made from choux pastry, which is lighter and airier than the yeast or cake dough used in traditional donuts. This gives them a delicate, almost melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

It’s best to prepare and fry crullers fresh for optimal texture. However, the dough can be made a few hours ahead, kept chilled, and brought to room temperature before piping.

Why do I need to remove the parchment paper after placing the dough in oil?

The parchment paper helps maintain the shape initially, but if left in the oil, it would burn. Removing it lets the dough fry evenly and develop that signature crispness.

Can I use a different glaze?

Absolutely! While the classic powdered sugar glaze is wonderful, you can experiment with chocolate ganache, lemon glaze, or even a light dusting of cinnamon sugar.

Is French crullers recipe gluten-free?

Traditional French crullers use wheat flour, so they are not gluten-free. However, gluten-free flour blends designed for baking could be tried, though results may vary.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about biting into a perfectly made French cruller—the crisp exterior giving way to a light, tender inside with a sweet, glossy glaze. This French Crullers Recipe is not only a joy to make but an even bigger joy to share with family and friends. I encourage you to dive in and create these delightful pastries yourself, turning any ordinary day into a delicious celebration.