Delicious French Crullers Recipe With Homemade Maple Glaze

Name: French Crullers
Prep time: PT-974435H22M50S
Cook time: PT-487218H41M25S
Total time: PT-487218H41M25S
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: – ½ cup whole milk for moisture and smooth dough base; – 1 ⅔ cups whole milk as an alternative for moisture and smooth dough base; – ½ cup water for liquid balance and dough consistency; – ½ cup unsalted butter, cubed for richness and flakiness; – ¾ cup unsalted butter as an alternative for richness and flakiness; – 1 tablespoon granulated sugar for sweetening dough and browning; – 1 tablespoon granulated sugar plus 1 tablespoon light brown sugar, packed, as an alternative for sweetening dough and browning; – 1 teaspoon salt for flavor enhancement and balance; – ¾ teaspoon kosher salt as an alternative for flavor enhancement and balance; – 1 cup all-purpose flour for dough structure and puffing; – 1 ⅓ cups all-purpose flour as an alternative for dough structure and puffing; – 4 large eggs at room temperature for moisture and lift; – 3 large eggs plus 1 ½ large egg whites as an alternative for moisture and lift; – Zest from 1 lemon for fresh citrus flavor; – ½ cup powdered sugar for the glaze; – 1 tablespoon dark amber Grade A maple syrup for the glaze sweetness and depth; – ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt for the glaze to balance sweetness; – 1 tablespoon whole milk for the glaze to thin consistency; – 6 cups vegetable oil for frying; – at least 2 inches of canola or preferred frying oil as an alternative for frying

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Why You’ll Love This French Crullers Recipe

If you’re a fan of French Crullers or homemade pastries, this recipe offers a delightful way to enjoy light, airy treats with minimal hassle. It’s perfect for baking enthusiasts looking to create something special without spending all day in the kitchen. This French Crullers guide makes the process approachable and rewarding, blending tradition with easy steps.

Here are the main benefits that make this French Crullers recipe effective:

Ease of preparation: This French Crullers recipe simplifies the process with just 20-30 minutes of prep, letting you mix and fry without complex tools. The dough chills for easy handling, and frying takes only 20-35 minutes, making it ideal for busy bakers or weekend fun. Overall, French Crullers come together quickly, turning basic ingredients into fresh pastries with little effort.
Health benefits: While French Crullers are a treat, they offer perks like moderate protein from eggs and a touch of fiber, plus nutrients from lemon zest for a vitamin C boost. At around 231 calories per cruller, they’re lighter than typical donuts, supporting balanced snacking when enjoyed in moderation. This makes French Crullers a smarter choice for those mindful of wellness without sacrificing taste.
Versatility: This French Crullers recipe adapts to various dietary needs, like using egg whites for adjustments or exploring vegan swaps for dairy-free options. It’s flexible for different occasions, whether you’re tweaking for gluten-free flours or scaling for family gatherings. French Crullers shine as a customizable treat, fitting into routines for students, families, or anyone experimenting with flavors.
Distinctive flavor: What sets French Crullers apart is the airy pâte à choux dough paired with a homemade maple glaze for a sweet, tangy finish. The lemon zest adds a fresh zing that balances the richness, creating a texture and taste that’s uniquely satisfying. This combination makes French Crullers stand out from ordinary donuts, offering a special homemade delight.

In summary, French Crullers bring joy to baking with their blend of simplicity and flavor.

Jump To

1. Why You’ll Love This French Crullers Recipe
2. Essential Ingredients for French Crullers
3. How to Prepare the Perfect French Crullers: Step-by-Step Guide
4. Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your French Crullers
5. Mastering French Crullers: Advanced Tips and Variations
6. How to Store French Crullers: Best Practices
7. FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About French Crullers
8. French Crullers

Essential Ingredients for French Crullers

Gathering the right ingredients is key to perfect French Crullers, and this list includes all measurements and quantities from the recipe details for completeness. Each item is explained for its role, ensuring your French Crullers turn out light and delicious. I’ve formatted it as a clear, structured list based on the provided summary.

