Baked French Cruller Donuts

 

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Baked French Cruller Donuts are the ideal combination of lightness and flavor. With a subtle sweetness and a texture that’s both airy and crisp, they’re perfect for those who love the elegance of French pastries but want to skip the frying. The rich glaze adds a smooth finish, while the simple choux pastry dough makes these donuts surprisingly easy to make. Plus, since they’re baked, you don’t have to worry about the mess and calories of frying. Whether you’re hosting a special brunch or simply treating yourself, these crullers will add sophistication and flavor to any occasion.

Ingredients

For the Crullers:

• 1 cup water
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 large eggs
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2–3 tablespoons milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Optional: honey or lemon zest for added flavor

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease it.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine water, butter, sugar, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
3. Once boiling, remove from heat and stir in the flour all at once. Return to heat and stir vigorously until the mixture forms a ball and pulls away from the sides, about 1–2 minutes.
4. Transfer the dough to a mixing bowl and allow to cool for a few minutes.
5. Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.
6. Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip. Pipe rings onto the prepared baking sheet.
7. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden and puffed. Turn off the oven and let the crullers sit for 5 more minutes.
8. Remove from the oven and cool on a wire rack.
9. In a small bowl, mix the glaze ingredients until smooth. Dip the tops of the cooled crullers into the glaze and let it set before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 10 crullers

Variations

• Flavored Glaze: Add a little lemon zest, orange zest, or cinnamon to the glaze for a twist on the classic flavor.
• Chocolate Glaze: For a richer topping, melt some dark chocolate with a bit of cream and use it as a glaze instead of the powdered sugar version.
• Filled Crullers: After baking, you can pipe whipped cream, pastry cream, or even fruit jam inside the crullers for a more indulgent treat.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover crullers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: If you’d like to reheat them, simply place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I freeze baked crullers?

Yes! To freeze, let the crullers cool completely, then store them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven before serving.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

You can prepare the dough ahead of time, but it’s best to pipe and bake the crullers the same day for optimal texture.

Can I make these crullers without a piping bag?

If you don’t have a piping bag, you can use a plastic sandwich bag with the corner cut off. Just make sure the hole is large enough to pipe the dough into a ring shape.

How can I ensure the crullers puff up properly?

Make sure the dough is mixed well and that the eggs are added one at a time. Also, don’t skip the resting time in the oven after baking to prevent them from collapsing.

What should I do if my crullers come out flat?

If your crullers didn’t puff up, it could be because the dough was too wet or the oven wasn’t hot enough. Ensure that the oven is fully preheated and the dough is the correct consistency.

Can I make the glaze without milk?

Yes, you can substitute milk with water or lemon juice for a different flavor and consistency. Water will give a thinner glaze, while lemon juice will add a tangy taste.

How do I store leftover glaze?

Store leftover glaze in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat or thin it with a bit of milk or water before using it again.

What if I don’t have all-purpose flour?

If you don’t have all-purpose flour, you can try using cake flour, though the texture might be slightly lighter. All-purpose flour is ideal for this recipe.

Can I use a different flavor for the glaze?

Absolutely! You can infuse the glaze with flavors like chocolate, almond, or hazelnut to complement the delicate taste of the crullers.

Can I make these crullers gluten-free?

Yes, you can try using a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version of these crullers.

Conclusion

Baked French Cruller Donuts are a sophisticated yet simple treat that brings a little Parisian charm to your kitchen. Light, airy, and delicately crisp, these donuts are perfect for breakfast, dessert, or any special occasion. With their beautiful shape, golden color, and sweet glaze, these crullers are sure to impress anyone who tries them. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or simply indulging in something sweet, these baked crullers offer the perfect balance of elegance and flavor. Enjoy every bite!

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