When I think of Dunkin’ Donuts’ French cruller, I envision a delightful pairing that enhances its sweet, airy charm. The lightness of this pastry screams for a warm beverage on the side.
I’ve found that a rich cup of coffee—especially a medium-roast—balances out the sweetness perfectly. Also, a refreshing iced tea, particularly a citrus-infused variety, can be a jazzy counterpart, cutting through the richness with its zesty notes.
Now, let’s dive into the heart of this culinary delight!
For many of us, the morning ritual begins with coffee and a donut. Among the various flavors and textures found in donut shops, the French cruller stands out as a masterpiece of pastry. It’s light, airy, and has that unique twist that makes it simply irresistible.
While I could wax poetic about this delightful treat, my goal is to share a detailed look into what makes it so special, how to recreate it at home, and why it deserves a staple spot at your breakfast table.
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What is Dunkin’ Donuts French Cruller?
The French cruller, often adored at Dunkin’ Donuts, is a unique type of donut made from a choux pastry. This is not your everyday donut. You may recognize it by its twisted shape that has a unique texture—light and airy, almost ethereal.
It’s made using a batter called pâte à choux, which is puffed up by steam during frying. Simply put, it has a charm that’s hard to replicate.
While Dunkin’ Donuts has popularized this treat, it originates from French cuisine. The use of egg-based batter gives it a delicate crumb. When you take that first bite, it melts in your mouth—a signature quality that makes it a fan favorite.
What is the Flavor Profile of This Dish?
If you’re wondering what the French cruller tastes like, prepare yourself for a delightful experience. The exterior is lightly crisp, thanks to the frying process, while the interior offers a texture that is almost fluffy.
Sweetness comes from the glaze that typically tops it, often enhanced by gentle hints of vanilla. The subtle cinnamon adds warmth without overpowering the other flavors, creating a perfect balance.
Why You’ll Love This?
I can’t stress enough how much you’ll enjoy making this treat at home. With its unique combination of textures and flavors, the French cruller is a showstopper.
Plus, it’s not just about the taste—there’s a certain joy in watching the batter puff up as it fries. Each bite offers satisfaction, alongside that childhood nostalgia of visiting a donut shop.
Whether it’s a breakfast treat or an afternoon snack, the French cruller fits all occasions.
Ingredients
Before we get started, gather these ingredients to create your very own Dunkin’ Donuts French Cruller at home:
Dough & Frying:
- 1 cup filtered water
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 teaspoons superfine cane sugar
- ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 cup sifted all-purpose flour
- 3 large eggs
- 2 egg whites, lightly beaten
- Vegetable oil, for deep frying
- ½-inch star pastry tip attachment
Honey Glaze:
- 1½ cups powdered confectioners’ sugar
- 1 tablespoon pure honey
- 3 to 4 tablespoons milk or water (adjust for desired consistency)
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon (for a touch of warmth)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (to enrich flavor)
Step by Step Instructions
Let’s roll up our sleeves and get to the fun part—making the crullers!
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Begin by combining the water, butter, sugar, and salt in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring it to a boil so that the butter melts completely. Add the sifted flour at once, stirring vigorously with a wooden spoon until a ball forms. It should look smooth and pull away from the sides of the pan. This process activates the gluten, giving the cruller structure.
Step 2: Mix in the Eggs
Remove your saucepan from the heat and let the dough cool for a couple of minutes. Now, it’s time to mix in the eggs. You want to add them one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Once they’re all in, the dough will become glossy and smooth.
Step 3: Prepare for Frying
Transfer your batter into a piping bag fitted with the star tip. I like to keep things organized by placing the piping bag in a tall glass while filling it. This way, I avoid messes.
Step 4: Heat the Oil
In a heavy-duty pot or deep fryer, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F. To test if the oil is ready, drop a small piece of dough in—if it sizzles and rises, you’re good to go.
Step 5: Pipe and Fry
Pipe about a 5-inch spiral directly into the hot oil. Fry the crullers until they turn golden brown on one side, about 2-3 minutes. Flip them carefully and fry the other side until golden. Keep an eye on the temperature; adjust as needed. You want them cooked through but not burnt.
Step 6: Drain and Cool
Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to remove the crullers from the oil. Place them on a paper towel to drain excess oil. Let them cool slightly.
Step 7: Glaze the Cruller
While the crullers cool, whisk together your glaze ingredients until smooth. Dip the tops of your crullers in the glaze, allowing the excess to drip off. This adds that sweet finishing touch.
Tips & Tricks
To ensure your crullers come out perfect, here are some tips from my own experience:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh eggs and butter enhance the flavor.
- Control the Oil Temperature: Too hot and the crullers burn; too cold and they absorb oil.
- Don’t Overmix: When folding in the eggs, mix until just combined to maintain that fluffy texture.
- Experiment with Glaze Flavors: Adding citrus zest or flavored extracts can give a new twist.
