Homemade Cronuts

Homemade Cronuts are flaky, buttery croissant-dough donuts that are fried to golden perfection and coated in a luscious vanilla glaze. Combining the best elements of croissants and donuts, these irresistible treats are perfect for a luxurious breakfast, brunch, or indulgent dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cronuts are wonderfully crispy on the outside with tender, buttery layers inside, delivering a perfect balance of textures in every bite. Using puff pastry or homemade croissant dough makes the process approachable while still achieving bakery-worthy results. The sweet vanilla glaze adds just the right touch of richness, making these cronuts a true crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed if frozen) or homemade croissant dough
• 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil, for frying
• 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

1. Lightly flour a surface and roll out the puff pastry or croissant dough to about 1/2-inch thickness.
2. Use a large round cutter to cut out circles and a smaller cutter to punch out the centers, creating a donut shape.
3. Heat the vegetable oil in a deep skillet or saucepan over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
4. Carefully fry a few cronuts at a time, flipping once, until both sides are golden brown (about 1-2 minutes per side).
5. Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined tray.
6. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth to make the glaze.
7. Dip each cronut into the glaze while still slightly warm, letting the excess drip off.
8. Allow the glaze to set slightly before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8 cronuts
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Calories: 250 kcal per cronut

Variations

• Cinnamon Sugar Cronuts: Skip the glaze and toss the warm cronuts in a cinnamon-sugar mixture instead.
• Filled Cronuts: Once cooled, inject the cronuts with pastry cream, jam, or chocolate ganache for a decadent surprise.
• Chocolate Glaze: Replace the vanilla glaze with a rich chocolate glaze for an extra indulgent version.
• Lemon Glazed Cronuts: Add lemon zest and juice to the glaze for a refreshing citrus flavor.
• Sprinkle Topping: Dip the glazed cronuts into colorful sprinkles for a festive touch.

Storage/Reheating

Cronuts are best enjoyed fresh on the day they are made. However, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day. To revive their crispness, warm them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5 minutes before serving. It is not recommended to refrigerate cronuts as they may lose their flaky texture.

FAQs

How should I store leftover cronuts?

Store them at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 1 day.

Can I freeze cronuts?

It is best to freeze them unglazed and reheat in the oven; glaze them after thawing and warming.

Do I have to use homemade croissant dough?

No, high-quality store-bought puff pastry can be used for quicker preparation.

How do I ensure the oil stays at the right temperature?

Use a deep-fry thermometer and adjust the heat as needed to maintain 350°F (175°C).

What if I do not have a donut cutter?

Use two round cutters of different sizes or improvise with a glass and a bottle cap.

Can I bake cronuts instead of frying them?

Traditional cronuts are fried for the best texture, but you can bake them at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes as a lighter alternative.

Can I make mini cronuts?

Yes, use smaller cutters for bite-sized cronuts, adjusting frying time slightly shorter.

How do I make a flavored glaze?

Mix fruit puree, coffee, or flavored extracts into the glaze for different tastes.

Why are my cronuts greasy?

Frying at too low a temperature can cause the cronuts to absorb too much oil; ensure the oil is hot enough before frying.

How can I make the layers more distinct?

Use homemade croissant dough with proper folding techniques for more pronounced, flaky layers.

Conclusion

Homemade Cronuts deliver the ultimate treat by combining the buttery, flaky layers of croissants with the irresistible fried goodness of donuts. Whether glazed simply with vanilla, filled with cream, or customized with your favorite toppings, these cronuts offer a truly decadent experience. Easy enough to make at home and endlessly customizable, they are perfect for impressing guests or indulging yourself with a luxurious, homemade pastry.

Homemade Cronuts

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Indulge in flaky, buttery bliss with these Homemade Cronuts — croissant-dough donuts fried to golden perfection and dipped in a sweet, silky vanilla glaze. Perfect for weekend brunches, special treats, or satisfying that deep-fried dessert craving! #homemadecronuts #flakydesserts #comfortfood

• Author: Asma
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 8 cronuts
• Category: Breakfast, Pastries, Desserts
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed if frozen) or homemade croissant dough

• 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil, for frying

• 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar

• 2 tablespoons milk

 

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Lightly flour a surface and roll out the puff pastry or croissant dough to about 1/2-inch thickness.

2. Use a large round cutter to cut out circles, and a smaller cutter to punch out centers, creating a donut shape.

3. Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or saucepan over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).

4. Carefully fry a few cronuts at a time, flipping once, until both sides are golden brown (about 1-2 minutes per side).

5. Remove fried cronuts and drain on a paper towel-lined tray.

6. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to make a smooth glaze.

7. Dip each cronut into the glaze while still slightly warm, letting excess drip off.

8. Allow the glaze to set slightly before serving.

Notes

• If using homemade croissant dough, allow for the necessary proofing time before frying.

• Try adding a filling like pastry cream or fruit preserves after frying for an extra-special cronut.

 

• Best enjoyed fresh the same day, but they can be lightly warmed before serving if needed.

Nutrition

• Calories: 250 kcal per cronut