French Crullers Recipe
French Crullers, a delicious breakfast or snack option, are a crispy, light pastry that pairs perfectly with a hot cup of coffee. This recipe will guide you step by step through making these delectable pastries at home. Whether you’re preparing them for a weekend brunch or simply craving something sweet and crunchy, French Crullers are sure to delight your taste buds.
Ingredients for French Crullers
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All Purpose Flour (Maida) | 1/2 cup |
| Whole Eggs | 2 |
| Egg Whites | 2 |
| Butter | 3 tablespoons |
| Salt | 1/8 teaspoon |
| Lukewarm Water | 1/2 cup |
| Sunflower Oil (for frying) | As needed |
| Honey | 1 tablespoon |
| Icing Sugar | 1 cup |
| Milk | 1 to 2 tablespoons |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 70 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: European
Course: World Breakfast
Diet: Vegetarian
Instructions to Prepare French Crullers
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Prepare the Dough
In a saucepan, combine water, butter, sugar, and salt. Heat the mixture over medium heat until it begins to boil. Once the butter is fully melted, add flour all at once, stirring continuously to break up any lumps. Keep stirring until the dough comes together and starts to form a thin film on the bottom of the pan. This will take about 3 minutes. Lower the heat and continue stirring for another 2 to 3 minutes to help remove excess moisture from the dough. -
-
Cool the Dough
Remove the saucepan from heat and let the dough cool for about 10 minutes. This step is essential to prevent the eggs from cooking when added. -
Add the Eggs
Once the dough has cooled slightly, add 1 whole egg at a time. Use a hand mixer or a stand mixer to beat the dough, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next one. Continue this process for both eggs. Afterward, add the egg whites one at a time, beating after each addition until the dough becomes smooth, shiny, and sticky. The dough should be elastic and slightly stiff. -
Pipe the Crullers
Transfer the dough into a piping bag fitted with a star (rose) nozzle. Prepare 4 x 4-inch parchment paper squares, greasing them lightly with oil. Pipe 3-inch crullers onto the parchment, creating circular shapes or whatever pattern you prefer. -
Heat the Oil for Frying
In a deep frying pan, heat sunflower oil to approximately 370°F (190°C). You want the oil to be hot but not smoking. -
Fry the Crullers
Once the oil is ready, gently lift the parchment with the cruller dough and lower it into the hot oil, dough side down. Hold the parchment for a few seconds until the dough releases from the paper, then carefully lift out the parchment using tongs. You can fry multiple crullers at once, depending on the size of your pan. Fry them on medium heat, flipping occasionally, until they turn golden brown and crisp on all sides. -
Drain the Crullers
Once the crullers are fried, use tongs to remove them from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Repeat this process for the remaining dough. -
Cool and Glaze
Allow the crullers to cool completely on a wire rack. While they cool, whisk together icing sugar, honey, and milk to form a smooth glaze. You can adjust the thickness of the glaze by adding more milk if necessary. -
Glaze the Crullers
Using a fork, dip each cooled cruller into the glaze, ensuring it is completely coated. Place the glazed crullers back on the wire rack to set for 1 to 2 hours. If desired, for an extra zing, sprinkle grated lime zest or orange zest over the top, or even mix the zest into the glaze for added flavor. -
Serve and Enjoy
Once the glaze has set, the French Crullers are ready to serve! Enjoy them as a delightful breakfast treat or an afternoon snack alongside a cup of coffee.
Tips for Perfect French Crullers
- The key to crispy crullers lies in getting the dough texture just right: smooth, sticky, and shiny.
- Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying. If the oil is too cool, the crullers may absorb too much oil and become soggy.
- Feel free to get creative with the glaze by adding flavoring extracts like vanilla or almond.
- These crullers can be stored for up to 2 days in an airtight container, though they are best enjoyed fresh.
French Crullers are a delightful treat that will impress your family and friends. Whether you’re preparing them for a special occasion or simply to indulge your sweet tooth, these crispy, golden pastries are sure to be a hit!
