As I stood in my kitchen one sunny afternoon, the sweet aroma of vibrant strawberries filled the air, beckoning me to create something special. Enter the Strawberry Glazed French Crullers—a delightful blend of light and airy choux pastry kissed by a golden fry, then crowned with a luscious homemade strawberry glaze. These treats offer not just a scrumptious bite, but they’re also a quick and impressive treat to whip up for breakfast or brunch. The best part? They’re a crowd-pleaser that brings joy to any table, whether it’s a casual family gathering or a cozy get-together with friends. Have you ever wondered how to elevate your mornings with a little sweet indulgence? Let’s dive into the delicious world of crullers!

Why Are These Crullers So Irresistible?

Light, Airy Texture: Each bite of these crullers offers a delightful contrast between the crispy exterior and fluffy interior, making them a true indulgence.
Sweet Strawberry Bliss: The homemade strawberry glaze adds a fresh and fruity flavor that elevates the entire pastry experience.
Quick to Make: With straightforward steps, you can whip up these crullers in no time, perfect for those busy mornings.
Versatile Delight: Not just for breakfast—serve them as a charming dessert or a delightful snack with your afternoon tea.
Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Impress family and friends alike with this bakery-quality treat that’s sure to be a favorite. If you’re looking for more strawberry treats, don’t miss my Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake for a stunning dessert option!

Strawberry Glazed French Crullers Ingredients

For the Choux Pastry

Water – Provides moisture for the choux pastry; no substitution needed.
Whole Milk – Adds richness to the dough; substitute with almond milk for a dairy-free option.
Unsalted Butter – Enhances flavor and texture; use vegan butter as an alternative.
Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the dough; can substitute with coconut sugar for a different flavor profile.
Salt – Balances sweetness and enhances flavor; opt for sea salt if preferred.
Bread Flour – Gives structure to the pastry; all-purpose flour can be used, though results may vary.
Large Eggs – Binds ingredients and helps leaven the dough; no substitutes suggested as vegan equivalents may alter texture significantly.

For Frying

Vegetable or Canola Oil – Essential for frying, ensuring a crispy texture.

For the Strawberry Glaze

Powdered Sugar – Forms the base for the glaze; no substitutions suggested.
Fresh Strawberries – Provides authentic strawberry flavor; frozen strawberries can work if thawed and mashed.
Whole Milk (for glaze) – Adjusts the glaze’s consistency; substitute with almond milk as needed.
Freeze-Dried Strawberries – Adds color and flavor to the optional strawberry sugar; no alternative suggested for best impact.
Granulated Sugar (for strawberry sugar) – Sweetens the strawberry sugar mix; adjust sweetness to taste if using substitutes.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Strawberry Glazed French Crullers

Step 1: Prepare Parchment Squares
Begin by cutting 18 squares of parchment paper, each measuring 4” x 4”. For a neater piping process, consider tracing circles on the parchment to guide your cruller shapes. This will help ensure consistent sizes when you pipe your dough later, making your Strawberry Glazed French Crullers look uniform and inviting!

Step 2: Make Choux Pastry
In a medium saucepan, combine water, whole milk, unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and salt. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Once boiling, remove from heat and add bread flour, stirring vigorously until the mixture is smooth and pulls away from the sides of the pan, about 1–2 minutes. Return to the heat briefly to cook, ensuring full incorporation.

Step 3: Cool the Dough
Transfer the hot dough into a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Allow it to cool for about 4-5 minutes, mixing on medium speed until the steam dissipates. Gradually add the large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until the dough is glossy and smooth, creating the perfect texture for your delightful crullers.

Step 4: Pipe Crullers
Prepare a piping bag fitted with a star tip and fill it with your choux pastry. On each parchment square, pipe a closed circle, ensuring the ends meet. This sealing is crucial to maintain the shape during frying. Aim for a size about 2-3 inches in diameter, as this will create the ideal bite-sized Strawberry Glazed French Crullers.