Main Ingredients

½ cup whole milk (or 1 ⅔ cups whole milk as an alternative) – Provides moisture and helps create a smooth dough base for French Crullers.
½ cup water – Adds to the liquid balance, aiding in dough consistency for tender French Crullers.
½ cup unsalted butter, cubed (or ¾ cup unsalted butter from alternative) – Contributes richness and flakiness, essential for the texture in French Crullers.
1 tablespoon granulated sugar (or 1 tablespoon granulated sugar plus 1 tablespoon light brown sugar, packed, as an alternative) – Sweetens the dough and promotes browning during frying of French Crullers.
1 teaspoon salt (or ¾ teaspoon kosher salt as an alternative) – Enhances flavor and balances sweetness in the dough for French Crullers.
1 cup all-purpose flour (or 1 ⅓ cups all-purpose flour as an alternative) – Forms the structure of the dough, ensuring French Crullers puff up properly.
4 large eggs at room temperature (or 3 large eggs plus 1 ½ large egg whites as an alternative) – Adds moisture and lift, creating the airy interior of French Crullers.
Zest from 1 lemon – Infuses fresh, citrusy notes that brighten the flavor profile of French Crullers.
½ cup powdered sugar (for the glaze) – Forms the base of the sweet glaze, giving French Crullers their signature finish.
1 tablespoon dark amber Grade A maple syrup (or more to taste, for the glaze) – Adds rich sweetness and depth to the glaze for French Crullers.
⅛ teaspoon kosher salt (for the glaze) – Balances the sweetness in the glaze, enhancing the overall taste of French Crullers.
1 tablespoon whole milk (or more as needed for desired consistency, for the glaze) – Thins the glaze to the right texture, making it easy to coat French Crullers smoothly.
6 cups vegetable oil (or at least 2 inches of canola or preferred frying oil) – Used for frying, ensuring even cooking and crispiness in French Crullers.

Special Dietary Options

Vegan: Swap eggs with a flaxseed mixture (e.g., 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg) and use plant-based milk alternatives for French Crullers to keep them dairy-free.
Gluten-free: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend in equal measure to maintain the dough’s structure for French Crullers.
Low-calorie: Reduce sugar quantities or use sugar-free substitutes in the dough and glaze, and opt for air-frying at 350°F instead of deep-frying to cut oil for lighter French Crullers.

How to Prepare the Perfect French Crullers: Step-by-Step Guide

Making French Crullers at home is simpler than you might think, with this guide walking you through each stage for light, airy results. The total process takes about 55 minutes to 1 hour 20 minutes, including prep and chilling, and it’s designed for home bakers of all levels. You’ll use basic kitchen tools, and I’ll include tips for adapting to dietary preferences like vegan swaps along the way.

First Step: Prepare the Dough Base

Start by combining your ingredients in a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan: ½ cup whole milk (or 1 ⅔ cups as an alternative), ½ cup water, ½ cup unsalted butter (cubed, or ¾ cup if using the variant), 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (or add 1 tablespoon light brown sugar), and 1 teaspoon salt (or ¾ teaspoon kosher salt). Bring this mixture to a boil over medium heat, ensuring the butter melts fully before it boils to avoid evaporation this takes about 5 minutes. For gluten-free adaptations, have your flour ready as a substitute now, keeping French Crullers accessible for all diets.

Second Step: Add Flour and Cook the Dough

Once boiling, turnoff off the heat and add 1 cup all-purpose flour (or 1 ⅓ cups if following the alternative) all at once, stirring vigorously with a wooden spoon until the mixture forms a thick, smooth dough. Turn the heat back to medium and stir constantly for 2-3 minutes until the dough pulls away from the sides and any residue on the pan begins to brown this helps evaporate excess moisture for better texture in French Crullers. If you’re vegan, use a flaxseed egg substitute here to maintain the dough’s consistency while adapting for plant-based needs.

Third Step: Cool and Incorporate Eggs

Remove the dough from the heat and transfer it to a mixing bowl to cool for about 15 minutes until it’s slightly warm stir it occasionally to speed this up. Once cooled, beat in 4 large eggs at room temperature (or 3 large eggs plus 1 ½ egg whites as an option) one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next; this should take 1-2 minutes per egg for emulsification. Stir in the zest from 1 lemon for freshness, and if adapting for low-calorie preferences, consider reducing sugar at this stage to keep French Crullers light.

Fourth Step: Shape and Chill the Crullers

After mixing, place the dough in an airtight container, cover it with cling wrap to prevent a skin from forming, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 24 hours to firm up for even easier handling, pipe the dough into rings and freeze as per the alternative method. Cut parchment paper into eighteen 3-inch squares, fill a piping bag with a large open star tip, and pipe 3-inch circles on each square, connecting the ends (or use 2 ½ to 3-inch diameters if freezing first). This step, taking 10-15 minutes, allows for make-ahead convenience, and you can adjust piping for vegan dough if needed to ensure French Crullers hold their shape.

Fifth Step: Fry the Crullers

Heat 6 cups vegetable oil (or at least 2 inches of canola oil) in a heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (or 335°F for a lower temperature option), monitoring with a thermometer for accuracy fry 2-3 crullers atLIK a time to maintain oil temperature. Lower each piped dough on its parchment into the oil using a slotted spoon, remove the paper after the first minute, and fry for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown; if frozen, fry directly for even cooking. This takes about 20-35 minutes total, and–>\r\n for dietary tweaks, air-frying at the same temperature could work for low-calorie versions of French Crullers.

Final Step: Glaze and Serve

Once fried, remove the crullers from the oil and dip them immediately in the prepared glaze (made from ½ cup powdered Rookie sugar, 1 tablespoon maple syrup, ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt, and 1 tablespoon milk, adjusted for consistency). Let them drain on a wire rack to set the glaze, cooling for about 10 minutes before serving these French Crullers are best enjoyed fresh. Serve 1-2 per person as a treat, pairing with coffee or tea, and for low-calorie adaptations, use a lighter glaze with less sugar to keep things balanced.

