Name: French Cruller Doughnuts with Sweet Glaze Recipe
Prep time: 1 h 45 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 2 h
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 120 ml full fat milk; 120 ml water; 115 g unsalted butter; 1 tablespoon caster sugar; ½ teaspoon salt; 160 g strong white bread flour or plain flour; 3 large eggs; 1 large egg white; 1 tablespoon grated lemon or orange zest (optional); 1 l vegetable oil for frying; 180 g icing sugar; 2-3 tablespoons milk; 2 teaspoon vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 15 reviews

If you have a sweet tooth and adore bakery-style treats, you’re going to fall head over heels for this French Cruller Doughnuts with Sweet Glaze Recipe. These delightful doughnuts are irresistibly light and airy thanks to their choux pastry base, which puffs up to create a delicately crisp exterior with a soft, cloud-like interior. Topped with a luscious sweet glaze that perfectly balances sweetness and zing, these crullers elevate the humble doughnut to a bakery masterpiece that’s surprisingly doable in your own kitchen. Trust me, once you try making and tasting these, they’ll quickly become your go-to treat for any occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows an arrangement of baking ingredients on a white marbled surface. There is a large white bowl filled with white flour at the top left. To the right of it, a small white bowl contains a little bit of salt. At the center, a white scalloped dish holds a stick of butter cut into five pieces stacked side by side. Above the butter, a white ceramic jug filled with milk sits with a handle on the right. Next to the jug is a small white dish with more salt. At the bottom left, four brown eggs are grouped together. Lastly, a whole bright yellow lemon is placed near the bottom right corner. The photo was taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Crafting these French cruller doughnuts is all about using simple, quality ingredients that work harmoniously to create the perfect texture and flavor. Each component has a special role, from the richness of the butter to the subtle zest that brings an extra layer of brightness.

120 ml full fat milk: Adds creaminess to the dough for a tender crumb.
120 ml water: Helps create the ideal dough consistency for choux pastry.
115 g unsalted butter: Provides richness and flavor while helping achieve a flaky crust.
1 tablespoon caster sugar: A touch of sweetness enhancing the dough’s flavor.
½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances overall taste.
160 g strong white bread flour or plain flour: The base for structure and chewiness in the doughnuts.
3 large eggs: Essential for creating that airy, puffy texture unique to crullers.
1 large egg white: Helps in achieving the perfect lightness in the dough.
1 tablespoon grated lemon or orange zest (optional): Adds a fresh citrus aroma for a flavor pop.
1 liter vegetable oil for frying: Provides the perfect frying medium for a crisp, golden crust.
For the glaze:
180 g icing sugar: Sweetens and thickens the glaze perfectly.
2-3 tablespoons milk: Adjusts the glaze consistency for easy dipping.
2 teaspoons vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste (optional): Adds a rich, warm vanilla flavor to the glaze.

How to Make French Cruller Doughnuts with Sweet Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Choux Pastry Dough

Begin by combining the milk, water, butter, sugar, and salt in a medium saucepan. Heat it gently until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves, then bring it to a gentle boil before removing from the heat. Immediately stir in all the flour vigorously until the dough forms a thick, smooth ball and pulls away from the pan. This ensures your dough has exactly the right texture to puff up beautifully when fried.

Step 2: Cook the Dough Gently

Place the saucepan back on medium heat and stir continuously for 2-3 minutes. You’ll notice a shiny, thick film forming at the bottom—this step ensures excess moisture evaporates, which helps your doughnuts keep their shape.

Step 3: Cool the Dough

Transfer the thick dough to a mixing bowl and spread it thinly to allow it to cool to room temperature for about 15 minutes. This cooling step is crucial to avoid scrambling the eggs added next, while also improving texture.

Step 4: Incorporate Eggs for Puffiness

Using a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat in two beaten eggs at medium speed until fully absorbed, scraping down the sides as needed. Add the third egg, then the egg white and lemon or orange zest if using, each time mixing thoroughly. This gradual incorporation builds the structure boasted by French crullers.

Step 5: Pipe the Doughnuts

Transfer the finished dough to a large piping bag fitted with a big open star tip. Pipe even circles onto parchment paper squares, using a 7cm diameter guide turned face down beneath the parchment. The star tip creates those signature ridges that give crullers their unique texture and look.

Step 6: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat vegetable oil to 180°C in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pan. Carefully lower the doughnut rings, parchment and all, into the oil. The paper will naturally lift off after a moment; remove it gently with tongs. Fry 2-3 at a time for 2-3 minutes on each side until that breathtaking golden brown forms.

Step 7: Glaze Your Doughnuts

While the crullers cool, mix icing sugar, milk, and vanilla in a bowl to create a smooth glaze. Dip the tops of your doughnuts in the glaze and let them set for a glossy, irresistibly sweet coating.

How to Serve French Cruller Doughnuts with Sweet Glaze Recipe

The image shows several light yellow ring-shaped dough pieces with ridged textures, each placed on small squares of white parchment paper. Each dough ring has a smooth, swirled pattern with defined grooves running along the circle, giving it a thick, soft look. The rings are arranged on a white marbled surface, spaced evenly apart. The dough has a matte finish with a slight sheen suggesting its fresh, uncooked state. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

These doughnuts are stunning on their own, but you can elevate their appearance by sprinkling dried edible flowers, a dusting of powdered sugar, or even a delicate drizzle of melted chocolate. Fresh citrus zest on top complements the glaze beautifully and adds a pop of color.

Side Dishes

Serve your French crullers with freshly brewed coffee, a bright cup of hot tea, or even a luscious vanilla bean latte. On brunch occasions, pair with fresh fruit salad to balance the sweetness with vibrant freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking these doughnuts on a rustic wooden board for a casual gathering, or neatly arrange them on a tiered cake stand for an elegant touch. Filling the center space of each cruller with whipped cream or custard before glazing is a surprising twist that guests will adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any doughnuts left (which is rare), store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’re best enjoyed fresh but will stay tasty for up to 24 hours without losing too much of their magic.

Freezing

You can freeze fried doughnuts once cooled. Lay them flat in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature and refresh briefly in a warm oven for that freshly-made feel.

Reheating

To bring back their delicate crunch, reheat doughnuts in a preheated oven at 160°C for about 5 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them soggy.

FAQs

What makes French cruller doughnuts different from regular doughnuts?

French cruller doughnuts are made from choux pastry, which puff up light and airy when fried, unlike traditional yeast or cake doughnuts that tend to be denser. This gives crullers their trademark hollow and crisp texture.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it in the piping bag for up to 24 hours before frying. Just let it come to room temperature before piping for best results.

Is there a gluten-free alternative for this recipe?

Traditional crullers rely on gluten for their structure, so substituting with gluten-free flour is tricky and may not produce the same puffed texture. For a gluten-free option, consider recipes specifically designed for choux pastry.

How important is the oil temperature during frying?

It’s vital to maintain oil at 180°C. Too hot, and the doughnuts burn on the outside without cooking inside; too cool, and they absorb oil and become greasy. A cooking thermometer is the best way to ensure this.

Can I flavor the glaze differently?

Absolutely! You can add citrus extracts, almond extract, or even a splash of coffee to the glaze for creative variations. Just adjust the liquid proportion to keep the right consistency.

Final Thoughts

Making French Cruller Doughnuts with Sweet Glaze Recipe at home is such a rewarding and delicious experience. These doughnuts bring a little bakery magic to your kitchen with their light, airy texture and ultra-sweet glaze that’s impossible to resist. Whether for a special occasion or a luxurious weekend treat, dive into this recipe and discover your new favorite doughnut to share with friends and family. Happy cooking and even happier eating!