Crullers recipe, also known as “nests” or “Viennese donuts” are delicate and fluffy pastries made from choux pastry. Choux pastry is created by cooking flour in boiling water and fat. The mixture is then cooked for a few minutes, cooled, and enriched with eggs.

Most of us have likely encountered or tasted choux pastry at least once in our lives, as it serves as the foundation for cream puffs, Carpathian cake, and éclairs. In today’s recipe, choux pastry forms the base of our nests as well. These donuts are deep-fried until golden and, once cooled, adorned with a delightful lemon icing.

Spanish Donuts

I have developed an irresistible craving for crullers, and I find myself yearning to indulge in them every single day. Their light and fluffy texture, combined with the delightful sweetness, has captured my taste buds like no other treat before.

The mere thought of savoring these delectable donuts as a daily ritual brings a smile to my face. I envision waking up to a plate of freshly made crullers recipe, their golden exteriors glistening with a dusting of powdered sugar. As I take a bite, the delicate pastry yields, revealing a melt-in-your-mouth sensation that is simply heavenly.

I can imagine myself sitting by a sunlit window, with a warm cup of coffee in hand, relishing each bite of these delightful pastries. The aroma of the donuts, coupled with the rich scent of freshly brewed coffee, creates a sensory symphony that elevates my morning routine to a whole new level of bliss.

But putting aside my dreams – I highly recommend trying out the following crullers recipe – a delightful indulgence that brings happiness and contentment. From the first bite to the last, I am transported to a world of culinary delight, where every day is a celebration of these irresistible treats.

Ingredients:

  • 1 ⅔ cups (200g) all-purpose flour
  • 7 tablespoons (100g) butter
  • 1 cup (250ml) water
  • 4 eggs
  • A pinch of salt
  • Vegetable oil for frying

For the icing:

  • 1 ⅔ cups (200g) icing sugar
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2-3 tablespoons hot water

The way to make Crullers Recipe

  1. In a saucepan, bring a cup of water to a boil with butter and a pinch of salt. Reduce the heat and quickly add the sifted flour while vigorously stirring. Continue to stir until the dough develops and begins to pull away from the pan’s sides.. Allow it to cool.
  2. Transfer the dough to a mixer bowl and beat in the eggs one at a time. Fill a piping bag halfway with the mixture.
  3. Cut squares of parchment paper with sides of approximately 10 cm and grease them with oil.
  4. Pipe rings of dough with a diameter of 6-7 cm onto each square Alternatively, you can first pipe the dough onto the paper and then cut them out – whatever you will feel more comfortable with.
  5. Heat the vegetable oil in a wide pot. Place the donuts in batches (paper-side up, removing the paper after 1 minute – it should come off easily). Fry for 4-5 minutes on each side, ensuring the oil is at a temperature of around 350°F (180°C). Remove and drain on paper towels.

Making icing:

  1. Mix powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons of boiling water and lemon juice. Decorate the nests with icing.

Note: The dough can also be baked; it is a boiled dough, and we bake it like cream puffs.

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How long we should fry Crullers?

Crullers should be fried for approximately 4-5 minutes on each side.

The frying time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the donuts, as well as the temperature of the oil as in the recipe. It’s important to ensure that the oil is heated to around 180°C (350°F) before frying the donuts. This will help achieve a golden and crispy exterior while ensuring that the donuts are cooked through. Keep an eye on the donuts as they fry, adjusting the heat if necessary to maintain a consistent temperature. After frying, allow the donuts to drain on paper towels to remove excess oil before enjoying their delightful flavors.

Can we bake crullers?

Yes, crullers can be baked instead of fried. While traditionally they are deep-fried, baking is a healthier alternative that still yields delicious results. Here’s a general guideline for baking nests:

  1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
  2. Prepare the dough for crullers as instructed in your recipe, which typically involves combining flour, butter, water, and eggs. You also can add some flavorings such as vanilla and rum.
  3. To prevent sticking, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or gently oil it.
  4. Using a piping bag or spoon, pipe or shape the donuts onto the prepared baking sheet. Keep in mind that they should have a round shape with a hole in the center, similar to traditional donuts. This process is the same as in the recipe the only difference is that you don’t have to cuts the paper into smaller pieces.
  5. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the donuts for approximately 15-20 minutes or until they turn golden brown and are cooked through. The exact baking time may vary depending on the size of the donuts, so keep a close eye on them to prevent overbaking.
  6. Once baked, remove the donuts from the oven and allow them to cool on a wire rack.

Baking crullers is a healthier alternative that can still result in a delicious treat. However, it’s important to note that the texture and taste may be slightly different from their fried counterparts.

Is there any other way of serving crullers?

Yes, there are various ways to serve crullers aside from traditional methods. If desired, you can brush the baked donuts with melted butter and sprinkle them with powdered sugar or cinnamon for added flavor and decoration. Here are a few other alternative serving ideas:

  1. Filled Donuts: Instead of serving nests plain, you can inject them with your favorite fillings. Use a pastry bag or syringe to inject jam, custard, chocolate ganache, or any other desired filling into the center of the cooled donuts. This adds an extra layer of flavor and a delightful surprise when bitten into.
  2. Toppings and Garnishes: Get creative with toppings and garnishes to enhance the visual appeal and taste. Sprinkle toasted nuts, shredded coconut, or colorful sprinkles over the glaze or powdered sugar.
  3. Dipping Sauces: Serve the crullers recipe with an assortment of dipping sauces for a fun and interactive experience. Offer options like melted chocolate, caramel sauce, fruit coulis, or sweetened condensed milk. Guests can dip their donuts into the sauces, creating a personalized flavor combination.

Remember, the serving options are limited only by your imagination. Feel free to experiment with different toppings, fillings, and accompaniments to create a unique and enjoyable crullers experience.

Oil or lard – what to use for frying?

In our recipe, we are using oil, but you can equally use lard. Personally, I prefer lard as it doesn’t have a tendency of burning as much as oil. But at the same time, I know not everyone like the smell and slight aftertaste of lard. So pick what is more suitable for you.

Also, the good old method suggests that to check if the fat is at the right temperature you can insert a wooden handle from a spoon into the hot fat. If it bubbles, then you can start frying the donuts.