French Crullers (French Donuts),

French crullers are French donuts  known for their light texture and elegant appearance. Originating from France, they have become a popular treat in many parts of the world, often featured in bakeries and cafes.

History of French Crullers

The French cruller’s history is intertwined with the culinary traditions of France. The word “cruller” comes from the Dutch “kruller,” meaning “to curl,” which is reflective of the donut’s twisted and ridged shape. These pastries are believed to have been introduced to America by Dutch settlers in the early 19th century. In France, they are known as “craquelins” and are part of a long-standing tradition of choux pastry, which includes other well-known treats like éclairs and profiteroles.

Unlike typical American-style donuts, which are made from a yeast-based dough, French crullers are made using choux pastry. This gives them a lighter and airier texture, as the dough puffs up during cooking. The method of cooking, typically deep frying, creates a crispy exterior while maintaining a soft interior.

How to Serve French Cruller Donuts

French crullers are typically served fresh and are best enjoyed soon after they are made. They are often glazed with a simple sugar icing, which adds a subtle sweetness while highlighting their delicate texture. The traditional shape is a ring, with the dough piped into a circular pattern with ridges.

These donuts are commonly served as a breakfast item or as a snack. They are usually offered at room temperature, allowing the flavors and texture to be fully appreciated. Portion-wise, their lightness makes them suitable for serving in pairs or as part of a larger assortment of pastries.

Pairing

French crullers pair well with various beverages. Coffee, both hot and iced, is a classic choice, as the bitterness of the coffee complements the sweetness of the donut. Tea, particularly lighter varieties such as green or herbal teas, is another excellent option. Try them with Vietnamese Egg Coffee. 

In terms of other foods, French crullers can be part of a larger breakfast spread, accompanying items such as fresh fruit, yogurt, or granola. Their delicate flavor profile makes them versatile enough to pair with both sweet and savory breakfast items. Try serving them with some Canelé. 

For a more indulgent experience, these donuts can be paired with a sweet dessert wine or a sparkling cider, making them a delightful treat for special occasions or as part of a brunch menu.

Below is a recipe

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French Crullers

Yield: 1 dozen

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

French Crullers are light and airy French donut with a unique twist in the shape. In the US they are popular at Dunkin Donuts. With this recipe you can see how to make your own French Cruller donuts at home.

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Ingredients

• 2 cups all purpose flour, sifted
• 4 cups icing sugar
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, cubed
• 6 eggs
• 4 egg whites
• ¼ cup vodka
• ½ cup instant potato flakes
• 4 tsp sugar
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 3 tbsp cornstarch
• Canola oil, for frying

Instructions

• Add a knob of butter into a 1-quart saucepan and melt it over moderately-low heat.
• Skim off the white foam on the melted butter and transfer the residual liquid into a bowl; set aside for a minute to cool.
• Spread parchment papers across baking sheets and spread a lashing of oil onto them; set aside.
• Pour the reserved melted butter into a larger saucepan, along with 1 ¾ cup water, vodka, salt and sugar.
• Give it a nice stir to mix well and bring it to a boil over high heat.
• Reduce it to a simmer and fold in the flour, cornstarch as well as potato flakes until well combined.
• Continue to cook for a couple of minutes, while stirring it relentlessly, until the mixture leaves the sides of the pan.
• Cook further for another 4 minutes or until it dries up slightly and coats the base of the pan.
• Scoop it out into the canister of your stand mixer, attached with a paddle and process them for about 2 minutes or until it cools down slightly.
• Crack the eggs into it, one at a time, and blend it into the dough after each addition until all of them are incorporated into the mixture.
• Incorporate the egg whites into the dough in a similar fashion and scoop it out into a piping bag, fitted with a large star tip.
• Leave it in the fridge for an hour.
• Pour oil in a deep-fryer until it stands 2’’ from its base and heat it to 325 degrees F.
• Pipe out 3’’ wide dough rings onto the parchment paper, about a couple of inches apart.
• Snip out the parchment paper with the crullers on top, with the help of scissors and lower them into the hot oil in batches.
• Peel off the paper with the help of tongs and throw it away.
• Deep fry them for about 15 minutes, turning them over once, until they puff up and turns golden.
• Drain them out into a wire rack and set aside to cool to room temperature.
• Place the icing sugar into a bowl and pour in ½ cup hot water.
• Add a splash of honey into it and whisk them together to form a uniformly mixed glaze.
• Dip the crullers into the mixture to coat well and place them back onto the rack.
• Let them rest until the glaze sets and serve.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 12 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 413Total Fat: 15gSaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 124mgSodium: 162mgCarbohydrates: 60gFiber: 1gSugar: 40gProtein: 7g

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Last Updated on December 8, 2023 by Carleen