Easy Churro Cronuts Recipe

Name: Easy Churro Cronuts
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 8
Ingredients: 2 cans refrigerated crescent dough sheets; 4 cups oil, or as needed, for frying; 1 cup sugar; 2 teaspoons cinnamon; Chocolate sauce or Chocolate Hazelnut spread for serving

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients

2 (8 ounce) cans refrigerated crescent dough sheets
4 cups oil, or as needed, for frying
1 cup white sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Chocolate sauce or chocolate hazelnut spread, for serving

Directions

Begin by removing the dough from each can and unrolling it into a rectangular shape. Fold the shorter end of one sheet up about one-third of the way, then fold the opposite edge one-third of the way to cover the first fold. This creates three layers of dough. Using a 3-inch cutter, cut out three circles from the dough. Take the scraps, layer them again, and cut out one more circle. Repeat this process with the second dough sheet.

Next, use a smaller cutter to cut out the center of each circle to form a donut shape. Set aside the donut holes for later use.

Fill a large saucepan halfway with oil and place it over medium-high heat. The oil should reach a temperature of 350 to 365F (175 to 183C). Line a tray with paper towels to drain the cronuts after frying.

In a shallow dish, combine the white sugar and ground cinnamon. Set this mixture aside for later use.

Working with 2 to 3 cronuts at a time, carefully lower each cronut into the hot oil. Fry for about 1 minute, rotating occasionally, until they are golden brown on all sides. Once fried, drain them briefly on the prepared tray. While still hot, coat each cronut evenly in the cinnamon sugar mixture. Repeat this process with the remaining cronuts and donut holes.

Serve the cronuts with chocolate sauce or hazelnut spread for dipping.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories: 508
Total Fat: 28g (36% Daily Value)
Saturated Fat: 12g (59% Daily Value)
Cholesterol: 33mg (11% Daily Value)
Sodium: 239mg (10% Daily Value)
Total Carbohydrates: 60g (22% Daily Value)
Dietary Fiber: 3g (9% Daily Value)
Total Sugars: 41g
Protein: 5g (10% Daily Value)
Vitamin C: 0mg (0% Daily Value)
Calcium: 45mg (3% Daily Value)
Iron: 2mg (10% Daily Value)
Potassium: 137mg (3% Daily Value)

Note: Nutritional values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. Cooking oil is calculated with a 10% retention rate, and actual absorption may vary based on cooking time, temperature, and the type of oil used.

The Story Behind Churro Cronuts

The Churro Cronut is a modern fusion dessert that combines two beloved pastries: the French croissant and the Spanish churro. The cronuts trend began in the early 2010s, popularized by high-end bakeries experimenting with hybrid pastries. The churro element, known for its cinnamon sugar coating and crispy exterior, brings a distinctly Spanish influence, while the layered, buttery texture of the croissant adds a French sophistication. This combination results in a pastry that is both crunchy and tender, appealing to lovers of both traditions.

Regional Variations and Influences

While the original cronuts were created in New York City, the churro version has seen adaptations across various regions. In the United States, churro cronuts are often served with chocolate or hazelnut spreads, emphasizing the desserts indulgent, approachable nature. In Latin American countries, churros are traditionally fried fresh and sometimes filled with dulce de leche, creating a sweeter, richer variation. Regional differences often revolve around toppings, fillings, and frying methods, with some areas adding caramel, fruit sauces, or even a light dusting of powdered sugar to enhance flavor.

Distinguishing Churro Cronuts from Similar Desserts

Churro cronuts differ from classic doughnuts and churros in texture and preparation. Unlike traditional doughnuts, they are made from layered croissant dough, giving them a flakier interior. Compared to churros, which are piped into ridged shapes before frying, churro cronuts are circular and have a more complex layered structure. This hybrid nature sets them apart as a dessert that combines the crispiness of churros with the delicate flakiness of croissants.

Where Churro Cronuts Are Typically Served

Churro cronuts are most commonly found in bakeries, cafs, and dessert shops, particularly in metropolitan areas where gourmet pastries are popular. They are often served as breakfast treats, brunch accompaniments, or indulgent snacks. Many restaurants also pair them with coffee, hot chocolate, or specialty lattes, enhancing the dessert experience. At home, they are made for special occasions or weekend treats, taking advantage of convenient refrigerated dough to simplify preparation.

Interesting Facts and Fun Details

Despite their modern appeal, churro cronuts highlight a broader trend of culinary fusion, merging techniques and flavors from different cultures. Their creation illustrates how pastry chefs experiment to create visually striking and texturally exciting desserts. Interestingly, the original cronuts sparked global fascination, with people queuing early in the morning to try the hybrid. The churro variation also encourages creativity, allowing bakers to experiment with fillings, toppings, and dipping sauces. Beyond taste, churro cronuts are celebrated for their Instagram-worthy appearance, combining rustic cinnamon sugar with elegant layers.

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FAQ about Easy Churro Cronuts Recipe

Leftover churro cronuts should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to store them for longer, they can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. However, for the best texture, it’s recommended to enjoy them fresh.

Yes, churro cronuts can be frozen for up to 1 month. To freeze, place them in an airtight container or freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper. When ready to eat, thaw them at room temperature and reheat in the oven for a few minutes to restore their crispiness.

While crescent roll dough gives churro cronuts their signature flaky texture, you can experiment with other types of dough, such as puff pastry or biscuit dough. Keep in mind that the texture and flavor may change slightly depending on the dough you choose.

To make churro cronuts healthier, consider using a lower-fat oil for frying, like avocado oil, or opt for baking them instead of frying. You can also reduce the sugar in the cinnamon coating or substitute it with a sugar alternative like stevia or erythritol.

For frying churro cronuts, it’s best to use an oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil. This ensures the oil can handle the high temperatures needed for frying without burning.

Yes, you can make the cinnamon sugar ahead of time. Simply mix the sugar and cinnamon together in a bowl and store it in an airtight container until you are ready to use it. This can save time on the day you plan to make churro cronuts.

Yes, you can fill the churro cronuts with various fillings, such as chocolate, fruit jam, or whipped cream. To add filling, make sure to pipe it inside the dough before frying, or inject it into the cronut after frying. Just be careful not to overfill them, as it may cause the dough to burst while frying.

Besides chocolate sauce, churro cronuts are delicious when served with caramel sauce, vanilla custard, or even a scoop of ice cream. You can also try serving them with a berry compote or a dollop of whipped cream for a different twist.

Churro cronuts only take about 1 minute to fry once the oil has reached the right temperature of 350 to 365 degrees F (175 to 183 degrees C). Be sure to rotate them as they cook to ensure they brown evenly.

Yes, you can easily double the recipe to make more churro cronuts. Just make sure to adjust the frying time if necessary, as you'll likely be frying in batches. You might need additional oil depending on the size of your frying pan or pot.

Comments

Christine Turner

12/07/2024 05:44:33 PM

Made it once and I’m hooked.