- Pipe Evenly: Practice your piping to achieve uniform shapes for even frying.
Nutrition Information
While enjoying a French cruller is delightful, it’s helpful to know a little about the nutrition. Here’s a rough estimate of one cruller (without glaze):
- Calories: Approximately 150
- Total Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 2g
Of course, calorie counts can vary based on portion size and ingredients used.
How Can You Store This Dunkin’ Donuts French Cruller?
If you manage to have leftover crullers—an unlikely scenario!—you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Avoid refrigeration; it may cause them to become tough.
For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a bag once frozen solid. You can reheat them in a warm oven when you’re ready to enjoy.
Alternative Choices for Ingredients
Sometimes, you might find yourself missing an ingredient. Here are some alternatives to consider:
- Butter Substitute: If you’re out of butter, use margarine or coconut oil. Each lends a slightly different flavor, but both will work well in a pinch.
- All-Purpose Flour: For a gluten-free option, try almond flour or rice flour. The texture might differ, but it will still yield a delicious treat.
- Egg Replacer: If avoiding eggs, consider flax eggs. Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water for each egg, letting it sit to thicken.
Dunkin Donuts French Cruller Recipe
Equipment
- Saucepan
Ingredients
Dough & Frying
- 1 cup filtered water
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 teaspoons superfine cane sugar
- ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 cup sifted all-purpose flour
- 3 large eggs
- 2 egg whites lightly beaten
- Vegetable oil for deep frying
- ½- inch star pastry tip attachment
Honey Glaze
- 1½ cups powdered confectioners’ sugar
- 1 tablespoon pure honey
- 3 to 4 tablespoons milk or water adjust for desired consistency
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- Begin by combining the water, butter, sugar, and salt in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring it to a boil so that the butter melts completely. Add the sifted flour at once, stirring vigorously with a wooden spoon until a ball forms. It should look smooth and pull away from the sides of the pan. This process activates the gluten, giving the cruller structure.
Step 2: Mix in the Eggs
- Remove your saucepan from the heat and let the dough cool for a couple of minutes. Now, it’s time to mix in the eggs. You want to add them one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Once they’re all in, the dough will become glossy and smooth.
Step 3: Prepare for Frying
- Transfer your batter into a piping bag fitted with the star tip. I like to keep things organized by placing the piping bag in a tall glass while filling it. This way, I avoid messes.
Step 4: Heat the Oil
- In a heavy-duty pot or deep fryer, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F. To test if the oil is ready, drop a small piece of dough in—if it sizzles and rises, you’re good to go.
Step 5: Pipe and Fry
- Pipe about a 5-inch spiral directly into the hot oil. Fry the crullers until they turn golden brown on one side, about 2-3 minutes. Flip them carefully and fry the other side until golden. Keep an eye on the temperature; adjust as needed. You want them cooked through but not burnt.
Step 6: Drain and Cool
- Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to remove the crullers from the oil. Place them on a paper towel to drain excess oil. Let them cool slightly.
Step 7: Glaze the Cruller
- While the crullers cool, whisk together your glaze ingredients until smooth. Dip the tops of your crullers in the glaze, allowing the excess to drip off. This adds that sweet finishing touch.
Notes
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh eggs and butter enhance the flavor.
- Control the Oil Temperature: Too hot and the crullers burn; too cold and they absorb oil.
- Don’t Overmix: When folding in the eggs, mix until just combined to maintain that fluffy texture.
- Experiment with Glaze Flavors: Adding citrus zest or flavored extracts can give a new twist.
- Pipe Evenly: Practice your piping to achieve uniform shapes for even frying.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make these crullers vegan?
Yes, you can, using a combination of flax eggs as mentioned earlier, along with dairy-free butter. Just ensure your glaze is also plant-based.
2. What’s the best way to reheat crullers?
To reheat crullers, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes to maintain their texture and warmth.
3. Can I add fillings to the cruller?
Sure thing! You can inject fillings like pastry cream or custard after frying. Just ensure you pipe them carefully.
4. What’s the difference between a cruller and a regular donut?
A cruller is made from choux pastry, which makes it lighter and airier. Traditional donuts often use yeast, giving them a different texture.
5. How can I make the glaze thicker?
For a thicker glaze, simply add more powdered sugar until you achieve your desired consistency. This will give your cruller a nice, decadent layer.
Conclusion
Creating Dunkin’ Donuts French crullers at home has been a rewarding experience that I wholeheartedly recommend. These lovely treats embody a balance of lightness and sweetness that’s hard to resist.
With a cup of coffee in one hand and a cruller in the other, I feel like I’ve mastered the art of breakfast bliss.
Whether you enjoy them fresh, serve them at a gathering, or save them for a rainy day, don’t forget to pass on this joy by sharing them with friends and family. Happy frying!
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Hi! I'm Mary Lee. I love helping people eat yummy and healthy food. I live in Oregon. Cooking is my happy place. Let's make tasty dishes together!