Step 5: Heat Oil
In a deep fryer or deep skillet, pour in enough vegetable or canola oil for frying, ensuring it’s at least 3 inches deep. Heat the oil to 370°F (188°C) for optimal frying temperature. Use a cooking thermometer to maintain the temperature, which is key for achieving that perfectly crispy exterior while keeping the interior airy and fluffy.

Step 6: Fry Crullers
Carefully add 2-3 piped crullers to the hot oil, taking care not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown, watching for them to puff up beautifully. After about 45 seconds, gently remove the parchment paper from each cruller while they cook to ensure they fry evenly and maintain their lovely shape.

Step 7: Cool and Glaze
Using a slotted spoon, transfer the fried crullers to a wire rack, allowing excess oil to drain off. Let them cool for a few minutes before dipping the top halves into your fresh strawberry glaze. Once dipped, sprinkle with your strawberry sugar to finish them off. These steps will result in gorgeous, delicious Strawberry Glazed French Crullers that are ready to impress!

Make Ahead Options

These Strawberry Glazed French Crullers are fantastic for meal prep, ensuring you enjoy delicious pastries with minimal last-minute fuss! You can prepare the choux pastry up to 24 hours in advance by storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To maintain the quality, keep it tightly wrapped to prevent drying out. On the day you’re ready to serve, simply pipe, fry, and glaze your crullers. If you’d like, you can also fry them a day ahead and store the cooled crullers, covered, at room temperature for up to 3 days. When it’s time to enjoy them, just reheat briefly in a warm oven (around 300°F) for fresh-tasting crullers that are just as delightful!

Expert Tips for Strawberry Glazed French Crullers

Parchment Paper Prep: Always spray your parchment squares with non-stick spray to prevent the crullers from sticking during frying.
Oil Temperature: Use a deep-fryer or a thermometer to ensure your oil stays at 370°F. Too hot will burn the outside, while too cool will make them greasy.
Perfect Dough Mixing: Mix your choux pastry until smooth and glossy; overmixing can lead to tougher crullers instead of the desired light and airy texture.
Careful Frying: Fry only a few crullers at a time to maintain oil temperature. Overcrowding will lower the heat and affect cooking quality.
Glazing Timing: Allow crullers to cool for a few minutes before glazing; if they’re too hot, the glaze will melt away, resulting in a puddle instead of a coating.
Storage Tips: For best freshness, enjoy these Strawberry Glazed French Crullers immediately. If storing, keep them in an airtight container for no more than one day to maintain their texture.

How to Store and Freeze Strawberry Glazed French Crullers

Airtight Container: Store leftover crullers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day to maintain their delightful texture.

Refrigerator: If you prefer to keep them longer, place crullers in the fridge for up to 3 days. However, the glaze may lose its sheen and become less vibrant.

Freezing: For longer storage, individually wrap cooled crullers tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating: To enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and briefly reheat in the oven at 350°F until warm, ensuring they retain their light and airy quality. Enjoy your Strawberry Glazed French Crullers!

What to Serve with Strawberry Glazed French Crullers

Delight in the magic of pairing for an unforgettable meal experience that tantalizes your taste buds.

