Chrusciki are a family tradition at our house. My Grandmother would make these fried cookies, also know as Angel Wings or crullers, for most special occasions. I can remember watching her, practically drooling while waiting for the first yummy chrusciki to be ready!
There are many recipes for Chrusciki – this recipe is as close to my Grandma’s as we could get (she never wrote anything down).
Ingredients
- 2 whole eggs
- 5 egg yolks
- 1 tbsp. melted butter
- 3 tbsp. sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1 tsp. orange extract
- 1 tsp. lemon extract
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1 tsp. distilled white vinegar
- 1 tbsp. rum
- 3 tbsp. sour cream
- 1 tsp. lemon zest
- 1 tsp. orange zest
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (adjust as necessary)
- Pure vegetable oil (for frying)
- confectioner’s sugar (for sprinkling top)
Instructions
- Melt butter in saucepan.
- In a large bowl, blend together all ingredients except flour and zests.
- Mixture should be yellowish in color.
- Add zests to mixture.
- Slowly add flour until dough is pretty stiff.
- Knead dough on a lightly floured surface for 8 to 10 minutes.
- Add more flour if necessary.
- Knead dough until dough blister, becomes elastic, and is easy to work with.
- Separate dough into two, wrap one in plastic wrap and let rest at room temperature while working with other half.
- Roll out half of dough until really thin.
- Cut dough into strips about 4″ x 1 1/4″. Cut ends on a diagonal.
- Cut a slit into each pieces’ center.
- Pull one end through slit.
- Place cookies onto parchment lined cookie sheets & cover with towel to keep moist.
- Repeat steps with other half of dough.
- Heat frying oil in a cast iron frying pan to 375 degrees.
- Fry cookies a couple at a time, until lightly browned, turning once with tongs.
- Drain cookies on paper towels or brown paper bags (to soak up oil).
- Allow drained cookies to cool on a rack.
- Sprinkle with confectioner’s sugar.
Makes approxmiately 4-5 dozen cookies (don’t worry, they won’t stick around long!)
