Crullers are a type of donut with a distinctive shape, texture, and history that sets them apart from the more common cake or yeast donuts found in bakeries today. With their ridged, twisted forms and airy interiors, crullers offer a unique eating experience that combines a crisp exterior with a light and tender center. These donuts are often enjoyed glazed or dusted with powdered sugar, and they have long held a place in traditional American and European baking. Whether served at breakfast or with afternoon coffee, crullers remain a favorite for donut lovers looking for something beyond the ordinary.
What Exactly Is a Cruller?
A Distinctive Donut Style
A cruller is a type of donut known for its twisted or ridged appearance. There are actually two main types of crullers, and the term can refer to slightly different pastries depending on where you are. In the United States, a cruller typically refers to a French-style pastry made from choux dough, which is the same dough used for éclairs and cream puffs. This dough is piped into a ring shape with a star-shaped nozzle, then deep-fried until golden and light.
Cruller vs. Other Donuts
Unlike traditional cake or yeast-raised donuts, crullers are not as dense or chewy. The choux pastry creates a hollow interior with a delicate crispness on the outside. This gives crullers a texture that is airy and almost melt-in-your-mouth. They are usually glazed with a thin sugar coating or sometimes chocolate, and rarely filled. The lightness of the pastry makes them feel less heavy than other fried sweets, though they are still rich and satisfying.
Types of Crullers
French Cruller
The most common type of cruller found in donut shops today is the French cruller. Made from pâte à choux dough, this version is airy and light with a beautiful ridged shape that comes from piping the dough through a fluted tip. These crullers puff up as they fry, resulting in a tender, eggy interior and slightly crisp crust. French crullers are often dipped in a thin sugar glaze that seeps into the ridges, giving them a glossy, sweet finish.
Traditional Cruller
Before the French-style version gained popularity, crullers were more commonly twisted lengths of dough made with a more cake-like batter. These twisted crullers are still found in some bakeries, especially in older or more traditional ones. They are typically heavier than French crullers and have a chewy, slightly crunchy texture. This version may be fried as a long twist rather than a ring and may or may not be glazed.
Regional Variations
Different regions have their own versions of crullers. For example:
- Dutch Crullers: Known as kruller in Dutch, these resemble twisted fried pastries and are often flavored with nutmeg or cinnamon.
- German Crullers: Known as Spritzkuchen, these are made from choux dough and shaped into rings before frying.
- New England Crullers: These resemble cake donuts, often cut in a twist and fried with a crispy edge.
Ingredients and Preparation
French Cruller Dough
French crullers use pâte à choux, a classic French pastry dough made by cooking flour, butter, and water on the stove before adding eggs. This mixture creates a sticky, stretchy dough that puffs up dramatically when cooked.
Common ingredients include:
- Water or milk
- Unsalted butter
- All-purpose flour
- Eggs
- Salt and sugar (optional)
Once the dough is made, it’s piped into circular shapes onto parchment paper or directly into hot oil using a pastry bag fitted with a star tip. After frying, the donuts are allowed to cool slightly before being dipped in a glaze.
Twisted Cruller Dough
The cake-style twisted crullers are typically made from a richer batter that includes baking powder or baking soda for leavening. These are rolled out, twisted by hand, and deep-fried until golden brown. They may be coated in sugar or glaze, depending on preference.
Taste and Texture
Light and Eggy
French crullers are praised for their lightness and subtly sweet, eggy flavor. Because of the high moisture content of the choux pastry, they have a delicate texture that contrasts with the slight crunch of the outer crust. When freshly glazed, they offer a satisfying bite that isn’t overly sugary but still indulgent.
Chewy and Crisp
Twisted or cake-style crullers have a different experience. Their texture is more substantial, often chewy with a crispy edge. The flavor is richer, sometimes spiced with cinnamon or nutmeg, and the dough can resemble that of a classic cake donut but with a twist literally.
How to Enjoy Crullers
Serving Suggestions
Crullers are usually served as a breakfast treat or snack, often accompanied by coffee or tea. They can also be part of a brunch spread, particularly when paired with fresh fruit, yogurt, or other pastries.
Storage Tips
Due to their light texture, French crullers are best enjoyed the same day they are made. They tend to lose their crispness quickly and can become soggy if left out for too long. If you need to store them, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature and reheat gently in the oven to restore some of the original texture.
Where to Find Crullers
Bakery Availability
French crullers are a popular item in many donut chains and independent bakeries, especially in North America. They are typically sold glazed, although some bakeries may offer flavored varieties like vanilla, maple, or chocolate. Twisted crullers are more rare but still found in traditional or regional bakeries that stick to classic recipes.
Homemade Crullers
For those who enjoy baking at home, crullers can be made with a bit of patience and practice. The dough for French crullers is not difficult to make, but piping and frying it takes some technique. Homemade crullers are a rewarding project for anyone who wants to explore the art of pastry in a fun and delicious way.
Crullers in Popular Culture
Crullers have been mentioned in literature and popular media as a symbol of comfort and indulgence. They often appear in American diners and coffee shops, becoming part of the everyday ritual for many. Their nostalgic quality and connection to tradition have helped them maintain popularity despite the rise of modern donut trends.
A cruller is more than just a donut it’s a distinct style of pastry with a rich heritage and unique texture. Whether you prefer the light and airy French cruller or the dense and chewy twisted variety, there’s something special about this classic treat. With its ridged shape, tender bite, and sweet glaze, the cruller offers a delicious alternative to ordinary donuts. Its versatility and old-world charm ensure that it will continue to be loved by pastry fans around the world. Whether bought at a local bakery or made at home, the cruller remains a delicious reminder of traditional baking done right.