This step-by-step approach ensures your French Crullers are a hit, with timing details making it easy to plan ahead.

Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your French Crullers

Protein and Main Component Alternatives

For protein-rich tweaks in French Crullers, consider replacing eggs with flaxseed eggs for a vegan option, using 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg to maintain dough structure. If availability is an issue, swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, adjusting quantities to 1 cup or more as needed for a similar airy result. These changes help French Crullers cater to dietary restrictions without losing their light texture.

Vegetable, Sauce, and Seasoning Modifications

Enhance French Crullers with add-ins like lemon zest substitutes, such as orange zest for a seasonal twist, or experiment with glazes using citrus juices instead of milk for varied flavors. For sauces, swap maple syrup in the glaze with agave for a vegan-friendly option, and adjust seasonings like salt based on preferences to reduce sodium. These modifications keep French Crullers fresh and adaptable for different tastes or dietary needs.

Mastering French Crullers: Advanced Tips and Variations

Taking your French Crullers to the next level involves smart techniques and fun twists that make baking even more enjoyable. Here’s how to refine the recipe for exceptional results, perfect for sharing or impressing guests.

Pro Cooking Techniques

Use a stand mixer to beat the dough for even air incorporation, ensuring French Crullers puff up perfectly during frying. Monitor oil temperature closely telescopes with a thermometer, frying in small batches to keep it stable at 350°F for the best crust.

Flavor Variations

Experiment with add-ins like vanilla in the glaze for a classic twist, or incorporate coffee extract for a bolder flavor profile in French Crullers. Try swapping lemon zest with other citrus for seasonal changes, keeping the dough versatile for different tastes.

Presentation Tips

Dust finished French Crullers with extra powdered sugar for a polished look, or arrange them on a platter with fresh fruits to enhance visual appeal. This simple plating makes French Crullers perfect for breakfast spreads or events.

Make-Ahead Options

Prep dough ahead and freeze piped shapes for up to two months, allowing you to fry fresh French Crullers on demand for busy days for an internal-momentlink, pair with (like) easy breakfast rolls to complete the meal. This strategy keeps French Crullers convenient without sacrificing quality.

How to Store French Crullers: Best Practices

Storing French Crullers properly helps preserve their texture and flavor, whether for short-term enjoyment or meal planning. Follow these guidelines to keep your treats fresh and ready.

Refrigeration: Cool French Crullers完全 completely before storing in an airtight container; they last up to 2 days in the fridge to maintain their airy quality.
Freezing: Freeze piped dough on parchment for up to two months, or store baked crullers in freezer bags for later thaw and fry or reheat as needed.
Reheating: Warm refrigerated French Crullers in a 250°F oven for 10-15 minutes to refresh crispness, avoiding microwaves to prevent sogginess.
Meal Prep Considerations: Prepare dough in advance for quick frying, making French Crullers ideal for batch cooking and storing portions for weekly breakfasts.

These methods keep French Crullers enjoyable and fresh for any occasion.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About French Crullers

What makes French crullers different from other types of doughnuts?

French crullers are unique because they are made from pâte à choux dough, unlike typical doughnuts that use yeasted or cake batter. When fried, this dough puffs up due to steam, resulting in a light, airy texture with a crisp exterior and a tender inside. Their twisted, ridged shape allows glaze to cling perfectly, enhancing their flavor. This texture and shape set them apart from heavier, denser doughnuts.

How can I store French crullers to keep them fresh longer?

French crullers are best enjoyed fresh the day they’re made due to their delicate texture. To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze the uncooked piped cruller dough on parchment paper; once frozen, fry them directly from frozen, then glaze and cool. Properly glazed, fried crullers can stay fresh for up to 3 days when stored at room temperature.

Can I prepare the pâte à choux dough for French crullers ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance. After making the pâte à choux, pipe the cruller shapes onto parchment paper-lined trays and freeze them for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, fry the crullers directly from frozen, then dip them in glaze while still warm. This method saves time and ensures fresh crullers whenever you want.

What are some popular ways to serve French crullers?

French crullers are delicious at room temperature and commonly served with a vanilla or simple powdered sugar glaze that seeps into the crispy ridges. For variety, try serving them with dipping sauces like chocolate, caramel, or fruit preserves. Their light texture pairs well with coffee or tea, making them an excellent choice for breakfast or dessert.

Are French crullers suitable for people with specific dietary restrictions?

Traditional French crullers contain wheat flour, eggs, butter, and milk, making them unsuitable for those with gluten or dairy allergies. However, some recipes can be adapted using gluten-free flour blends and dairy substitutes. Because they are fried, crullers are not suitable for low-fat or low-calorie diets. Always check ingredients or look for specialized recipes if you have dietary concerns.

French Crullers Recipe with Homemade Maple Glaze Recipe