There’s something irresistible about a Krispy Kreme cruller. Its light, airy texture, subtle sweetness, and crisp edges create a unique pastry experience that’s hard to forget. While Krispy Kreme is widely known for its classic glazed doughnuts, the cruller has built a quiet but loyal following of fans who appreciate its distinctive flavor and shape. If you’ve ever wondered how to recreate this treat at home, you’re in luck. With the right ingredients, tools, and techniques, you can prepare a delicious Krispy Kreme-style cruller that captures the essence of the original.
Understanding the Cruller
What Is a Cruller?
A cruller is a type of doughnut made with pâte à choux dough, the same kind used for cream puffs and éclairs. Unlike yeast-raised or cake doughnuts, crullers are typically piped into twisted or ring shapes and deep-fried until golden brown. The result is a pastry with a slightly crispy exterior and a soft, airy interior. Krispy Kreme’s version often features a delicate glaze that adds a layer of sweetness to the cruller’s light texture.
The Krispy Kreme Difference
Krispy Kreme crullers stand out for their delicate structure and subtle vanilla flavor. They are not overly sweet or greasy, which makes them easy to enjoy with coffee or as a light dessert. Achieving the same airy bite and balanced taste at home requires attention to the dough consistency, frying temperature, and glaze texture.
Ingredients for Homemade Krispy Kreme Cruller
Basic Choux Pastry
To begin making a Krispy Kreme-style cruller, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Glaze Ingredients
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 23 tablespoons milk
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Make Krispy Kreme Cruller
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a medium saucepan, combine the water, butter, sugar, and salt. Heat the mixture over medium heat until the butter is fully melted and the mixture begins to boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and add the flour all at once. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the dough pulls away from the sides of the pan and forms a smooth ball. This should take about 12 minutes.
Step 2: Cool and Add Eggs
Remove the pan from heat and allow the dough to cool for 510 minutes. You don’t want the eggs to cook when added. Once the dough is slightly cooled, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. The dough may look like it’s separating at first, but continue mixing until it becomes smooth and glossy. Stir in the vanilla extract at the end.
Step 3: Pipe the Crullers
Transfer the choux dough into a piping bag fitted with a large star tip. Pipe 34 inch rings onto individual squares of parchment paper. This helps maintain the shape of the crullers when frying. Be sure to leave enough space between each ring so they don’t stick together in the fryer.
Step 4: Fry the Crullers
Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C). Carefully place each cruller into the hot oil by flipping it off the parchment paper. Fry 23 crullers at a time, depending on the size of your pot. Cook each side for about 23 minutes or until golden brown. Remove and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 5: Glaze the Crullers
While the crullers are cooling slightly, prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Dip each warm cruller into the glaze, letting the excess drip off. Place on a wire rack to set. The glaze should harden slightly as it cools.
Tips for Perfect Crullers
- Temperature Control: Maintain oil temperature around 350°F. Too hot and the crullers will burn outside before cooking through. Too cool and they’ll absorb oil and become greasy.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Fry in small batches to avoid lowering oil temperature and ensure even cooking.
- Egg Consistency: The number of eggs needed may vary slightly. The dough should be thick but pipeable not runny or too stiff.
- Use Parchment Squares: Piping onto parchment makes it easy to transfer crullers into hot oil without losing their shape.
Storing and Serving
Best Served Fresh
Homemade crullers are best enjoyed warm, shortly after they are glazed. The texture is light and the flavor is fresh. However, if you need to store them, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat briefly in the oven to restore some crispness.
Pairing Ideas
Krispy Kreme-style crullers pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of cold milk. They also make a delightful addition to a weekend brunch or special breakfast spread.
Variations and Customization
Flavored Glazes
To change things up, you can try adding flavors to the glaze such as lemon zest, maple extract, or even a hint of cinnamon. Chocolate glaze also works beautifully if you prefer a richer treat.
Filled Crullers
Though traditionally not filled, some bakers experiment with injecting pastry cream or fruit preserves into their crullers for a unique twist. Make sure the cruller is completely cooled and crisp before filling to avoid sogginess.
Why This Recipe Works
Unlike dense cake doughnuts or overly airy pastries, this Krispy Kreme-style cruller recipe strikes the perfect balance of crispness and softness. The pâte à choux base provides the structure needed to hold the glaze while remaining light inside. The glaze complements the dough without overwhelming it, creating a delicious harmony in every bite. Whether you’re a seasoned home baker or just starting out, this cruller recipe offers a rewarding and fun experience that ends with a bakery-worthy result.
Mastering the Krispy Kreme cruller recipe at home allows you to recreate a beloved treat without having to visit the store. With the right technique and ingredients, you’ll be able to enjoy freshly made crullers that rival anything from a professional bakery. Their airy texture, subtle sweetness, and satisfying crunch make them a standout pastry for any occasion. Whether for breakfast, dessert, or a midday indulgence, these homemade crullers will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.