French Crullers are a delightful pastry that combines a light, airy texture with a sweet glaze, making them irresistible. Imagine biting into one and experiencing the perfect balance of crispiness and tenderness, all while being enveloped in the warm scent of vanilla.

Growing up, my family had a tradition of visiting our local bakery every Sunday morning. The sight of those French Crullers lined up like golden sunshine on the display case always filled me with joy. They were the highlight of our weekend breakfast, and now I’m excited to share this cherished recipe with you.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These French Crullers are incredibly easy to prepare and require minimal ingredients
- Their delicate flavor profile will transport you to a Parisian café with each bite
- The visual appeal of these twisted pastries makes them perfect for any gathering or special occasion
- Versatile enough for a brunch or an indulgent snack, they can be easily customized with different glazes or toppings
Ingredients for French Crullers
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Water: Start with 1 cup of water; it’s essential for creating steam during frying.
Unsalted Butter: Use 1/2 cup for richness; it enhances the flavor and texture.
All-Purpose Flour: About 1 cup is needed; it gives structure to the crullers.
Eggs: You will need 3 large eggs; they provide moisture and help bind everything together.
Granulated Sugar: Add 1/4 cup for sweetness; it balances out the flavors beautifully.
Vanilla Extract: A teaspoon will elevate the flavor; choose pure extract if possible.
For the Glaze:
Powdered Sugar: You’ll need about 1 cup for sweetness and smoothness in your glaze.
Milk: Just a few tablespoons to achieve the perfect consistency for drizzling.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make French Crullers
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by pouring the water and butter into a medium saucepan over medium heat. Bring it to a gentle boil as you stir until the butter melts completely.
Step 2: Add Flour
Once boiling, remove the pot from heat and quickly add flour all at once. Stir vigorously using a wooden spoon until the mixture forms a ball that pulls away from the sides of the pot.
Step 3: Incorporate Eggs
Allow the dough to cool slightly before adding eggs one at a time. Mix well after each addition until fully incorporated. The dough should be thick yet smooth.
Step 4: Shape Your Crullers
Transfer the dough into a piping bag fitted with a star tip. Pipe twist shapes onto parchment paper-lined baking sheets, making sure they’re spaced appropriately.
Step 5: Frying Time
Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat until it reaches about 375°F (190°C). Carefully lift each cruller off parchment and fry them until golden brown on both sides—about two minutes per side.
Step 6: Glaze Away
While still warm, mix powdered sugar and milk in a bowl until smooth. Dip each cruller into the glaze, allowing excess to drip off before placing them on wire racks to set.
Transfer to plates and enjoy these heavenly treats while they’re fresh! Whether shared with family or savored alone, French Crullers bring joy that’s hard to resist.
You Must Know
- French Crullers are delightful, airy donuts that will transport you straight to a Parisian café with every bite
- Their unique shape and delicate texture make them irresistible, perfect for breakfast or as an afternoon treat
- Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to make at home!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To create the perfect French Crullers, start by preparing your choux pastry. Pipe the dough onto parchment paper while the oil heats. Once heated, carefully fry the crullers until golden brown and puffed. Drain on paper towels before glazing.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize your French Crullers! Swap out the vanilla in the glaze for chocolate or add spices like cinnamon for a twist. You can even incorporate fillings like pastry cream or fruit jams for extra flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store uneaten French Crullers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To reheat, warm them in a toaster oven briefly to restore their crispiness without drying them out.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfectly fluffy French Crullers, ensure your oil temperature is around 350°F; too hot will burn them, too cool will leave them greasy
- Always pipe with a steady hand for even shapes, and don’t skip the glaze—it’s essential for flavor!
I remember the first time I made French Crullers; my family gobbled them up faster than I could say “Voila!” The joy on their faces was worth every minute spent in the kitchen.
FAQs:
What are French Crullers?
French Crullers are light, airy pastries made from choux pastry, which gives them a unique texture. They are often shaped into twisted rings and deep-fried until golden brown. The crullers are then coated in a sweet glaze, making them a delightful treat for breakfast or as a snack. Their delicate flavor pairs well with coffee or tea, making them a favorite among pastry lovers around the world.
How do I store French Crullers?
To keep your French Crullers fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to extend their shelf life, consider refrigerating them for up to a week. However, be aware that refrigeration can alter their texture slightly. For longer storage, you can freeze the unglazed crullers for up to three months. Just remember to thaw and glaze them before serving for the best taste.
Can I make French Crullers ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare French Crullers ahead of time by making the dough and piping it into shapes. Once piped, freeze the uncooked crullers on a baking sheet until firm. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for future use. When you’re ready to enjoy them, fry the frozen crullers directly from the freezer without thawing for a quick and delicious treat.
What variations can I try with French Crullers?
While traditional French Crullers are delightful on their own, you can experiment with various flavors and toppings. Consider adding vanilla or almond extract to the batter for extra flavor. You might also try different glazes such as chocolate or caramel. For an added crunch, sprinkle chopped nuts or coconut flakes on top of the glaze before it sets.
Conclusion for French Crullers:
In summary, French Crullers are an exquisite pastry that combines lightness with sweetness and versatility. They can be easily made at home and stored for later enjoyment. Whether you serve them with coffee or try out different flavors, these pastries will surely impress anyone who tastes them. With just a few ingredients and some creativity, you can enjoy this classic treat any time you desire.

French Crullers
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Makes approximately 12 crullers 1x
Description
French Crullers are airy, delectable pastries that bring the charm of a Parisian café to your kitchen. With their golden, twisted shapes and luscious glaze, these delightful treats are perfect for breakfast or as an indulgent snack. Easy to make from scratch using simple ingredients, you’ll love the combination of crispiness and tenderness in every bite.
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 large eggs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine water and butter. Bring to a gentle boil until the butter melts.
- Remove from heat and quickly add flour, stirring vigorously until a ball forms.
- Let cool slightly, then incorporate eggs one at a time, mixing until smooth.
- Pipe the dough into twisted shapes onto parchment-lined baking sheets.
- Heat oil in a deep pan to 375°F (190°C) and fry crullers until golden brown, about two minutes per side.
- Mix powdered sugar and milk for the glaze, dip each cruller, and allow excess glaze to drip off before setting on wire racks.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 145
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 60mg