Coffee Bliss: A rich espresso or creamy cappuccino balances the sweetness, creating a comforting breakfast duo.
Fresh Fruit Salad: Vibrant mixed berries and citrus add a refreshing contrast to the sweet crullers, enhancing their fruity essence.
Vanilla Yogurt: Creamy yogurt provides a cooling and tangy backdrop, perfectly offsetting the crullers’ sweetness. Enjoy it as a dip or simply on the side.
Savory Bacon: Crispy bacon brings a salty crunch that contrasts wonderfully with the sweet, strawberry glaze, creating a delightful sweet-savory combination.
Spiced Chai Latte: The warm spices of chai enhance the overall flavor profile and offer a cozy drink option for cooler mornings.
Homemade Whipped Cream: Light, airy whipped cream adds a luxurious touch, inviting you to indulge with each fluffy bite.
Lemonade Fizz: A sparkling lemonade offers a bubbly palate cleanser, ensuring each bite remains special and vibrant.
Dark Chocolate Drizzle: For those craving an extra indulgence, a light drizzle of melted dark chocolate pairs beautifully with strawberries.
Chilled Herbal Tea: Non-caffeinated herbal tea, like chamomile or mint, refreshes the palate and adds a floral note to the sweet crullers.
Mini Cheese Platter: Serve with soft cheeses for a varied texture that elevates this sweet treat, perfect for brunch gatherings or brunch parties.

Strawberry Glazed French Crullers Variations

Feel free to customize your crullers and make them uniquely yours with these delicious variations!

Dairy-Free: Substitute whole milk with almond milk and use vegan butter for a completely dairy-free version. You won’t miss the richness!
Chocolate Twist: Incorporate 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder into your choux pastry for a chocolaty delight. Just imagine the rich, velvety flavor complementing the strawberry glaze!
Lemon Glaze: Swap the strawberry glaze with lemon juice and zest for a refreshing citrus alternative. The bright, zesty flavor will elevate your crullers to new heights!
Bourbon Vanilla: Add a splash of bourbon or pure vanilla extract to the glaze for a deeper flavor profile. This twist introduces an aromatic warmth that pairs beautifully with the strawberries.
Coconut Flan Style: For a tropical flair, replace the strawberries with coconut cream in the glaze, inspired by a luscious French Antilles Coconut experience.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the glaze to introduce subtle heat, balancing the sweetness with a touch of spice. It’s a surprising and delightful twist!
Crispy Topping: Before glazing, sprinkle the hot crullers with toasted coconut or crushed nuts for a delightful crunch. This adds texture and an extra layer of flavor.
Stuffed Crullers: Pipe in whipped cream cheese or pastry cream after frying for a decadent filled cruller. Each bite offers a surprise that contrasts beautifully with the airy shell!

For even more strawberry inspiration, try my delightful Strawberry Cheesecake Truffle that’s bursting with flavor and sure to please!

Strawberry Glazed French Crullers Recipe FAQs

How do I choose ripe strawberries for the glaze?
Absolutely! When selecting strawberries, look for bright red berries that are firm and free from dark spots or blemishes. A sweet scent is also a good indication of ripeness. If you can, choose organic strawberries for the best flavor and to avoid pesticides.

What is the best way to store my crullers?
For maximum freshness, store your crullers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate them for up to 3 days. Just remember, the glaze might lose its vibrant look!

Can I freeze Strawberry Glazed French Crullers?
Absolutely! To freeze, wrap each cooled cruller individually in plastic wrap, and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be kept frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, let them thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven at 350°F for just 5-7 minutes to revive their delightful texture.

What should I do if my choux pastry doesn’t puff up?
Very important! If your choux pastry doesn’t puff up while frying, it could be due to two common reasons: the dough might not have been cooked long enough before adding eggs, or your oil was not hot enough. Make sure to heat the mixture until it pulls away from the pan and keep an eye on the temperature, aiming for 370°F.

Are there any dietary considerations for making these crullers?
Absolutely! You can substitute whole milk with almond milk for a dairy-free option. For a vegan twist, make sure to use almond milk and vegan butter. Keep in mind that the large eggs are crucial for binding; omitting them could alter the crullers’ texture significantly. Lastly, always check that the sugar and flavorings do not contain allergens depending on your dietary needs.

How do I prevent my crullers from sticking to the parchment paper?
Always spray the parchment squares lightly with non-stick cooking spray! This simple step ensures your crullers release easily after frying. Additionally, carefully remove the parchment a few moments into the frying process to help them float freely in the oil, making for a beautifully puffy cruller.